(Chapter 109 Evacuation)
"Five minutes, Your Grace."
Tirpitz informed Tempest, her voice calm yet urgent as she relayed the dwindling time they had left.
Tempest nodded, his eyes scanning the battlefield. The chaotic clash of the Abyss and his forces still raged all around, the relentless enemy pouring from the portals. His men, though disciplined and well-trained, were barely holding the line, and he could see fatigue setting in among even his most stalwart knights.
"Hold the shield wall! We're pulling back in two minutes!"
Falric's voice cut through the din of battle, commanding the attention of every soldier. The knights, ever obedient, braced themselves, forming a solid wall of steel and shields, their muscles straining as they locked into position. Behind them, the musketeers continued to fire in volleys.
Each shot seemed to thin the horde, but for every Abyssal creature that fell, two more took its place, clawing and gnashing at the unyielding shield wall. The Natlans, at last convinced by Tempest's grim ultimatum, were retreating en masse behind the knights, their hurried footsteps echoing across the blood-soaked ground. Tempest's men were buying them precious time, but time was running out.
"Lawachurl inbound!"
Falric's shout rang out, and Tempest's head snapped toward the horizon. There, amidst the sea of chaos, a massive Lawachurl came barreling toward them, its bloodshot eyes locked on the knights' shield wall. Its massive body tore through the ranks of its own allies as it charged, its roars shaking the ground.
"Brace yourselves!"
Falric ordered, his voice carrying over the sound of gunfire and battle.
The knights adjusted their stance, digging their heels into the earth as the Lawachurl's massive form loomed closer. With a deafening roar, the beast leaped into the air, its massive hammer-like fists raised above its head, ready to smash the line to pieces.
For a moment, everything seemed to slow. The tension in the air was palpable as the Lawachurl came crashing down on the shield wall. Its impact sent a shockwave through the ground, but the knights held firm, their shields locking together like iron gates. The force of the blow rippled through their arms, but they did not falter. As the beast landed, several spears were thrust upward from the front line, piercing its thick hide.
The Lawachurl howled in pain, swinging its massive arms in a futile attempt to break the shield wall, but the knights were unyielding. Spear after spear struck the creature's body, driving deep into its flesh. The beast staggered back, roaring in fury, but the relentless assault continued.
"Bring it down!"
Falric shouted.
Musketeers adjusted their aim, firing directly into the creature's exposed chest and legs. Bullets tore through its thick hide, ripping through muscle and bone. The Lawachurl let out one final, earth-shaking roar before it collapsed, its massive body slamming into the ground, kicking up dust and debris as it fell lifeless before the unbroken shield wall.
Tempest's eyes flickered with approval.
"Good work."
He muttered under his breath, but there was no time to celebrate. The portals were still open, and the Abyssal creatures continued their onslaught.
"One minute until we pull back!"
Falric reminded, glancing at the knights who were still bracing for the next wave. The ground trembled under the weight of approaching enemies, and the sounds of howls and growls echoed across the battlefield.
Tempest stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the advancing Abyssal horde. For a fleeting moment, his eyes glowed with a brilliant golden hue. Power surged through him as he extended both arms, summoning the energy within. Golden flames erupted from his hands, forming a massive wall of fire that stretched across the battlefield. The golden flames roared to life, creating a barrier between his retreating forces and the relentless onslaught of Abyssal creatures.
"Retreat now! We've bought enough time, let's move!"
Tempest commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos with undeniable authority.
The knights, who had stood firm in their shield wall, now moved as one. They broke formation in perfect unison, disciplined and efficient, retreating under the protective cover of the golden flames. Behind them, musketeers fired a few more shots as they fell back, their bullets punching through the last of the Hilichurl and Abyssal beasts still struggling to breach the fire wall.
In the sky, Hatsume's plane swooped down, its engines roaring like a furious beast. The hum of its propellers was soon drowned out by the deafening explosions of bombs dropping from its hull. Hatsume's bombardment rained destruction on the ground below, the precision of the strikes further delaying the Abyssal advance, buying precious seconds for Tempest's forces.
"Let's go, people!"
Citlali's voice rang out as she moved through the chaos, helping the last of the Natlan civilians to safety. Her sharp eyes scanned the burning remnants of the village, ensuring that no one was left behind. She waved her hand, urging the remaining Natlans, young and old alike, to run faster. They were exhausted, battered from the prolonged fight, but the sight of their comrades falling back spurred them onward.
The remaining Natlan warriors fought valiantly to cover the civilians, holding the line as best they could. But even they were beginning to understand the grim reality of the situation. This village, their home, was lost.
"They're getting too close!"
One of the Natlan warriors shouted, his voice filled with desperation.
Tempest glanced back, seeing that the Natlans were still evacuating. The golden flames of his barrier flickered, but he maintained his focus. He took a deep breath and let out a wave of searing heat, the flames roaring higher, keeping the Abyss at bay.
"Keep moving!"
Citlali urged, her voice hoarse as she continued guiding the retreat. She looked at Tempest, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and fear.
"We're almost there! Just a little longer!"
Tempest nodded silently, feeling the strain of maintaining the fire wall, but he wasn't going to falter now. He watched as the last of the Natlans, including the warriors, made their way toward safety, disappearing into the distance.
"Your Grace!"
Falric shouted, riding up to him on horseback.
"The Natlans are clear! It's time to fall back!"
Tempest's eyes flickered back to the Abyssal horde still pushing against the flames. Even with the bombs falling from Hatsume's plane, they were relentless. But his mission wasn't to wipe them out, not here, not now. His goal was to get everyone out alive.
With a final wave of his hand, the golden fire flared one last time before Tempest let it die. The wall of flames crumbled, leaving nothing but charred earth in its wake. The Abyssal forces, momentarily stalled, surged forward, but by then, it was too late.
Tempest turned on his heel and began running, his knights following close behind him.
"Move, move!"
Falric shouted, spurring his horse ahead of the retreating forces, ensuring that everyone was making their way toward the extraction point.
Hatsume's plane circled overhead one final time, dropping the last of its bombs. The explosions echoed in the distance as the remaining Abyssal forces were consumed by fire and shrapnel. The village, once a peaceful Natlan settlement, was now little more than a smoldering ruin, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the fallen.
"Three minutes, Your Grace!"
Tirpitz shouted as she sprinted alongside Tempest, her voice barely cutting through the chaos of the retreat.
"Move! Don't look back! Get as far away from the village as possible!"
Tempest bellowed, his tone sharp with urgency. The golden flames from his earlier barrier were long gone, and the Abyssal forces were now regrouping in the distance, preparing to surge once again. Time was ticking.
As they ran, Tempest spotted Citlali ahead of him, struggling to help a wounded Natlan warrior who was missing his right foot. Blood soaked the ground beneath the man, and his face was pale as death. Citlali was doing everything she could to keep him upright, her body straining under the weight of the injured warrior.
Tempest skidded to a halt, eyes narrowing.
"You! What are you doing?! We must leave immediately, now!" His voice was harsh, tempered with frustration.
Citlali glared at him over her shoulder, sweat pouring down her face as she struggled with the man's weight.
"Proudmoore! Help me carry this person!"
She shouted back, her tone defiant.
Tempest's eyes flashed with impatience, his mind racing as the seconds ticked away.
"Leave him!"
He barked, stepping closer.
"He's too far gone, he'll die from blood loss before he even makes it out of here! He'll slow us down, and we have less than three minutes!"
Citlali's face twisted with fury.
"Are you insane?! This is one of our own, a Natlan warrior! I won't abandon him here to die alone like this!"
She shouted, her voice trembling with emotion as she struggled to hold the man upright.
Tempest's fists clenched at his sides, his eyes cold.
"You think I care? My fleet is about to bomb this entire village. You have seconds, Citlali! Get it through your head, there's no time for sentimentality!"
"You're a coward, Proudmoore!"
She snapped, her voice thick with frustration.
"You Fontainians might be used to turning your back on your people, but I won't! Not today!"
Tempest stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"This isn't about bravery or cowardice, it's about survival. I'm trying to save you... again..."
Citlali's eyes blazed with anger, but her determination didn't falter. "
"You want to save me? Then help me save him!"
Tempest opened his mouth to argue again, but before he could respond, the unmistakable screech of Hatsume's plane overhead drew his attention. His heart sank as he saw a red flare fired into the sky, a signal that the fleet was about to unleash the bombardment. His pulse quickened. The countdown had begun.
"Dammit!"
Tempest growled.
"Fuck!"
Tempest shouted, his voice ringing out above the chaos as the first explosions rocked the earth.
"Get down and lie flat on the ground, now!"
He ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"What are you ta-"
She began, but Tempest's booming voice cut through the air like thunder.
"I SAID NOW!"
He barked, his frustration boiling over.
Citlali hesitated for just a moment, shock and fear evident on her face, but the urgency in Tempest's voice snapped her into action. She quickly dropped to the ground, pulling the injured Natlan warrior down with her.
In an instant, a golden glow enveloped him, radiating with an intensity that illuminated the area around them. Citlali's eyes widened as she watched Tempest transform into his Paladin form, a hulking figure encased in golden, as tall as a Ruin Guard. The once human Tempest was now a near-mythical being, his eyes replaced by two small golden flames that flickered ominously from within the helm.
"Lie down!"
He commanded, quickly positioning himself over Citlali and the wounded warrior, shielding them from the impending bombardment. His massive form blocked the view of the chaos above, casting a protective shadow over them.
"Close your eyes and cover your ears."
He instructed, his voice deep and resonant, echoing off the ruined buildings around them.
"A-Are you alright?"
Citlali stammered, glancing up at the golden giant that was Tempest, her fear still palpable.
"Be quiet."
He replied sharply, the gravity of the situation leaving no room for pleasantries.
"You better be damn grateful I'm risking my life for strangers like you. And I told you to close your eyes."
Tempest's voice softened slightly, though the urgency remained. The ground shook violently as explosions happened nearby, debris flying in every direction. He felt the heat of the blast even through his armor, but he remained steadfast, focused on the task at hand.
Citlali complied, squeezing her eyes shut and putting both her hands on her ears. She could hear the distant echoes of chaos—the screams of the Hilichurls, the roar of the flames, the relentless pounding of the bombardment.
Tempest held firm, using his massive form to absorb the brunt of the destruction. Each explosion sent shockwaves through him, but he stood resolute, a bulwark against the devastation. At that moment, he felt the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders, a burden that seemed to grow with every passing second. He was their protector, their hope against the onslaught.
As the bombardment continued, the world around them turned into a maelstrom of fire and destruction, but under Tempest's shield, Citlali felt a strange sense of safety. The golden armor glinted in the fiery light, a beacon of strength amid the chaos.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the explosions began to subside. Tempest cautiously lifted his head, his helmet scanning the area for any remaining threats. The smoke was thick, swirling like a shroud around them, but the worst of the bombardment had passed.
"I-Is it over?"
Citlali asked, her voice trembling as she glanced around, wide-eyed and disoriented.
"Yes."
Tempest replied, his tone steady despite the devastation surrounding them.
"But don't try to inhale the smoke."
He stood up, still in his imposing Paladin form, surveying the grim landscape. All around them, the fire raged in every direction, the once vibrant village now reduced to smoldering ruins. The acrid stench of burnt flesh and charred wood filled the air, a haunting reminder of the horrors they had just witnessed.
As Citlali attempted to rise, the overwhelming scent of death and destruction hit her all at once, causing her stomach to churn. She doubled over, vomiting onto the scorched earth, her body wracked with the intensity of her reaction.
"Celestia…"
She muttered, her voice barely audible as she fought against the nausea.
Tempest watched her for a moment, a flicker of sympathy crossing his features. The aftermath of the battle weighed heavily on them both, but he knew they had to focus on what remained.
"Look."
He said, shifting his attention toward the horizon.
He pointed as the four portals that had unleashed the Abyssal forces began to close, shimmering like mirages as they receded into nothingness. The once-chaotic sky gradually returned to its normal hues, the ominous clouds dissipating.
Tempest's gaze remained fixed on the closing portals, the realization that they had succeeded in pushing back the Abyss momentarily filling him with a sense of relief. Yet, that relief was overshadowed by the grim reality of the destruction they had endured.
"We have to search for survivors…"
Citlali insisted, her voice trembling with urgency as she scanned the devastation surrounding them.
"Survivors?"
Tempest replied, his tone clipped and devoid of hope.
"There's no one left who could have survived that, except for him. Oh…"
He trailed off, his gaze falling on the wounded Natlan warrior, only to realize, with a sinking feeling, that the man was already dead.
"He's dead."
Tempest said, the finality of his words hanging in the air like a thick fog.
Citlali's heart raced as she rushed to the side of the fallen warrior, her desperation palpable.
"No! We can still save him! Help me here!"
She knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she tried to assess his injuries, her mind racing with thoughts of healing and hope.
Tempest watched her for a moment, a cold emptiness settling in his chest.
"Let it go."
He urged, his voice firm and unyielding.
"We need to leave. There's nothing here for us but ashes."
Citlali looked up at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"But he's still-"
"Dead."
Tempest interrupted sharply, the weight of his reality crashing down on them both.
"There's no one left here but us. The others are waiting. Let the dead bury their dead."
His words felt like ice, each syllable designed to cut through the fragile hope that clung to her. The reality of their situation was grim, and Tempest's resolve was hardened by the horrors they had witnessed. He understood the instinct to cling to life, to fight against the encroaching darkness, but he also knew the truth, they couldn't save everyone.
Citlali's face twisted in anguish as she fought back tears.
"You can't just give up on him like this! He fought to protect this village!"
"And he died doing so. We can't afford to waste time mourning. We need to regroup with the others and assess the damage. The Abyss could return at any moment."
Citlali's shoulders slumped, the weight of his words heavy on her heart. She hesitated, torn between the desire to save the man who had fought valiantly and the harsh reality that Tempest presented.
"What about the others?"
She whispered, her voice barely audible.
"What if they're still out there?"
"They're gone, Citlali."
Tempest replied, his voice lacking any trace of warmth.
Citlali remained kneeling beside the lifeless body of the Natlan warrior, her heart heavy with grief and despair. The chaos around them had quieted, but the silence felt deafening as if the world had paused to mourn the loss of so many lives.
Tempest's form glowed golden once more before shifting back to his normal state.
"Now that everything has settled…"
He began, kneeling down to meet her gaze. His expression was serious, devoid of the warmth one might expect from someone in the aftermath of such tragedy.
"You will take me and introduce me to the Pyro Archon."