(Chapter 113 Pyro Archon)
Once again, Tempest stood at the edge of a hill, his gaze fixed on the scorched remains of the village below. The smoke had thinned, and the sky was a hazy gray, casting an almost surreal calm over the charred landscape. Yet, despite the eerie tranquility, Tempest's mind was anything but at ease. Citlali's words from her fortune-telling session echoed relentlessly in his thoughts.
Him, falling in love with another woman? The notion was absurd! His heart belonged to one person and one person only—Lady Furina. No other could come close to the loyalty and admiration he felt for her. She was his guiding light, his aspiration, the one he trusted above all. The idea of sharing his affections with anyone else felt not only unthinkable but an outright betrayal of the vow he'd silently made to himself.
Yet Citlani's conviction lingered, stirring his thoughts in unexpected ways. Could fate truly be so fickle as to divert his path to another? Was there a hidden truth he couldn't yet see? He clenched his fists, resolved to prove her wrong.
"Ra… punish me, should that fate ever come to pass."
Tempest muttered, his gaze lifting toward the vast expanse of the sky above him.
"Is something troubling you, Tempest?"
Nahida asked softly, approaching as Tempest stood lost in thought at the edge of the hill.
Tempest turned, his gaze softened as he looked at her.
"Young Pasha... do you love me?"
He asked, his tone uncharacteristically vulnerable.
Nahida blinked in surprise, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks as she processed the unexpected question.
"Huh? Well... yes, I do love you, Tempest."
She replied, choosing her words with care.
"But it feels more like... the way a Mother would care for her child. I know well enough that your heart belongs solely to her."
She smiled, understanding the devotion he harbored.
Tempest's expression softened, a gentle smile pulling at his lips.
"Mm, I see."
He murmured, a rare warmth in his voice.
"I sometimes feel that same connection between us… a closeness that feels almost like family."
Nahida returned his smile, the weight between them easing as they stood under the sky, a sense of mutual respect and affection grounding their bond amidst the uncertainties that lay ahead.
"Even though you might disagree with some of my actions from time to time, I always take the God of Wisdom's words to heart and reflect on them thoroughly."
Tempest said, his gaze steady and thoughtful.
Nahida tilted her head, sensing the weight behind his words.
"Is this about Citlani's prediction regarding you?"
She asked gently, her voice laced with concern.
Tempest sighed, running a hand through his hair as he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
"Yes, it is."
He admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.
"Her words have been echoing in my mind. The idea that I could fall in love with someone else… feels absurd. My heart is steadfast, dedicated to Lady Furina. But the mere notion of being drawn to another, as she suggested, unsettles me."
Nahida stepped closer, her expression compassionate.
"It's understandable to feel conflicted. The future is often unpredictable, and sometimes, fate has its own plans for us, regardless of our intentions."
Tempest turned to Nahida, his expression gravely serious.
"The future be damned; I would rather betray the world than betray her."
He declared, his voice resolute, betraying no hint of jest.
Nahida's brow furrowed with concern.
"I hope you're joking, Tempest. But there's something else that troubles me... that strange woman who toyed with your mind, leading you toward the Abyss? I truly hope those predictions do not come to pass."
She said, her voice tinged with urgency.
"Seeing you collaborate with the Abyss is something I never want to witness, Tempest. Promise me you'll avoid that path at all costs."
Nahida urged, her voice serious and filled with genuine concern.
"Of course."
Tempest replied, his heart steadying at her plea.
"You have my word, Young Pasha. My loyalty lies with Fontaine and Lady Furina, and I won't let anything or anyone sway me from that."
He paused for a moment, his gaze distant.
"Your Grace, we're ready to move out."
Rohan announced, striding up to Tempest with a sense of urgency.
"Mm, very well. Let's proceed. Come along, Young Pasha."
Tempest replied, gesturing for Nahida to join him. As they made their way through the camp, they quickly organized themselves into two separate groups: Hatsume's team of researchers, which included Faruzan, and Tempest's entourage of knights.
"Yo! Chief!"
Hatsume called out, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Mind if we borrow a few of your soldiers for our exploration around Natlan? I want to analyze some of the minerals here! Oh, and I absolutely need to get my hands on those automatons that are native to this region!"
Her voice was filled with infectious enthusiasm as she bounced on her feet, clearly eager to dive into her research.
Tempest raised an eyebrow at her enthusiasm, intrigued yet cautious about what kind of trouble she might stir up.
"Very well, but make sure to keep my soldiers safe. I can't afford to lose anyone else."
"Got it, Chief!"
Hatsume exclaimed, giving Tempest an enthusiastic thumbs-up before sprinting off toward her Siege Engine, her excitement palpable. Faruzan, who had been standing beside her moments before, let out a resigned sigh, shaking her head.
"Fret not, Tempest. I'll ensure she doesn't explode unexpectedly. Remember, you can always reach us through the Contact Prism if you need anything."
Faruzan assured him, her tone light but laced with genuine concern.
"I appreciate that, but just make sure you both stay safe out there. I can't afford to lose anyone else, or have anyone get imprisoned in ruins again."
Tempest replied, his voice firm but carrying an undercurrent of camaraderie.
"Yeah, thanks for the reminder. I'll do my best to avoid that particular fate again."
Faruzan said, a faint smile breaking through her usual stoic demeanor. With a final nod, she turned and joined Hatsume.
"Tirpitz."
Tempest called out softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, Your Grace?"
Tirpitz responded, her form unseen, hidden by her Ghost suit as she awaited his command.
"Deploy three of your Ghosts to keep an eye on Hatsume and Faruzan. I can't risk anything happening to those two—they're far too valuable, and I won't lose them on their little adventure."
Tempest ordered, his tone resolute.
"Understood. Consider it done."
Tirpitz replied swiftly, vanishing even deeper into the shadows to carry out his command, her dedication evident.
After issuing orders to Falric to take command of both the camp and the fleet in his absence, Tempest made his way into his private carriage, where Nahida joined him. Inside, Constantine and Citlani were already seated, each looking prepared for the journey ahead. Outside, Rohan led the line of knights on horseback tasked with escorting Tempest's carriage.
Their destination: the famed Stadium of the Sacred Flame, a place steeped in ancient traditions and the core landmark of Natlan.
"So, tell me—what can you share about the Pyro Archon? Her personality, for a start," Tempest asked, his tone curious but measured.
Citlani leaned back thoughtfully, folding her arms.
"Hmm, how do I describe her? She's truly an awe-inspiring figure. Fierce, yet compassionate, with a heart that beats for the people of Natlan. She doesn't just lead, she stands beside us, bearing the responsibilities and burdens of the people with remarkable resilience. But, since you're keeping your reasons for meeting her close to the chest, it all really depends on what you're aiming to discuss. She may respond differently depending on your intentions."
Tempest nodded, processing her words.
"I see… I'll keep that in mind."
Constantine leaned over, giving Tempest a light nudge and grinning.
"Fun fact, Your Grace, did you know that every Pyro Archon of Natlan, both past and present, has been human? Imagine that! Wouldn't it be ironic if you ended up as the Pyro Archon someday?"
Tempest raised an eyebrow, chuckling at the idea.
"Now that would be a sight. Me, ruling over Natlan's flames? I think I'll stick to my own ambitions, Teacher."
Constantine shrugged, still amused.
"Just a thought, but who knows? Teyvat has its own rules."
Nahida looked at him with a raised eyebrow, her voice cautious.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Tempest. You've already been blessed by Ra. You're joking about this... right?"
Tempest gave a reassuring smile, shaking his head slightly.
"Of course, I'm joking, Young Pasha. Becoming an Archon is far from my ambition. I already have enough on my plate as it is. I'm a servant of a god, not a god myself."
Nahida sighed in relief, though a hint of worry still lingered.
"Good, because I think you're needed exactly where you are."
Looking out the window of the carriage, Tempest took in the vibrant wildlife of Natlan. He had read about these creatures before—Saurians, as the Natlans called them. Their scales glimmered under the sun, a reminder of the untamed beauty of the land he now traversed.
Citlani leaned in, her curiosity piqued.
"So… are you like a military commander, Proudmoore? The last I heard, your family was exiled from Fontaine for five hundred years for not serving the new Hydro Archon."
Tempest turned his gaze back to the landscape, momentarily lost in thought as he reflected on the weight of his family's history.
"The days of the old Proudmoores have passed."
He began, his voice steady yet contemplative.
"It's a complicated story, but to put it simply, I have restored our legacy to its original purpose: to serve the Hydro Archon. I am Tempest Proudmoore, Duke of Stormwind, Ra's champion, and the Lady of Justice's sword."
A sense of pride swelled within him as he spoke.
"I intend to uphold this duty with honor and strength. Most importantly, I pledge my unconditional loyalty, ensuring that the name Proudmoore once again stands for something noble and just."
"Hm, I think she'll like you, mm, well can't say for sure."
Citlani said.
Shortly after, the carriage arrived at the Stadium of the Sacred Flame.
"Quite a city."
Tempest muttered under his breath as he and his group stepped out. He couldn't help but be awed by the sight before him. A massive arena dominated the city center, and perched atop it was a grand throne. Above the throne, a colossal bonfire blazed with flames of various vibrant colors—the Sacred Flame, a symbol of Natlan's spirit and resilience.
"You have arrived!"
A red-haired woman with striking crimson eyes and sun-shaped patterns around her yellow pupils leaped down gracefully from the arena's heights, landing effortlessly beside Tempest's group.
"Welcome to Natlan, outlanders."
She declared, her voice warm and inviting.
She then turned her attention to Constantine.
"Good to see you again, Constantine."
"Likewise, Mavuika."
He replied with a respectful bow, a hint of familiarity evident in their exchange.
Mavuika's gaze shifted to Nahida. Instead of calling out to her, she simply smiled and waved, an expression of recognition that hinted at a deeper understanding.
Nahida, taken aback by this interaction, turned to Tempest with a furrowed brow. She gently shook her head, signaling her confusion. It was clear she had never met Mavuika before, yet there was an undeniable feeling that the woman somehow knew who she truly was.
"You must be Tempest Proudmoore."
Mavuika said, her tone warm and welcoming.
"I anticipated your arrival. I must extend my personal gratitude for assisting my people during the unexpected Abyss attack on that village. You have truly earned Natlan's hospitality."
"No need to thank me, Pyro Archon."
Tempest replied, his voice steady and resolute.
"I did what was necessary."
Mavuika smiled, her eyes gleaming with appreciation.
"No need for such formalities, Tempest. Just call me Mavuika. Titles can often create unnecessary distance between us. Here in Natlan, we value connections forged through mutual respect and understanding. We're not so different, you and I. Both of us have taken up the mantle of protecting our people, albeit in different ways."
Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of admiration and camaraderie, and Tempest found himself appreciating her sincerity.
"Citlani, I must express my gratitude for bringing these esteemed guests here."
Mavuika said, her gaze turning to Citlani, who simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"Come, Tempest Proudmoore. I assume you're here to discuss something of importance with me, yes?"
Mavuika continued, her tone shifting to one of curiosity.
"Yes, I do have some matters to discuss."
Tempest replied, his voice steady and earnest.
"I'm going to see some old friends, Your Grace."
Constantine interjected, offering a polite nod.
"I'll leave you and Kusali to your conversation for a while."
Tempest returned the nod, watching as Constantine turned away, leaving him and Nahida as the only ones remaining.
As they followed Mavuika through the bustling corridors of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, Tempest couldn't help but admire the vibrant decor and the energy of the Natlan people. The atmosphere was charged with warmth and anticipation, and he felt a sense of purpose growing within him.
They arrived at a private room, the air thick with the scent of fragrant herbs and incense. Mavuika gestured for them to enter, her expression softening.
"This space is a sanctuary for us to discuss whatever weighs on your mind. Please, feel free to share your thoughts."
Tempest stepped inside, taking a moment to absorb the tranquility of the room. With Nahida at his side.
Once again, Mavuika turned her attention to Nahida, her expression shifting to one of genuine surprise and respect.
"I didn't expect you to bring the God of Wisdom here, welcome to Natlan, Buer."