The storm that was raging over the ruins swiftly dissipated as swiftly at it appeared. The Castle that had once appeared very imposing was now a shadow of its former self, multiple destructive holes all over.
Neuvillette stood amidst the drenched wreckage, watching as the Fatui retrieval team arrived, their cloaks billowing in the light breeze as they took out their tools.
"Secure the prisoners," he instructed as they approached. His voice was steady, commanding,"Transport them to the Aquatic Bastille for holding until their trial. Handle them with caution, some may still be dangerous even in their current state."
The retrieval team saluted in acknowledgment and moved efficiently, binding the unconscious lieutenants with the Magic Sealing Ropes and the Castle's leader in reinforced restraints imbued with anti-magic properties.
Once that task was completed, Neuvillette turned away. A faint ripple began forming at his feet as he summoned another portal, the water swirling before solidifying into a shimmering gateway.
Stepping through, Neuvillette returned to the Fatui headquarters, the crisp air of his homeland greeted him as he emerged within the grand corridors of his office building, the scent of clean water lingering faintly in the air.
Neuvillette quickly walked through the Palais Mermonia, approaching his office before he paused, staring at his door which was now ajar. That was unusual, Neuvillette was never one to forget, and he never left his office open.
Even Alfred, his most trusted, diligent advisor, knew to leave it locked when he wasn't present and was out in business.
As he approached his office, he paused. The door was ajar. That was unusual. Neuvillette rarely left his office open, and even Alfred, ever diligent, knew to leave it locked when he wasn't present.
His expression remained calm, but his mind was sharp and alert, a heavy aura of power and authority surrounding his body, and water pooled beneath his feet with a subtle motion, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Quietly, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The scene that greeted him was unexpected, to say the least.
The first thing Neuvillette spotted was six ( 6 ) pairs of glowing radiant golden wings glimmering faintly in the soft light of his office. A woman was standing at the center, the owner of those wings.
She had an ethereal beauty, with long, cascading, curly golden hair and framed a face that seemed almost otherworldly in its perfection. She wore a shimmering white gown that clung to her form, emphasizing her flawless, voluptuous figure in a way that was both elegant and distracting.
"Gabriel," Neuvillette said, though he couldn't entirely hide his surprise. The Seraph, one of Heaven's most revered angels, was not someone he expected to find here,least of all unannounced.
Before he could say another word, Gabriel's expression softened, and she closed the distance between them in a flash, her movements so graceful they almost seemed unreal.
Without warning, she leapt forward, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him in a warm, sudden embrace.
Caught off guard, Neuvillette instinctively steadied her, his hands resting lightly on her waist. Her wings folded neatly behind her as she looked up at him, her sparkling blue eyes filled with an emotion he couldn't quite place.
"Neuvillette," she said softly, her voice like a melody, "How could you not tell me you returned? Wasn't I your bestest best friend?"
Neuvillette stood motionless for a moment, unsure how to respond to the sudden embrace. The warmth of Gabriel's touch and the serene glow of her presence were almost disarming, but his disciplined mind quickly steadied itself.
He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, creating just enough distance to look into her eyes. Her expression, as always, was as radiant as it was guileless, filled with an innocent sincerity that only someone like Gabriel could have.
"Gabriel," he began, his voice calm but tinged with mild exasperation, "I hardly think my return warrants this level of excitement. I didn't think my absence caused you so much distress."
Gabriel pouted slightly, stepping back but keeping one hand lightly resting on his forearm. Her golden wings twitched behind her, their radiant feathers shimmering faintly, "Of course, it does!" she said, her tone almost scolding but still soft.
"You vanished without a word. For twenty years, Neuvillette! No letters, no messages, nothing!" She crossed her arms, her cheeks puffing out indignantly. "I thought we were friends."
Neuvillette sighed softly, his gaze softening as he regarded her. "We are friends, Gabriel. But my absence was necessary. Aren't we all busy sometimes? After Gods death, you've been swamped with work in Heaven too haven't you?"
Her expression softened at the mention of God's death. For a fleeting moment, sadness clouded her features, a rare sight on someone so radiant. "I know," she murmured, her voice quieter now. "I just… I missed you. After everything that happened, it felt like I lost you too."
"There's too many people I need to put to Justice to leave Gabriel." Neuvillette responded, parting her hair to make her feel better, "I didn't mean to cause you pain," he said, his tone gentler now.
Gabriel nodded slowly, her golden curls bouncing slightly with the movement. "I understand," she said, though her eyes still held a hint of sadness, "But next time, send a letter."
Neuvillette couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at his lips, "I'll keep that in mind for the future."
Her face lit up at his response, her usual cheerfulness returning in full force, "Good! Because if you disappear again, I'll come looking for you. No matter where you go."
Gabriel moved to the plush seating area in his office, her movements as fluid and graceful as flowing water.
She perched herself on one of the chairs, her wings folding neatly behind her, and patted the seat next to her. "Come, sit. We have so much to catch up on!"
Neuvillette hesitated briefly before obliging, settling into the chair opposite hers. Despite the casual atmosphere, he could feel her intense curiosity radiating from her.
"So," Gabriel began, leaning forward slightly, "You've caused all the buzz since you returned. Even I heard about it in Heaven."
Neuvillette nodded, his hands resting on the armrests of his chair, "Yep, there's alot of things I need to deal with."
Gabriel tilted her head, her golden locks cascading over her shoulder, "That sounds so... serious," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "But I guess that's just like you, always taking on the hard jobs." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Has everyone been treating you well? If anyone's been mean to you, just tell me, and I'll—"
"Gabriel," Neuvillette interrupted, raising a hand to calm her. "I appreciate your concern, but I am more than capable of handling myself."
She nodded slowly, though her lips pursed as if she were still contemplating how to help him. "Alright," she said finally. "But if anyone ever step out of line, just let me know, okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his tone dry.
For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them, the kind that only old friends could share.
Gabriel's gaze wandered around his office, taking in the meticulously organized space. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as they landed on a large, intricate globe of water suspended in the air, gently rotating.
"What's that?" she asked, pointing at it.
Neuvillette glanced at the globe, "It's a visual representation of global magical energies," he explained. "I use it to monitor fluctuations and identify areas of imbalance."
Gabriel's eyes widened with fascination, "That's amazing! You've always been so clever, Neuvillette. I could never understand how you come up with these things."
"It's simply a matter of observation and logic," he said modestly. "You could do the same if you applied yourself."
She giggled, the sound light and airy, "I think I'll leave the brainy stuff to you. I'm better at… well, being helpful in other ways."
He raised an eyebrow, though he didn't comment. Gabriel's naivety was endearing, but it was also a reminder of how different they were. While she thrived on her innocence and kindness, his world demanded pragmatism and unyielding discipline.
As the conversation continued, Gabriel leaned forward again, her expression turning serious. "Neuvillette," she said softly, "do you think… do you think things will ever go back to the way they were? Before Trihexa, before God…?"
Her question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotion. Neuvillette's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the weight of the past pressed down on him.
"No," he said finally, his voice steady but tinged with a faint sadness. "The world has changed too much. The scars left will never fully heal. But that doesn't mean we can't strive for a new balance, a new sense of peace."
Gabriel nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You're right," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just… I miss the way things used to be."
"We all do," he said gently. "But dwelling on the past won't bring it back. All we can do is move forward and protect what remains."
Her lips curved into a small, bittersweet smile, "You always know what to say, Neuvillette."