(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.
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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."
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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."
stones?
(Chapter 107 Rip and Tear)
Immediately after landing, the trio was met by a mass of enemies: Hilichurls snarling in defiance, towering Mitachurls wielding Pyro and Electro axes, and a line of Hilichurls with crossbows positioned at the back. The massive Lawachurl lumbered forward, its stone-covered body cracking with elemental energy. Above them, the eerie Riftwolves floated, growling, their bodies shimmering with an abyssal glow.
Tempest glanced at the approaching horde, unphased by the numbers.
"Objective is simple."
He said with cold authority, his voice barely rising above the battlefield's din.
"Rip and tear."
Constantine's face lit up with a wicked grin.
"Haha! Now we're talking!"
His excitement was palpable, and his scimitars gleamed in the dim light.
"Hear me, Natlan! The juggernaut is back!"
He roared with laughter and charged headlong into the chaos, his scimitar and katana moving in a blur. With graceful, deadly precision, he slashed through the Hilichurls like paper, blood spraying across the ground. The Mitachurls swung their heavy axes, but Constantine ducked and weaved around their clumsy strikes, dancing between their attacks and leaving them disoriented. He sliced through a Mitachurl's knee, bringing the hulking brute down with a scream before driving his katana through its neck, severing its head in one clean motion.
"I won't fail you this time, Your Grace."
Tirpitz said, determination flashing in her eyes. She vanished into thin air, her Ghost suit making her invisible. As she joined the fray, she became a shadow of death, flickering in and out of view, confusing the Hilichurls as her form shimmered and disappeared. One by one, she struck, claws crackling with Electro energy, carving deep into the enemy's flesh. She reappeared behind an unsuspecting Hilichurl, claws sinking into its neck, sending a jolt of Cryo through its body, freezing its veins. She moved like a phantom, each strike calculated, each kill swift.
Tempest watched them for a moment, his Pyro Delusion and Hydro Vision flaring to life. His sword erupted into flames, the blade glowing a deep crimson as Pyro engulfed it. In his left hand, a Hydro Trident formed, shimmering with ethereal light.
"Let's get this over with."
He muttered, his voice steady and cold.
With a single motion, Tempest leaped into the battle, his sword carving a fiery path through the horde. He swung his blade, and a Mitachurl's Pyro axe melted on impact, the heat from Tempest's sword scorching through its defenses. With a brutal overhead strike, he cleaved the creature in two, its body crumpling to the ground in a charred heap. He spun on his heel and thrust his Hydro Trident into a nearby Riftwolf, the elemental energy bursting from the weapon in a jet of water, dissolving the abyssal creature's form with a gurgling scream.
Crossbow bolts whizzed through the air, but they barely slowed Tempest's rampage. He dodged with ease, his trident spinning as he parried the incoming projectiles with fluid movements. He launched the trident forward with a flick of his wrist, impaling three Hilichurls in one throw, their bodies pinned to the ground as the water expanded within them, rupturing them from the inside.
Constantine laughed like a madman, his scimitar carving a Hilichurl in half from shoulder to waist before kicking the lifeless body into another, knocking it off balance.
"Come on! Is that all you got?!"
He taunted, reveling in the bloodshed. With a swift motion, he ducked under the swing of a Mitachurl, his katana flashing as it sliced clean through its arm, the severed limb hitting the ground with a sickening thud.
Tirpitz, still cloaked in her Ghost suit, pounced on the Lawachurl, her claws digging into its massive back. The beast roared in pain, swiping blindly as she vanished again, only to reappear moments later in front of it. She thrust her Electro-charged claws into its chest, sending waves of elemental energy coursing through the creature's stone-plated body, frying it from the inside. The Lawachurl let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing, its heart stopped cold by the combined elements.
Tempest's eyes were locked on the next wave of enemies, more Riftwolves and Hilichurls, now hesitant after watching their comrades fall so easily. His sword and trident shimmered with power, steam rising from his body as the combined elements of Pyro and Hydro created an aura of deadly energy around him.
"Now."
He said quietly, raising his trident.
"For the rest of you."
With a powerful slash of his sword, a wave of flames surged forward, incinerating the remaining Hilichurls in a single sweep. The Riftwolves attempted to charge him, but they were no match for his speed and precision. One after another, they fell, torn apart by Tempest's deadly combination of Pyri and Hydro.
Within minutes, a mound of bodies of Hilichurls formed. Tempest stood at the top, his trident dissolving into water droplets as his sword's flames flickered out. Constantine and Tirpitz joined him, both bloodied but unscathed, their expressions filled with victory.
"Another job well done."
Constantine said with a grin, wiping the blood from his blade.
"Think we'll get a challenge next time?"
Tirpitz remained silent, but the look in her eyes told Tempest all he needed to know. She wouldn't fail him, not this time.
"It's not over yet."
Tempest muttered, his eyes scanning the horizon where the Abyssal portals still crackled with ominous energy.
"We need to join the Natlans and find a way to close those portals. Reinforcements should be arriving soon."
He glanced up at the sky. Hatsume's plane circled above, its guns blazing as it rained fire down on the remaining enemies, keeping them at bay. From below, the sound of the propellers hummed like a constant reminder that the battle was far from finished.
Constantine wiped the blood from his scimitar with a grin that could only belong to a man intoxicated by the chaos of war.
"Let's move it then! There's more blood to be spilled, more skulls to crush!"
His voice was practically dripping with excitement. The calm, tactical mentor Tempest knew so well vanished on the battlefield, replaced by a bloodthirsty warrior who lived for the thrill of the fight.
Tempest glanced at him briefly, noting the wild gleam in Constantine's eyes. He was a different person here, in the thick of combat, no longer the composed and always drunk old man, but a berserker fueled by violence.
"Just try to keep your head on straight."
Tempest said, his voice low but carrying authority. "We need to think this through if we're going to close those portals."
Constantine laughed heartily.
"Oh, I'm thinking all right, Your Grace! Thinking about carving through whatever gets in our way!"
Tirpitz stood nearby, quietly assessing the battlefield with cold efficiency.
"We should hurry."
She said softly, her voice calm and steady despite the storm of battle around them. Her Ghost suit flickered briefly, as if ready to cloak her into invisibility once more.
Tempest nodded.
"Alright. We head for the Natlan defenses, and regroup with their forces. They'll need all the help they can get."
With a glance back at the smoldering battlefield they had just cleared, Tempest began moving toward the frontlines, his Pyro-infused sword still glowing with heat. Constantine charged ahead, laughing as he eagerly sought his next fight, while Tirpitz remained in the shadows, ever watchful and ready.
As the trio pressed deeper into the ravaged village, they moved past crumbling, burning buildings and the broken bodies of Natlan warriors and Hilichurls alike. The acrid scent of smoke filled the air, mixed with the coppery tang of blood. Fires crackled and popped around them, consuming what remained of the once-vibrant settlement.
Amidst the chaos, a voice rang out, halting them in their tracks.
"H-Hey! A little help here?"
Tempest, Constantine, and Tirpitz turned toward the sound. Through the haze, they spotted a woman with long pastel pink hair, which faded into soft shades of purple. Her blue eyes glimmered with a mixture of desperation and determination as she struggled against a fallen wooden beam that had pinned her to the ground.
Constantine flashed a grin and cracked his knuckles.
"Looks like someone's in need of saving."
Tirpitz glanced at Tempest, her eyes narrowing as if asking for confirmation. But Tempest stepped forward, his expression calm and resolute.
"Go on."
He said to Constantine and Tirpitz.
"I've got this."
Without another word, Constantine and Tirpitz nodded and hurried off toward the deeper part of the village, where the sound of clashing weapons and screams echoed from the distance. Tempest, however, turned his attention to the woman, assessing the situation quickly. She was trapped, but the fire raging nearby made her predicament even more dangerous.
Without wasting any time, Tempest activated his Pyro Delusion. The flames around the fallen debris swirled and flickered in response, drawn toward his outstretched hand as he siphoned the fire from the immediate area. With a sweeping motion, he shot the flames high into the air, creating a fiery beacon above them before dispersing it, leaving only the smoldering remains.
The woman blinked in surprise, watching as the danger of the fire dissipated before her eyes.
"You, thank you."
She breathed out, still somewhat dazed.
Tempest stepped closer, his voice calm and commanding.
"Are you hurt?"
"A few scrapes and bruises, but nothing I can't handle."
She replied, though her expression betrayed a flicker of pain.
"That fire was the bigger issue."
Tempest crouched beside the beam, gripping it firmly with both hands. With a grunt of effort, he lifted it off her with ease, tossing it aside as if it weighed nothing. The woman stood shakily, brushing dirt from her clothes.
"You were lucky we came by."
Tempest said, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of more enemies.
"I'm well aware."
She replied, managing a faint smile.
"I was traveling to offer my fortune telling, augh, I didn't expect they'd attack here."
Tempest nodded, his face serious.
"Stay close. We're regrouping with the Natlan forces, and it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better."
The woman steadied herself and met his gaze.
"I'm not going anywhere, trust me."
With that, Tempest led the way through the burning village, the woman now running by his side as they ventured deeper into the heart of the battlefield. There was no turning back now, not until the Abyss was purged from these lands.
"A Fontainian, here? This is a surprise. Did Mavuika send you?"
The woman asked, her voice filled with curiosity as she followed Tempest through the ruined streets, her sharp eyes scanning him.
"Mavuika?"
Tempest's brow furrowed slightly.
"No. I came here with other intentions. But right now, that's not important."
Citlali glanced at him, confused but too exhausted to press further. She wiped some ash from her face and gave a small nod, adjusting the strap of her weapon.
"Okay… if you say so. Name's Citlali, by the way. May I know yours, Fontainian?"
He turned his head slightly to meet her gaze, his expression calm and unwavering despite the chaos around them.
"Tempest. Tempest Proudmoore."
At the mention of his last name, Citlali's eyes widened, and her step faltered for a moment.
"Proudmoore?"
She repeated, disbelief edging her voice. She blinked in surprise, her mind racing to connect the dots. The name wasn't just famous in Fontaine, it had weight across Teyvat. Even here, in the distant land of Natlan, the name held a reputation.
"You're from 'that' Proudmoore family?"
Tempest gave a curt nod.
"Who else carries my family's name?"
Citlali looked at him with a newfound respect, her eyes lingering on him with a mix of awe and wariness. She had heard the stories, the rumors of his family's resurgence, and now here he was, in the midst of Natlan's turmoil.
"I never imagined I'd meet a Proudmoore... especially in a place like this."
She shook her head, still trying to process it.
"We're not here by accident."
Tempest said, his tone more serious now. "Whatever happens here, know that I didn't come for recognition. My goals are much more... practical."
"Practical?"
Citlali raised an eyebrow.
"Coming to a war-torn village for practical reasons, huh? Must be something pretty important to drag someone like you all the way out here."
Tempest's eyes briefly scanned the horizon, where the battle was still raging.
"Important enough."
Citlali studied him for a moment longer before nodding, as if accepting his cryptic answer. She adjusted the grip on her weapon, the weight of the battle still looming ahead.
"Well, Proudmoore or not, it looks like we're in this together for now. Let's hope your other intentions align with us Natlans, at least until we survive this mess."
Tempest gave a small, approving nod, his eyes glinting with resolve.
"Right."
With that, they pressed on through the chaos, the tension of the battlefield hanging heavy in the air as the shadow of the Abyss loomed ever closer.
As they arrived at the heart of the battlefield, the scene was nothing short of a nightmare. Natlan warriors clashed violently with waves of Hilichurls, each side trading vicious blows. The ground was stained with the blood of both Natlan fighters and Abyssal creatures, corpses strewn across the field like discarded dolls. In the center of the chaos, towering over the battlefield, stood a menacing Abyss Herald, commanding the Abyss forces. Four swirling portals were stationed behind him, releasing an endless stream of Hilichurls and Riftwolves onto the battlefield. The Herald's Hydro-infused strikes lashed out, forming brutal torrents of water that repelled any Natlan soldier brave, or foolish, enough to approach.
Citlali's breath hitched at the sight. "So many dead... This is worse than I imagined."
She muttered, her voice trembling slightly.
But Tempest's focus was locked on the Abyss Herald. His eyes narrowed with deadly intent.
"That one is mine..."
He growled, his tone cold and resolute. Without another word, he broke into a sprint, charging headlong into the heart of the fray.
"H-Hey! Wait!"
Citlali called after him, but her voice was drowned out by the din of the battlefield. Tempest didn't slow, didn't hesitate. His target was clear, and nothing would stop him from reaching it.
As Tempest advanced, a fiery sword made entirely of Pyro energy manifested in his left hand, burning with intense heat. In his right hand, he gripped his regular sword, the blade engulfed in flames that danced with every movement. His Pyro Delusion surged through him, making him an unstoppable force as he plowed through the Hilichurl lines. With every swing of his blade, Hilichurls were cut down, their bodies burning as they fell. Mitachurls that tried to stand in his way were reduced to smoldering heaps, their Pyro and Electro axes no match for the sheer heat and force Tempest wielded.
Soon, he was face-to-face with the Herald. The creature's glowing blue eyes locked onto him, and its voice echoed with disdain.
"Interloper... you dare challenge the Abyss?"
Tempest's response was a ferocious, determined glare. He spun his flaming swords in both hands, the heat from his Pyro Delusion intensifying.
"You don't seem to understand, Teyvat, isn't yours to conquer."
The Abyss Herald sneered, raising its Hydro-infused arm as it summoned a massive blade of water. The ground beneath Tempest hissed as the Herald unleashed a wave of Hydro energy in his direction. Tempest leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, his form a blur of fire and fury.
He landed just in front of the Herald, his swords colliding with the Herald's watery blade in a shower of steam and sparks. The two clashed, the Herald's fluid movements and powerful Hydro strikes meeting Tempest's relentless Pyro assault. Each blow sent waves of fire and water crashing into the surroundings, scorching the earth and flooding the ground in equal measure.
The Herald spun, unleashing a torrent of Hydro blades, but Tempest was faster. His Pyro blade cut through the watery attacks, evaporating them before they could reach him. With a roar, he lunged forward, his sword slashing across the Herald's chest, leaving a trail of searing fire in its wake.
The Herald staggered back, its watery form recoiling from the heat of the blow.
"You... will drown!"
It hissed, summoning a massive whirlpool of water beneath Tempest.
Tempest gritted his teeth as the water began to pull him in, but his Pyro Delusion flared to life. He plunged his flaming sword into the ground, causing a massive eruption of fire to burst from beneath him, evaporating the whirlpool in an instant.
With a powerful swing of his blade, Tempest closed the distance, slashing at the Herald's exposed form. The creature shrieked in pain as flames consumed its body. It staggered but still tried to raise its watery arm for one final attack.
Tempest was faster.
He spun, his fiery sword cutting through the Herald's arm, severing it with a spray of steam. Without missing a beat, he brought his sword down once more, this time plunging it into the Herald's chest. The creature let out a final, guttural cry as flames engulfed its form. In a matter of seconds, the Abyss Herald disintegrated, its watery body evaporating into the air, leaving nothing but a cloud of steam and ash.
After striking down the Abyss Herald, Tempest wasted no time joining the Natlan warriors on the frontlines. The battle was far from over. Despite the Herald's demise, the Abyss forces still poured through the portals, Hilichurls, Riftwolves, and other dark creatures surging forward, driven by a thirst for chaos. Tempest fought alongside the Natlan warriors, moving with a deadly grace as his fiery blades tore through the enemies that dared to cross his path. He wielded his Pyro Delusion like a master of flame, each strike engulfing his opponents in searing heat, reducing them to ash before they could retaliate.
The Natlans, hardened by war and bound by their love for their nation, fought with unparalleled ferocity. Their shields clashed against the forces of the Abyss, and their spears pierced through the Riftwolves and Hilichurls alike. But even their strength was beginning to wane. The Abyss creatures seemed endless, crawling out of the portals like a never-ending tide.
As the battle raged on, Tempest noticed something, a flicker in the distance, a series of flares lighting up the sky behind them, casting a fiery glow on the horizon.
"Reinforcements..."
He muttered under his breath.
At that moment, a thunderous shout echoed through the battlefield, loud enough to break through the din of battle.
"For Fontaine!"
The voice roared.
Tempest turned, his eyes narrowing as he saw the familiar sight of Falric, his knight, galloping toward the fray. Falric rode at the head of a cavalry charge, mounted on a horse. In his hand, Falric held high the banner of Fontaine, its colors flapping violently in the wind. Behind him, a formidable army followed, Fontaine's reinforcements had finally arrived. Cavalry, clad in gleaming armor, thundered across the field, while Fontaine's Mekas, marched in perfect formation, their metallic feet pounding against the scorched earth.
The ground shook as they advanced, a relentless wave of reinforcements, ready to turn the tide of battle.
"This should make a good first impression..."
stones?
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