บท 126: Chapter 124: A Day With The Pyro Archon
(Chapter 124 A Day With The Pyro Archon)
A deep sigh escaped Tempest's lips as he leaned against the doorway, his gaze fixed on Nahida's motionless vessel. She sat on the couch in his room, her small frame eerily still, eyes closed as if in a deep slumber. For three days, she hadn't stirred. The faint glow of her essence, which usually radiated softly, was now entirely absent, leaving an unsettling stillness in the air.
"She'll come around..."
Tempest muttered to himself, though the conviction in his voice wavered. His words felt more like an attempt to reassure himself than a confident declaration. The sight of her lifeless form, even as he knew it was only her vessel, left a weight in his chest he couldn't shake. He lingered for a moment longer, as if waiting for her to wake, before finally turning on his heel and leaving the room.
Outside, the city of Natlan was bustling with activity. The sounds of hammering and shouting echoed through the streets as workers and soldiers labored side by side to rebuild. Tempest's forces had integrated themselves into the effort, their Mekas lifting massive beams and hauling debris with precision. The efficiency of the reconstruction was almost surreal as if the devastation of the Abyss attack had been merely a distant memory.
Yet, amidst the lively chaos of rebuilding, reminders of the battle lingered. Every street seemed adorned with fresh flowers, their vibrant colors contrasting against the gray stones. They marked the spots where warriors had fallen, silent tributes to the lives lost. Despite the energetic hum of restoration, the floral memorials cast a somber undertone over the city, a poignant reminder that not all wounds can be repaired with stone and mortar.
Tempest strode through the streets, his sharp gaze taking in the scene. He watched as his soldiers coordinated with the locals, their disciplined movements blending seamlessly with the chaotic rhythm of the city's people. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel a flicker of satisfaction. The work was progressing well. The people were resilient, their spirits unbroken despite the losses they'd endured.
And yet, as he passed by the flower-laden streets, his thoughts drifted back to Nahida. Her words echoed in his mind, the raw pain in her voice still cutting through his usual armor of indifference.
'You're my first friend, Tempest... and all I want is for you to be better.'
Her plea, her disappointment, lingered like a shadow he couldn't shake. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the present.
"Results."
He muttered under his breath, a mantra he repeated to himself.
"This city is standing because of me. That's what matters."
But even as he walked forward, leaving behind the flowers and the silent memorials, the weight in his chest didn't fade.
"WOAHHH!!!"
A loud, ecstatic shout echoed through the stadium, a voice filled with awe and uncontainable excitement. It was unmistakable.
"What is she up to now?"
Tempest muttered under his breath, sighing heavily as he immediately recognized the enthusiastic tone of Hatsume. Despite his irritation, curiosity tugged at him, prompting him to make his way to the source of the commotion.
As he entered the stadium, the scene before him was exactly what he expected: Hatsume Mei, his ever-eccentric engineer, practically bouncing with excitement. She was darting around a sleek machine, her wide smile radiating a mix of wonder and determination, while her eyes sparkled like stars.
"What is this marvel of engineering?! Why didn't I think of this before?!"
Hatsume exclaimed, her hands gesturing animatedly as she examined the machine from every possible angle. Her enthusiasm was so intense it seemed as if the rest of the world didn't exist.
Tempest sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose briefly before stepping closer. Without a word, he grabbed the back of Hatsume's coat, pulling her gently but firmly away from the object of her obsession.
"Hatsume..."
He said, his voice carrying both familiarity and mild reproach.
"Oh! Good morning, Chief!"
Hatsume chirped, completely unfazed by being dragged back. Her smile didn't falter for a second, and she turned to face him with her usual unabashed energy.
Standing nearby, Mavuika chuckled lightly at the sight, raising a hand in greeting.
"Good morning. I see you've brought your spirited engineer along."
She said, her tone warm and amused.
Tempest gave her a polite nod.
"Good morning. I apologize for her behavior. She can be... a bit much when she's excited."
He said, casting a side glance at Hatsume, who was already craning her neck to get another look at the machine.
Mavuika waved off the apology, her smile widening.
"No, no, it's fine! Honestly, it's refreshing. I'm glad someone in your group has her level of eccentricity. It's rare to see someone so passionate about engineering."
"Passion might be an understatement..."
Tempest muttered, though there was a faint hint of amusement in his tone. He turned his attention to the machine that had Hatsume so captivated. It was sleek and compact, with a frame unlike anything he'd seen before. Its metallic surface gleamed under the sunlight, exuding both power and elegance.
"Anyways."
Tempest said, leaning in slightly for a closer look.
"What is this? Some sort of steel horse?"
Mavuika tilted her head, clearly amused by the question.
"Steel horse, huh?"
She repeated, smiling.
"Well, I suppose that's not too far off, but this is actually a motorcycle. It's a personal transport vehicle, designed for speed, efficiency, and a little bit of style."
"Motorcycle..."
Tempest repeated the unfamiliar word, his sharp eyes taking in the details of the vehicle. The streamlined design, the thick tires, the handlebars—all of it looked alien yet intriguing.
"I see. It's compact and agile, likely suited for quick terrain traversal. Impressive."
Tempest said.
Hatsume, who had managed to squirm free from Tempest's grip, leaned forward eagerly.
"Impressive doesn't even begin to describe it! Look at the design and the functionality! It's like it was built with the soul of an inventor! Oh, I have so many ideas now!"
Mavuika laughed softly.
"It's good to see someone so inspired. Perhaps you'd like to take it for a spin, Hatsume?"
"Absolutely!"
Hatsume's eyes lit up, and she practically vibrated with excitement.
Tempest placed a hand on her shoulder, pulling her back again.
"Not so fast, Hatsume. Let's not test someone else's creation without permission, or experience."
He glanced back at Mavuika.
"You'll have to forgive her enthusiasm. She doesn't know the meaning of restraint."
"It's no trouble."
Mavuika said, still smiling.
"If anything, it's flattering to see someone appreciate the craft so much. Besides, I wouldn't mind showing her how it works."
Hatsume clapped her hands together, her excitement uncontainable.
"Please! Teach me everything about it! I'll perfect it, upgrade it, revolutionize it!"
Tempest shook his head, muttering under his breath.
"Here we go..."
Despite his exasperation, there was a faint trace of affection in his voice as he watched Hatsume eagerly bombard Mavuika with questions. This, he realized, was just another day with his spirited engineer.
Hatsume zoomed across the open space on the motorcycle, the engine roaring as she expertly navigated sharp turns and sudden stops. Despite only minutes of testing, she had already mastered the machine, her natural talent shining through as she whooped with unbridled excitement. Mavuika stood beside Tempest, watching the scene with a mixture of amusement and admiration.
"I have to say, your engineer is remarkable."
Mavuika said, her arms crossed as she observed Hatsume attempting a daring skid turn.
"Though, I do wonder how long that bike will hold up under her enthusiasm."
"She has a way of pushing things to their limits."
Tempest replied with a small smirk, his eyes briefly following Hatsume before turning back to Mavuika.
"But I trust she knows when to stop... most of the time."
Mavuika chuckled before her expression turned thoughtful.
"Still, I can't help but notice our little friend isn't here. Where's Buer? I thought she'd be with you."
She asked, glancing around the stadium as if expecting to see the diminutive Archon appear at any moment.
"She's... asleep."
Tempest said after a pause, his tone careful but neutral.
"Ah."
Mavuika's brow furrowed slightly, but her smile remained.
"That's too bad. I was hoping to show her around, maybe share a few ideas, and ask her advice. She has such a unique perspective on things. A pity."
She glanced at Tempest, noting the subtle tension in his posture.
"She told me how you two met."
Mavuika continued, her tone light but curious.
"Apparently, you were quite honest with her, huh?"
She added with a chuckle.
Tempest's gaze shifted slightly, his expression unreadable.
"What would you have done in my place?"
He said, his tone calm yet carrying an edge of reflection.
"I gave her an opportunity to truly be free, to leave behind the confines of that prison. She had the chance to walk away from all of it, but she made her choice. I didn't argue. I left without regret. And yet..."
He paused, his voice lowering.
"When she came to me again, seeking refuge... it was a pitiful sight. Seeing someone so proud, so determined, brought so low, it's not something you forget easily."
Mavuika nodded slowly, her gaze softening as she processed his words.
"I see."
She said after a moment.
"But tell me this, Tempest, when she came to you in that state, did you take her in out of pity, or was there more to it?"
Tempest's brow furrowed, and he opened his mouth to respond, but Mavuika held up a hand, continuing.
"You say you left without regret, but the way you speak about her now... it doesn't sound like someone who's entirely detached. You might not admit it, but you care for her in your own way, don't you?"
Tempest remained silent for a moment, his gaze steady but contemplative.
Mavuika smiled gently, folding her arms.
"It's not a bad thing, you know, to care for someone. To give them the chance to make their own choices but still be there when they need you. Maybe that's why she came back to you, not because she was pitiful, but because deep down, she knew she could only rely on you."
She tilted her head, her expression warm but teasing.
"Though, I suppose you'll just tell me I'm overanalyzing, won't you?"
Tempest exhaled quietly, the faintest flicker of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Perhaps."
He said, his voice low but not dismissive.
"But it's an interesting perspective."
Mavuika chuckled softly, turning her gaze back to Hatsume, who was now attempting a daring jump over a makeshift ramp.
"Well, if nothing else, you're an enigma, Tempest. And enigmas tend to attract people who want to solve them. Like your little friend."
She said, her tone light and playful.
"Or your overly enthusiastic engineer."
"Or you."
Tempest replied smoothly, raising a brow.
Mavuika laughed, shaking her head.
"Touché, Tempest. Touché."
Hatsume eventually brought the motorcycle to a halt, wobbling slightly as she dismounted. She shook her head, clearly dizzy but quickly regained her composure. Her expression lit up with sudden inspiration, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"A lightbulb just went off in my head!"
She exclaimed, clapping her hands together.
"Where's that old hag?!"
Before anyone could respond, Hatsume spun on her heel and bolted out of the stadium, waving frantically to Mavuika while bowing repeatedly as she rushed past.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry! I need to find Faruzan before the idea slips away!"
Her voice echoed behind her as she disappeared into the distance.
Mavuika chuckled softly, shaking her head in amusement.
"Hm. I like her."
She said, watching the eccentric engineer vanish.
"Her personality is quite the opposite of yours, Tempest. She's all energy and spontaneity, while you're... well, let's just say you're more composed."
"Thanks."
Tempest replied, his tone dry but not entirely dismissive. He adjusted his coat, clearly intending to leave, but before he could take another step, Mavuika reached out and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Hey."
She said with a grin, nodding toward her motorcycle.
"Want to ride?"
Tempest raised an eyebrow, glancing at the sleek machine and then back at Mavuika.
"I promise, it'll be fun."
She continued, her tone light but persuasive.
"And maybe we'll get to know each other better. Come on, how often do you let someone else take the reins?"
Tempest hesitated, his sharp gaze meeting hers. For a moment, it seemed like he might refuse, but then a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Fine."
He said, his voice carrying a note of reluctant amusement.
"But if you crash, I'm blaming you entirely."
Mavuika laughed, tossing him a helmet as she mounted the bike.
"Deal. Now hop on, and hold tight, this isn't one of those slow-moving carriages you're used to."
With that, the engine roared to life, and Tempest climbed onto the seat behind her.
"Let's see if you can actually impress me, Mavuika."
He said, his tone cool but the challenge in his words unmistakable.
"Challenge accepted, Tempest."
She shot back, her grin widening as the motorcycle engines roared.
As Tempest settled on the back of the motorcycle, his body stiffened awkwardly.
'Where in seven hells do I hold on to?'
The thought flashed through his mind, accompanied by a wave of uncertainty. He glanced around, his hands hovering indecisively in the air. Gripping the seat felt ridiculous, and the idea of holding onto Mavuika made him hesitate even more.
Before he could figure it out, Mavuika revved the engine, and the bike lurched forward with a sudden burst of speed. Caught completely off guard, Tempest was thrown backward, landing flat on his back with a loud thud.
"Seven hells..."
He muttered, lying there on the ground, staring blankly up at the bright sun. His normally composed demeanor was thoroughly shattered as he remained motionless, his pride bruised far more than his body.
Mavuika turned the bike around and pulled up beside him, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Tempest..."
She started, unable to keep a small laugh from escaping.
"You're supposed to hold on, you know. It's not that complicated."
Tempest groaned, propping himself up on one elbow and glaring at her.
"Where exactly was I supposed to hold on? You didn't exactly give me a tutorial beforehand."
He grumbled, brushing the dust off his coat.
Mavuika leaned forward on the handlebars, a teasing smile on her face.
"You could've held onto me, you know. I'm not made of glass."
She said, her tone playful but with a hint of challenge.
Tempest stood, dusting himself off and giving her a pointed look.
"I'd rather face a Leviathan than deal with this humiliation again."
He replied dryly, though the faintest smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.
Mavuika tilted her head, her grin widening.
"Well, if the mighty Tempest can't handle a motorcycle ride, maybe you should sit this one out. I'd hate to be the one responsible for breaking your composure."
Tempest sighed dramatically, his hand brushing through his hair as he approached the bike again.
"Fine. I'll play along. But if I fall again, I'll make sure this 'steel horse' ends up in a scrapyard."
Mavuika laughed, handing him the helmet again.
"Deal. Now, this time, just hold on tight. I promise I don't bite."
Tempest hesitated for a moment before finally gripping her waist, his expression clearly betraying how out of his element he felt.
"Let's just get this over with."
He muttered, earning another laugh from Mavuika as the bike roared to life once more.
"Hold on, Tempest, this is going to be fun!"
And with that, they sped off into the bustling streets, the wind whipping past them as the adventure continued.
'This feels wrong…'
Tempest thought, his grip hesitant as the motorcycle sped along the rugged paths.
'I'm only interested in one woman and one woman only. This is simply a means to an end. Yes, just a necessary step forward. Nothing more.'
Lost in his thoughts, Tempest's grip on Mavuika loosened slightly.
"Hey!"
Mavuika called over the roar of the engine, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and amusement.
"You're gonna fall off again if you don't hold tight, Tempest, and it's definitely going to hurt more this time."
Tempest scoffed lightly, though his hands instinctively tightened their hold.
"Don't worry about me."
He said, his voice even.
"Just keep your eyes on the road."
Mavuika chuckled, weaving the bike smoothly through the winding path. The breathtaking landscapes of Natlan unfolded before them, cascading waterfalls sparkling in the sunlight, lush jungles alive with vibrant hues, and herds of Saurians basking in the open plains. They passed through lively villages, where cheerful locals waved at them as they sped by, the sound of their laughter blending with the hum of nature.
"So."
Mavuika began, her voice softer now, almost contemplative as the wind rushed past them.
"What do you think of Natlan, Tempest? Be honest."
Tempest was silent for a moment, his gaze scanning the surroundings. The fiery spirit of Natlan was evident in every corner, in its people, its landscapes, its culture. There was a wild beauty here, a raw energy that was both chaotic and captivating.
"It's… unique."
He finally said, his tone measured, yet there was a trace of genuine admiration beneath his usual stoicism.
"The people are strong-willed, passionate. It's clear they've built their lives around the concept of freedom. That's not something you see every day. The land itself reflects that, untamed, unyielding. I can respect that."
Mavuika glanced back briefly, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
"Not bad for someone who doesn't seem to enjoy much."
She teased.
"But I'm glad you can see Natlan for what it is. It's more than just a battlefield or a means to an end, you know. There's a spirit here, a fire that can't be extinguished."
Tempest gave a small shrug, his eyes fixed ahead.
"Perhaps. But even fire can be controlled. Harnessed."
Mavuika's grin turned sly, her tone taking on a playful edge.
"Careful, Tempest. If you think you can control Natlan's fire, you might just get burned."
Tempest smirked faintly, his confidence unwavering.
"I don't burn easily."
He said simply.
Mavuika laughed, the sound light and carefree, echoing against the cliffs they passed.
"You're full of surprises, you know that?"
She said.
"I wasn't sure what to expect from you, but… I think there's more to you than you let on."
"Don't overthink it."
Tempest replied coolly.
"I'm just a man who does what needs to be done."
"Mm, if you say so."
Mavuika said with a knowing smile, revving the bike slightly as they climbed a gentle incline.
"But maybe one day, you'll let someone see past that wall of yours. Even just a little."
Tempest said nothing, his expression unreadable as they rode on, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows across the vast, untamed beauty of Natlan. For a moment, the tension in the air seemed to dissolve, leaving only the hum of the motorcycle and the quiet harmony of the land.
As Mavuika dismounted from the motorcycle, she stood for a moment, gazing out at the expansive horizon. The wind gently ruffled her hair, carrying with it the faint scent of the earth and the distant sound of waterfalls. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words before a soft smile curved on her lips.
"It's not much, but this land is welcome to everyone."
She said, her voice steady but full of determination.
"Even though we're constantly under threat from the Abyss, this land will forever stand, I swear it."
Tempest, having quietly followed her, stood beside her, his gaze also fixed on the sweeping vista before them. The quiet strength of Natlan, its untamed beauty and resilience, seemed to resonate deeply with him.
Mavuika shifted her gaze toward him, breaking the silence.
"Tell me, Tempest, what's it like in Fontaine?"
Tempest turned to her, eyebrows raised in mild surprise at the question.
"What's with the sudden interest?"
Mavuika chuckled lightly, her fingers brushing the cool air as she spoke again, her voice tinged with a curiosity she usually kept under control.
"I've never been outside of Natlan."
She admitted.
"Not that I don't enjoy it here, quite the opposite, really. But there's always been a part of me that's curious about other places. I've always wanted to attend the Lantern Rite in Liyue, but... well, I have duties here, big ones."
She turned her eyes back to the horizon, as though the vast world beyond it called to her.
Tempest listened quietly, considering her words. There was an openness in her expression that contrasted with the usual fire she exhibited. Perhaps, just like everyone else, she was searching for something beyond the life that had been mapped out for her.
"Well."
Tempest began.
"I've never been to Liyue either, but I've heard it's a beautiful place, a Trader's Paradise, they call it. A land of endless opportunities. My Mother's family, her ancestors, came from Liyue, so technically, I have some of their blood in me."
Mavuika raised an eyebrow at that, intrigued by the connection Tempest had to the land. But before she could comment, he continued.
"As for Fontaine... It's perfect, at least to me."
Tempest said, his tone softer now, as if the words held a piece of something more personal. "It's a land of reason, of order, a place where everything has its place. There's beauty in that, in the stability they've created. It's a place where the pursuit of knowledge and justice is intertwined, where the people feel safe, and protected. I've always admired that balance."
Mavuika nodded thoughtfully, her expression pensive as she listened to him speak of Fontaine, as though trying to piece together what it might look like beyond the words. But then, her eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of curiosity lighting them once again.
"Speaking of Fontaine."
Mavuika began, her tone shifting to something a little more inquisitive.
"What about their Archon? I've heard little bits here and there, but… what's she really like? You've been around, right? What's the Archon of Fontaine like?"
"Ah, Lady Furina... She is perfect... The Lady of Justice, the pride of Fontaine, she is the embodiment of perfection, she is god that loves the nation and the people love her, I have nothing to say, she is just perfect, Lady Furina De Fontaine is the ideal and perfect person in my eyes..."
Tempest said with a smile.
"You seem to think highly of her, as you said 'perfect' four times."
Mavuika said.
"Because she is, she is the person that gave me purpose after all..."
Tempest said.
"To think someone could tame you."
Mavuika said with a teasing grin, her tone playful but curious.
"She must be really strong, is she?"
Tempest fell silent for a moment, her words echoing in his mind. Strong? He thought of Lady Furina, her radiant facade, her sharp tongue, and her carefully curated persona. As much as he wanted to convince himself that she was the strongest being he had ever known, he couldn't deny the truth hidden beneath the surface. Lady Furina was not invincible, her strength was a mask, a veil that concealed her vulnerabilities, her doubts, and her fragility.
Yet, to Tempest, none of that mattered. Behind that mask, she was still the embodiment of perfection in his eyes. Not because of her power, but because of what she represented, purpose, justice, and hope. He had long accepted her flaws, even admired them, because they made her real. And though she concealed her true self, he carried a quiet hope that one day, she would open up to him.
A soft smile tugged at Tempest's lips as he broke his silence.
"Yes."
He finally said, his voice steady.
"She is very strong. Do you know why?"
Mavuika tilted her head slightly, intrigued by his sudden shift in tone.
"Hm? Do tell."
She replied, crossing her arms as she awaited his answer.
Tempest's gaze drifted toward the horizon, his expression calm but resolute.
"Because she has the strongest mortal acting as her sword."
He said with quiet confidence, his voice carrying a weight that only someone with unwavering conviction could possess.
Mavuika blinked, caught off guard by his words. She studied his face, searching for any sign of jest, but found none. His expression was serious, his eyes reflecting both his admiration for Lady Furina and the ironclad determination that burned within him.
"You're talking about yourself."
Mavuika said after a moment, her voice more subdued, almost thoughtful.
"Who else?"
Tempest replied, his tone lighter now.
"She doesn't need to be the strongest in the traditional sense. Her strength lies in her vision, her ideals, and her ability to inspire loyalty. And in return, I stand as her sword, her shield, her unwavering support. That's what matters."
Mavuika was silent for a beat, her expression softening as she considered his words.
"You really believe in her."
She said, her tone no longer teasing but filled with genuine respect.
"I do."
Tempest replied without hesitation.
"With everything I have. She gave me a reason to fight, a purpose to live for. And as long as she needs me, I'll be there. That's the kind of strength we share."
Mavuika's lips curved into a small smile.
"I see."
She said softly.
"You're not just her sword, Tempest. You're her faith."
Tempest chuckled lightly, his gaze steady on the horizon.
"I wish..."
He admitted.
"But in the end, all I want is to see her smile and know she's free to be who she truly is. That's enough for me."
A moment of stillness wrapped around the two as they admired the horizon, the setting sun painting the landscape in hues of gold and crimson. The tranquility was broken by Tempest's voice, steady and resolute.
"Tomorrow, Mavuika."
He said, his tone carrying both a challenge and anticipation.
"We shall see whose fire burns the brightest."
He turned his head to meet her gaze, locking eyes with her. There was no hostility in his words, only the spark of competitive spirit and mutual respect.
Mavuika smirked, her casual demeanor unshaken.
"Quite excited, aren't you?"
She replied, her tone lighthearted, as though tomorrow's spar was merely a routine occurrence for her.
"You could say that."
Tempest responded with a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Well, thanks for this. It was… a breath of fresh air."
With that, he turned and began to walk back toward the city, his steps purposeful but unhurried.
"Wait a second."
Mavuika called out, amusement clear in her voice.
"Are you seriously just going to walk back to the city? Do you even know where you're headed? And for the record, it's pretty far."
Tempest stopped in his tracks, his shoulders stiffening as her words struck home. He didn't reply immediately, and his silence only made her smirk widen.
"Hah! The strongest mortal doesn't even know where he's going."
She teased, her voice laced with playful mockery.
Tempest clicked his tongue in annoyance, reluctantly turning back toward her.
"Tsk, fine. I'll drive this time. Just show me the basics."
He said, his pride clearly taking a small hit as he admitted defeat.
Mavuika couldn't hold back a chuckle as she observed his reaction.
"Sure, sure."
She said, brushing a strand of hair from her face as she walked over to the motorcycle.
"I guess it must be pretty embarrassing for you to ride on the back, huh? The mighty Tempest reduced to a passenger."
Tempest let out a soft growl of irritation but smirked despite himself.
"Mock me all you want, but you'll be the one holding on for dear life this time."
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