Chapter 56: Into the Desert

(Chapter 56 Into the Desert)

'Can I ask what you're doing, Tempest?'

Nahida asks Tempest through his mind.

'Basking in the sun, Young Pasha.'

Tempest replied, now communicating with Nahida through his thoughts to avoid drawing attention. He sat atop a large boulder, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays seeping into his skin. Just a few meters behind him, his forces were busy setting up a temporary camp near the coast, with Mekas handling most of the heavy labor.

'Do you have to do this every time Since you are a vessel of Ra's power?'

Nahida asked Tempest, her curiosity piqued.

'Not really, I just feel it's necessary sometimes, as a way of showing respect. After all, this power isn't truly mine, I'm merely borrowing it

Tempest replied to Nahida, he stood up atop the rock and raised both his arms in a V shape.

"Praise the sun."

Tempest muttered to himself, he then shortly sat back down on the boulder.

'I have seen glimpses of your past, Tempest, and I must admit, the suffering you have endured is truly unimaginable. I am deeply sorry for what you've had to go through. No one should ever have to experience such pain and hardship, especially at such a young age.'

Nahida said softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. She had likely seen the most painful parts of Tempest's childhood, and her heart ached for him.

'Ah, no need to apologize for that, Young Pasha. The old me is long gone. In a way, I believe that if my Father had loved me as a normal Father would, I might have inherited his traits, and his deep hatred for the Hydro Archon would have likely become my own. But now that he's gone, I find myself thinking... I'm actually glad he raised me the way he did. It shaped me into someone completely opposite of him.'

Tempest replied, his tone calm and resolute.

'But it has come at a cost, Tempest. Sealing your emotions deep within yourself helped you endure the abuse, but it has also taken a toll on who you are. The way you have aged beyond your years is a testament to the difficult journey you have endured. You've faced more hardship than anyone should have to bear at your age.'

Nahida said to Tempest, concern evident in her voice.

Tempest sighed before he spoke.

'I suppose stress, and physical abuse, are not a good combination.'

'But thankfully, you still show genuine emotions to those you love and trust. Your Mother, your sister, and your Teacher, they all witness the depth of your feelings. Despite the pain and suffering you've endured, you are capable of expressing real care and affection to those who matter most to you.'

Nahida said, her tone softening with a glimmer of hope.

'You also harbor intense affection for one person in particular. Perhaps it's because she saved your life? Or is it-'

'Young Pasha.'

Tempest interjected firmly, his voice taking on a serious tone.

'Yes, Tempest?'

Nahida responded, concern evident in her voice, as Tempest's tone shifted to something more serious.

'Don't delve even deeper into those memories, they are mine, and mine alone, I won't ask again.'

Tempest said firmly, a hint of warning in his voice.

'I... I understand, Tempest, I won't bring up this topic again, and I promise not to delve any deeper into those memories.'

Nahida replied softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

'Thank you, Young Pasha. Besides, mortals cannot fall in love with gods...'

Tempest replied, his voice carrying a note of resignation. He spoke as if he were convincing himself of an unspoken taboo, a boundary that should not be crossed. Yet, deep down, despite his attempts to deny it, every encounter with or even a mere glimpse of Furina only deepened his affection for her.

A brief silence enveloped them, as both Tempest and Nahida found themselves at a loss for words. The weight of their conversation lingered, leaving them unsure of what to discuss next.

"Brother!"

Fortunately, the silence was interrupted by Penance's voice calling out to him. Her cheerful tone brought a welcome distraction, breaking the tense pause between Tempest and Nahida.

"Whew! Can't you feel the heat, brother?"

Penance said, her hand shading her eyes as she squinted up at the sun. Tempest, meanwhile, remained perched comfortably on the boulder, fully basking in the warmth and light.

"Penance, is something wrong?"

Tempest inquired as he smoothly descended from the boulder, his brow furrowing in concern for his sister.

"No, brother, nothing's wrong. I just came to fetch you, lunch is ready, and everyone's waiting for you at the planning table. Rohan, Falric, and even that eccentric inventor you brought along are already there."

Penance explained, her tone casual but with a hint of urgency.

"I see, let's get going then."

Tempest responded, and Penance nodded in agreement. They both made their way towards the temporary camp, where the planning for their next moves awaited.

As they made their way to the camp, Tempest took in his surroundings. His men and the Mekas were hard at work, setting up tents and organizing supplies. The Knights of the Golden Hand, ever vigilant, saluted him as he passed by. Tempest acknowledged their respect with a nod.

'I must say, the technology of Fontaine is truly remarkable. But out of all the inventions, the one that has piqued my interest the most is that small box that plays music.'

Nahida remarked in Tempest's mind.

'A record player? Do you know how it works, Young Pasha?'

Tempest asked her.

'Yes! There is a box and inside the box, there is a tiny man that sings and plays musical instruments.'

Nahida explained with a hint of pride in her voice. She was, of course, mistaken in her description, but her enthusiasm for the innovative device was palpable.

'That's not how it works, Young Pasha...'

Tempest replied, mentally sighing in his mind.

'Really? I see. I thought that's how it worked, since I observed a child listening to one, and she mentioned that a tiny person was inside. How does it actually function, Tempest?'

Nahida asked, her curiosity piqued as she sought to understand the workings of the record player.

'Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure myself, Young Pasha. I'm not an inventor. However, if you're interested, you can listen to one later in my tent. Perhaps that will give you a better idea of how it works.'

Tempest said to Nahida.

'I would love to, Tempest. I look forward to experiencing it.'

Nahida responded through Tempest's mind, her curiosity piqued and her anticipation evident.

'Mhm.'

Tempest replied.

"Why are you still wearing that, brother?"

Penance asked, pointing to the Akasha Terminal in Tempest's ear.

"Hm? I just find it interesting, though I can't access much since I have low clearance, it's intriguing nonetheless."

Tempest replied to his sister.

"Hmm, okay."

Penance said, then snapped a picture of Tempest with the kamera hanging around her neck. The camera clicked softly as she captured the moment.

"I got lots of pictures already, do you think, Mother would like them?"

Penance asked as she showed Tempest a collection of images from her kamera. The photos included the impressive buildings of the Fontaine Research Institute, the grandeur of the Icewine Suite, various Mekas invented by Fontaine's engineers, the expansive open seas, and scenic shots of the coast.

"I have no doubts she will, dear sister. Keep going, your photos are wonderful."

Tempest said with a smile, gently patting Penance on the head.

"Mm! Gotcha!"

Penance replied with a smile, and shortly thereafter, they both entered the planning tent. Inside, Rohan, Falric, and Hatsume were intently studying a giant map spread across the table. As Tempest and Penance walked in, they all immediately stood up straight in acknowledgment.

"Your Grace."

Rohan and Falric greeted Tempest with a respectful bow.

"Chief!"

Hatsume called out with an eccentric smile, her excitement evident in her bright expression.

"Let's get started. Where are we currently?"

Tempest asked as he approached the map, his gaze scanning the detailed terrain and strategic points marked across it.

"We're currently in the desert region of Hadramaveth, Your Grace. According to local reports, this area is infested with creatures known as Wenut."

Rohan explained, pointing to a section of the map that highlighted the region.

They are giant, worm-like creatures that burrow in the sands, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey. I've heard that the Eremites frequently hunt these beasts to protect their territories, and for spices. Additionally, sandstorms are common throughout the desert, making navigation and survival even more challenging."

Falric added.

"Mhm, and when is the closest village or town from here?"

Tempest asked.

"This one, Your Grace."

Rohan said, pointing to a location on the map.

"It's owned by an Eremite tribe known as the Tanit. We don't know if they will be hostile or welcome us."

"I see. As you're aware, our primary goal for this expedition is to obtain the Warden-Class Primal Construct and bring it back to the Fontaine Research Institute."

Tempest said, pulling out a detailed picture from his pocket and showing it to Rohan and Falric.

"We'll most likely find these, Primal Constructs, here."

Tempest said, pointing to a region marked on the map as the Hypostyle Desert. The area was dotted with ancient pyramids and the crumbling remnants of Deshret's once-great civilization.

"Transporting something of this magnitude back to our base could indeed present a significant challenge, Your Grace."

Falric said, his tone reflecting concern.

"No worries at all! That's exactly why I'm here!"

Hatsume said with a beaming smile, giving a confident thumbs-up. Her enthusiasm was infectious, causing Tempest, Rohan, and Falric to turn their attention toward her.

"We'll just need some sturdy hooks and chains, then, we can have the Siege Engines pull the Primal Construct back to our base. After all, I originally designed those engines specifically for heavy-duty tasks! With their power and a bit of ingenuity, transporting the Construct will be no trouble at all. I'm confident we can manage it efficiently!"

Hatsume said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Excellent, Hatsume. Now then, we'll set out tomorrow. Rohan, Falric, you will be at the forefront of the caravan alongside me. Hatsume, you and your team of researchers will be responsible for collecting the cores of the lesser Primal Constructs. Ensure that your Siege Engines are strategically positioned on both sides and at the rear of the caravan. This arrangement will provide us with the necessary support and protection during our journey. Let's make sure everything is prepared and in place for a smooth operation."

Tempest gave out his orders.

"Tomorrow, we'll set out with a hundred fifty men, and I want to make it clear that our primary goal is to ensure everyone returns safely. The remainder of our forces will stay behind at the temporary camp to secure our base and manage supplies."

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As night enveloped the camp, Tempest retreated to the solitude of his private tent. There, he gently removed a record disk gifted to him by the Family. The title etched on the label was 'If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking.', he placed the disk on the turntable of his record player.

'I have noticed something about your men, Tempest. They hold a profound trust in you and your leadership. It is evident that many of them are so committed to your cause that they would willingly lay down their lives for you.'

Nahida conveyed through Tempest's mind.

'Many of these men have endured hell alongside me, Young Pasha, I led them into a battle where the odds were clearly against us, and the least I could do was fight alongside them.'

Tempest reflected, his thoughts drifting to The Purge and the Battle of Stormwind.

'I witnessed a memory of yours, and it was truly horrific. You and your rebels were caught off guard by treacherous assassins known as the 'Ghosts,' and suddenly, you were surrounded, because of their intervention. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, your Uncle arrived in the nick of time, providing the necessary backup to save you from certain doom.'

Nahida's voice grew solemn as she recalled the memory.

'Yes, and I am forever grateful to him. Let's change the topic shall we?'

Tempest said to Nahida, steering the conversation away from the past.

'Agreed, I apologize for making you recall such distressing memories, Tempest. It was not my intention to cause you any pain.'

Nahida said to Tempest, regretting she brought the topic.

'It's fine, Young Pasha. Now, shall I play the record for you?'

Tempest asked Nahida, his hand hovering over the record player, ready to share the music with her.

'Yes, please.'

Nahida replied, her voice brimming with excitement and anticipation, eager to hear the music that Tempest was about to play.

Tempest carefully placed the record on the player, letting the needle drop to start the music. As the soft melody filled the tent, he sat back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. He rested his head on his hand.

Nahida listened to the song intently, the melody tugging at something deep within her. The notes resonated with her own feelings of confinement, like a caged bird yearning to spread its wings and soar. As the music played on, she noticed that Tempest was beginning to doze off, the soothing tones lulling him into a peaceful slumber. The song eventually came to an end, and by then, Tempest had completely fallen asleep, comforted by the familiar of Robin's song.

'Thank you, Tempest. Normally, I don't do this to anyone, but Katheryne… I'll be quick.'

Nahida whispered in Tempest's mind, though he was already deep in sleep. Gently, she took control of his body, moving with care so as not to disturb him. She turned off the record player, ensuring the room was silent, then guided him to his bed, making sure he was comfortable.

'I'll return tomorrow...'

Nahida whispered softly. Once Tempest was settled in bed, she gently used his hand to remove the Akasha Terminal from his ear, placing it carefully by his side. With her task complete, she quietly relinquished control of his body, allowing him to rest undisturbed. Tempest continued to sleep peacefully, unaware of Nahida's tender care.