Chapter 76: Last Talk

(Chapter 76 Last Talk)

Ra's voice echoed thunderously in Tempest's mind, stern and unyielding. The words reverberated through his thoughts, filling him with a sense of foreboding.

Tempest closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Ra's voice, powerful as it was, had the weight of an unbreakable law behind it. And now, that law bound him in ways he hadn't anticipated. His loyalty to Fontaine, the power he had earned, could not be used for Nahida's sake.

"I understand Great One. The power I've borrowed is meant solely for Fontaine and for my Lady. I won't rely on it here, not for this. Forgive me."

Tempest muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with both respect and frustration.

Tempest bowed his head slightly, acknowledging the unseen force of Ra's presence. The weight of his words, spoken into the air, felt like a contract, an oath reaffirmed. He knew better than to defy the divine pact he had made, even if it meant setting aside the immense power he had grown accustomed to wielding.

Tempest clenched his fists, the fire in his eyes now dimmed but still burning with determination. He wouldn't rely on Ra's blessing this time, but he wasn't about to walk away. He glanced back at Nahida, whose weary expression seemed to carry the weight of centuries.

"It's fine, I'm fine, Tempest. Please, don't waste any more time on me... Your god has spoken, and you have your duties elsewhere."

She paused, her gaze falling to the floor once again, the sorrow in her eyes deepening.

"There are more important matters for you to attend to than freeing someone like me. My time will come eventually, or maybe it won't, but I've made peace with that."

Her words were quiet but heavy as if they carried the weight of years of isolation and unspoken suffering.

Tempest sighed deeply, the weight of Ra's words still lingering in his mind. He clenched his fist and spoke with determination.

"I'm not done yet. It's true, that I can only use Ra's blessing if it directly benefits Fontaine, but let's be honest, I can be a bit selfish when it comes to things like this. And even if I can't call upon Ra's power here, I still have my Pyro Delusion."

With those words, his Pyro Delusion flared to life, casting an intense glow across the sanctuary. The warmth radiated off him as the flickering flames manifested into a Pyro hatchet.

"I can't rely on Ra's power to do what I want all the time. I have my own strength, and I'm going to use it."

Tempest declared, his voice echoing through the sanctuary as he gripped the Pyro hatchet tighter.

Without wasting another moment, he launched himself at the tree imprisoning Nahida. The hatchet's searing blade struck the thick roots with a force that sent sparks flying. Each blow came down with raw, fiery power, but the tree's unnatural regeneration worked tirelessly, healing the wounds as quickly as Tempest inflicted them. For every chunk of wood, he carved away, the roots reformed, the bark mending itself with alarming speed.

"Dammit!"

Tempest growled through gritted teeth, sweat beginning to bead on his brow. The tree wasn't just healing, it was fighting back. Thick, gnarled vines lashed out at him, each one striking with the force of a whip. He narrowly dodged one, only to be caught by another, its sharp tendrils wrapping around his arm and pulling him back. With a grunt, he hacked at the vine, freeing himself.

"Tempest, enough!"

Nahida's voice rang out, cutting through the sound of cracking wood and searing flames. Her usually gentle tone now carried an urgency that made Tempest pause mid-swing.

Tempest turned to look at her, his breath heavy from the exertion.

"I'm almost there, Young Pasha. Just a little more, and-"

"No."

Nahida interrupted, her voice soft but firm.

"You can't win against it. This tree... it's not something that can be destroyed by force alone."

Tempest gritted his teeth, his frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"So what? Am I just supposed to leave you here? To rot in this prison while that bastard Azar uses you for his twisted plans?"

Nahida's eyes softened, her weariness evident in the way her shoulders slumped.

"This prison is more than just roots and branches, Tempest. It's not something you can burn away with your Delusion, no matter how strong you are."

Tempest lowered his weapon, the flames on his hatchet flickering uncertainly before dissipating entirely. He stood there, staring at the ground, the weight of her words settling over him like a heavy cloak.

"You've done enough. You've helped more than you realize, even just by being here. Please, Tempest, don't lose yourself in anger over something you can't change right now."

Nahida said with a faint smile, her voice gentle once more.

"I will not stand by and watch as you wither into obscurity..."

Tempest declared, his voice steely with resolve. The Pyro Delusion flared to life once more, conjuring two blazing hatchets in his hands.

Nahida's expression turned somber as she witnessed Tempest's unwavering pride and determination. Her eyes closed slowly, her face reflecting a deep sadness.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this."

Nahida said softly, almost as if speaking to herself.

"What are you doing?! Get out of my head, Young Pasha!"

Tempest roared, his voice laced with frustration.

"I'm giving you a chance to be finally free! And yet you're stopping me?!"

Tempest growled as he grappled with Nahida's influence. His mind was a battleground of wills, each thought a fierce clash between his determination and her restraint.

Tempest's brow furrowed deeply as he mentally fought against Nahida's attempt to seize control of his body. Each moment of resistance felt like an eternity, and his frustration grew with every inch she gained.

'I'm sorry, Tempest. Thank you for being my friend. You've done more than enough.'

Nahida said through Tempest's mind, and shortly, Tempest's golden eyes dimmed and were replaced by the vivid green of Nahida's eyes. It was clear that Nahida had assumed control over his body, her will now guiding Tempest's actions.

"Let's get you back home..."

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"Mmpf..."

Tempest let out a groggy murmur as his eyes fluttered open. He found himself lying on the plush bed in the room provided by Urgath. He slowly sat himself up, his hand instinctively reaching to his forehead as fragments of the previous night's events began to piece themselves together in his mind.

The memories of the night's events were hazy, like a dream half-remembered. Tempest's thoughts drifted back to the moment when Nahida had taken control of his body.

"So be it then..."

Tempest muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible, yet filled with a quiet resignation. The reality of the situation weighed heavily on him, as Nahida, Tempest's help, had seemingly accepted her fate as a prisoner.

Tempest rose from the bed, his movements slow, still feeling the remnants of weariness tugging at his body. His gaze shifted toward the metal suitcase resting near the foot of the bed. Without a word, he knelt down and unlatched the case.

"Ah... thanks for that."

He muttered quietly to himself, a mixture of relief and gratitude in his tone.

Inside the suitcase lay the Ghost suit. It was clear that Nahida had removed it before settling him into bed.

Tempest could hear the sound of running approaching his room, he quickly hid the metal suitcase under the bed.

"Brother!"

Penance called, her energy unmistakable as she rushed into his room.

Tempest turned to face her, a faint smile pulling at the corners of his lips.

"You seem to be in a hurry."

Tempest said to his sister.

"I am! Brother, can we please go to the Grand Bazaar? I've heard so much about it, and they say it's even more vibrant today with all sorts of performers and stalls!"

Penance exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture.

Tempest let out a quiet sigh, the corners of his mouth lifting into a small smile.

"Alright. We can go to the Grand Bazaar. But only if you promise to stay close. It's easy to get lost in the crowd."

He said, his tone softening.

"Got it!"

Penance's face lit up, her joy uncontainable. Without waiting for further confirmation, she darted forward, pulling at his arm as if to drag him out the door right that instant.

"Do you require an escort, Your Grace?"

Tempest's knight inquired, his voice steady and respectful. He stood at attention near the entrance of Urgath's building.

"No need, I alone am enough. I appreciate your concern, but it won't be necessary this time."

Tempest replied calmly, his tone leaving little room for argument.

"As you wish, Your Grace."

The knight responded, his voice measured and respectful and bowing his head in acknowledgment.

"Shall we?"

Tempest asked, turning to face his sister with a soft smile, his usual stoic expression giving way to something more gentle.

"Mm!"

Penance responded enthusiastically, her voice filled with uncontained excitement.

With a swift motion, she led the way as they both exited Urgath's building. The cool air of Sumeru City greeted them, a welcome change from the interior of the building. The streets outside were alive with the vibrant hustle and bustle typical of a city in the midst of its daily rhythm. Vendors called out their wares, the mingling scents of exotic spices and freshly prepared food wafted through the air, and the distant murmur of conversations created a lively backdrop.

As Tempest and Penance meandered through the bustling streets, they found themselves passing by the Adventurers' Guild. Just as they approached, Katheryne greeted them.

"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild."

Katheryne called out warmly, her voice carrying a note of genuine enthusiasm.

"Good morning! Miss Katheryne of Sumeru! Do you know where the Grand Bazaar is?"

Penance called out, her voice bright and full of cheer.

"Of course! The Grand Bazaar is just a short walk from here. If you head down this street and take the second left, you'll find yourself at the entrance. It's hard to miss with all the vibrant activity and colorful stalls."

Katheryne's smile remained warm as she responded, clearly accustomed to such inquiries from adventurers and outlanders alike.

"Enjoy your time there! The Grand Bazaar is one of Sumeru's greatest treasures, filled with unique goods and fascinating performers."

She gestured in the direction they needed to go, her instructions clear and helpful.

"Thank you! Let's go, brother!"

Penance said, her excitement evident as she prepared to rush off toward their destination. She tugged at Tempest's arm, eager to start their adventure.

However, Tempest remained rooted to the spot, his gaze narrowing as he fixed his eyes on Katheryne. There was a contemplative look in his eyes, a silent question that seemed to linger in the air.

"Is there something amiss, Te- erm, Mister?"

Katheryne asked, her voice tinged with concern. Her eyes darted away from Tempest's intense gaze, unable to hold his steady stare for long.

"Brother? Something wrong?"

Penance asked, her voice laced with concern. She looked between Tempest and Katheryne, sensing the tension in the air.

"No, let's go."

Tempest said, shaking his head slightly. He took one final, measured glance at Katheryne, his expression softening just slightly before he turned to follow his sister.

Penance, eager to continue, was already a few steps ahead, her excitement unabated by the brief interruption. Tempest fell into step beside her, his earlier concerns momentarily set aside as they made their way toward the Grand Bazaar.

"Penance, hold on."

Tempest called out, his tone calm but firm, causing his sister to pause mid-step. His eyes had caught sight of something intriguing, an antique store, its sign reading 'Menakeri's Treasure Shop.'

"Shall we go in?"

Penance asked, her eyes wide with curiosity as she glanced up at her brother.

Tempest turned to Penance, his expression softening.

"Let's take a look. But remember, we're just browsing."

Their first sight upon entering was the store's owner, a man with a face of admiration, deeply absorbed in inspecting one of his own wares. He was hunched over a piece of jewelry, turning it over in his hands with a look of quiet admiration. Despite the sound of the bell announcing their arrival, he didn't acknowledge Tempest or Penance. His focus remained solely on the object before him, as if the world outside his shop didn't exist.

"Brother! Look at this!"

Penance called out, her voice brimming with excitement as she beckoned Tempest over.

She stood in front of a wooden shelf, her wide eyes fixed on a small, unassuming box nestled among various trinkets and old relics. As Tempest approached, he noticed what had caught her attention. Inside the box, resting on a bed of faded velvet, were six unactivated Visions, they were all white. The dull stones sat there, lifeless and dormant.

"I've never seen so many unactivated Visions in one place before."

Penance's eyes were wide with wonder as she gazed at the Visions.

"Do you think they're real?"

She murmured, her voice now hushed with awe.

'Teacher has many of these... Do these also belong to dead Vision users?'

Tempest wondered, his thoughts churning with curiosity.

"Please leave if you're not planning to buy anything."

The shopkeeper said abruptly, his voice gruff and impatient. He finally looked up from his inspection, his eyes narrowing as he took in Tempest and Penance standing by the box of unactivated Visions.

"We're just looking around."

Penance said, her voice carrying a note of polite but firm resolve.

I doubt you'd find anything within your budget here anyway, hmph."

The shopkeeper let out a resigned sigh, clearly annoyed by the interruption.

Despite the shopkeeper's brusque dismissal, Tempest and Penance continued their. Penance, her curiosity undeterred, roamed the aisles with renewed enthusiasm, her eyes scanning every shelf and display for something captivating.

As Tempest continued his examination of the shop's eclectic assortment, something caught his eye, a delicate glass vial filled with clear water. At first glance, it appeared ordinary, but there was something subtly intriguing about it that set it apart from the rest of the clutter.

"What's this?"

Tempest asked, his voice steady as he held up the delicate vial, his curiosity evident in his tone.

The shopkeeper, still leaning against the counter, glanced up with a hint of irritation.

"That's not for sale. You probably don't have enough Mora to buy it anyway."

He said dismissively.

Tempest's irritation was beginning to show. The shopkeeper's dismissive tone and the refusal to engage only fueled his growing frustration. Tempest reached into his uniform and pulled out a sleek, embossed card. He placed it firmly on the counter, the name and insignia clearly visible.

"H-House Vance?!"

The shopkeeper stammered, his eyes widening in surprise as he glanced at the card. The sudden recognition in his voice betrayed a shift in his demeanor.

"A-Ah, my apologies, dear customer."

The shopkeeper stammered, his demeanor shifting from aloof to visibly respectful. He cleared his throat and continued.

"This vial contains water from Vourukasha Oasis. It is said that fairy-like creatures guard the place, and the oasis itself is believed to have formed on the remnants of the fallen Archon of Fontaine, Egeria."

His tone became more reverent as he spoke, clearly aware of the significance of the artifact.

'Neuvillette... He has a preference for water in its purest form. There was this one time he went on and on for an hour about how water tastes differently in the various nations. So if you happen to find some crystal clear water in Sumeru, that might just appease him and satisfy his unique taste.'

Furina's words echoed clearly in Tempest's mind, the memory of their conversation coming alive with vivid detail.

"I'll take it."

Tempest said decisively, his tone leaving no room for further discussion. He placed the vial carefully on the counter, his eyes locked on the shopkeeper's.

"Give this card to Urgath when you get the chance. He'll ensure that House Vance covers the cost."

The shopkeeper's eyes widened once more as he accepted the card, the realization dawning on him that Tempest's words carried significant weight. He nodded slowly, a mixture of relief and newfound respect evident in his expression.

"Brother! Take these as well, I want to gift them to Mother!"

Penance exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She hurriedly brought over a box filled with a dazzling assortment of ribbons and jewelry, each piece native to Sumeru.

"We'll take these as well."

Tempest said, his voice firm and assured as he gestured toward the box of ribbons and jewelry. The shopkeeper, now fully attentive and respectful, nodded in acknowledgment.

Shortly afterward, Tempest and Penance exited the shop, Tempest carrying the bag with their new purchases. As they stepped back into the bustling streets of Sumeru City, Tempest glanced around, his senses alert. A strange feeling lingered in the back of his mind, an inexplicable sense of unease that seemed to cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant surroundings.

'I'm being watched again...'

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Tempest and Penance made their way into the Grand Bazaar, and they were instantly captivated by the vibrant scene unfolding before them. The bustling marketplace was alive with energy, as a large crowd had gathered around a raised stage. At the center of attention was a performer, who danced with an enchanting grace, her movements fluid and captivating.

"So pretty..."

Penance murmured, her eyes wide with admiration as she watched the dancer's mesmerizing performance.

"Let's get a closer look, brother!"

The beauty and elegance of the show were clearly enchanting, and her voice was filled with genuine awe. She glanced at Tempest, her excitement barely contained.

With a bright, eager smile, she tugged gently at Tempest's sleeve, urging him to follow. The allure of the performance was irresistible, and the pair eagerly maneuvered through the crowd, weaving their way toward the stage to experience the spectacle up close.

Tempest watched the performer dance with a growing sense of admiration. The dancer's skill and grace were undeniable, and Tempest found himself thoroughly impressed. The performance reminded him of Robin's own captivating displays, drawing a parallel between the two in terms of artistry and elegance.

"Isn't Teacher so pretty?"

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

Tempest turned to see a young girl standing nearby. Her bright red hair framed her face in vibrant contrast to her light aqua eyes, which were filled with admiration as she watched the dancer on stage. Her gaze was unwavering, clearly captivated by the performance and the dancer's skill.

"Yeah."

As the final notes of the music played, the performer concluded their routine with a gracefully executed bow. The movement was both elegant and poised, bringing the dance to a fitting and spectacular end. The audience responded with a wave of applause and cheers, their appreciation evident in the enthusiastic clapping and cheers that filled the air.

"I hope you have a wonderful time here, Mister! I'm Nilou! A performer in training for the Zubayr Theater. I hope you'll have a wonderful time at the Grand Bazaar!"

The young girl said warmly. She introduced herself with a bright smile. As she spoke, Nilou extended a box of sweets toward Tempest, her gesture both friendly and thoughtful.

"Thank you, Nilou."

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Tempest found a quiet corner of the bustling Grand Bazaar and took a seat at a small, unoccupied table. He leaned back, to wait while Penance indulged in her shopping spree and joined some of the dancers who had invited her to participate in their festivities.

Footsteps approached from behind. Despite the growing presence, Tempest remained still and composed, his posture relaxed and his attention focused on the distant figures of the dancers.

"I didn't know you could also take control of bionic mechs, Young Pasha."

Tempest remarked, his voice steady and composed. He didn't even turn to look at Katheryne, fully aware that the person before him was Nahida borrowing her form.

"Came to change your mind?"

Tempest continued.

"Ah, you caught me..."

Nahida replied, her voice coming through Katheryne's lips with a faint hint of resignation.

"I was just hoping to say goodbye... Since you're about to leave soon, I wanted to take a moment to bid you farewell."