//Réprimer les Vagues d'Émotions// [Neuvillette x Traveler]

//Changing Tides//

You stretched your arms up high, as you woke up after a good night's rest. The sound of birds chirping sang softly through the window, a nice breeze flowed into your room, and pastel blue filled the sky.
"Oh, you're awake!"
You looked over to Paimon, who was floating around and waiting for you to awaken.
"You better hurry up, or we're gonna be late for our rendezvous with Navia this morning!" She floated over to you and started trying to shake you awake. "Come on, Traveler, wake up!"
"I got it Paimon, just give me a second! I'm getting up, I promise!" You laughed and then sat up, trying to muster up the energy to start getting ready. It had been two days since Navia, Paimon, and yourself had solved the case of the Serial Disappearances, and restored Callas's honor. The feeling of victory was still fresh in everyone's hearts, and you all had decided to meet to do something fun to celebrate.
"Are you ready Paimon?"
"I've been ready, I've been waiting for you, slowpoke!" She shot back.
"Alright, let's head out then." With that, You and Paimon left your room and headed to your meeting spot. The two of you walked through the streets until you found the meeting spot, where Navia was waiting for you, along with Silver and Melus.
She waved them goodbye, and dashed over to You and Paimon. "Hey you guys! Do either of you have any ideas for what we should do today?" Navia inquired.
"Paimon thinks that we should go to the Hotel Debord again! We can try some more of their yummy food!" Paimon said gleefully as your group walked through the streets of the Court of Fontaine once again.
You shot back, "Of course you'd say that, Paimon..." You turned to Navia, "somehow I'm not surprised."
"Hey!" Paimon screeched, as you and Navia giggled.
"I mean, I wouldn't be opposed to the idea." Navia paused. "Although, the Spina di Rosula is still kind of in the red... sooo..."
"Don't worry Navia, I can cover it this time," you smiled.
"Thank you Traveler."
"Yippee!" Paimon cheered. "Let's get going then!"
                                                                                                                //~~~~//
You and the rest of the group started to make their way to the Hotel Debord. As you walked through the Quartier Narbonnais, you gazed up and down the streets, taking in every single detail; The streets were unusually empty, and the sky had darkened with dark grays and cadet blue.
"I guess there must be another trial going on today..." you said.
"I think you're right..." Navia responded, "justice never ceases—"
"Indeed, you are correct, dearest Traveler!" A strong voice pierced through the tranquility.
You, Navia, and Paimon scanned the premises; you all looked up to see the Hydro Archon herself, peering down upon you condescendingly.
"And what a trial it was! There were so many twists and turns, I just live for the suspense!"
You gazed back at her incredulously, as Navia scoffed.
"Oh, the most illustrious Lady Furina, how joyous are we to be basking in your divine presence." Navia projected, with sarcasm dripping from every word.
"Thank you, dear citiz— Hey, are you mocking me?! Don't you know that this is a crime of the highest off—"
You stepped in front of Navia. "She didn't mean to phrase it that way..."
"Yes, I did—!"
"Shhh!" You placed your hand over her mouth. "I apologize in her stead, Lady Furina."
"Hmm..." Furina pondered. She shrugged, "I guess I accept your apology, but only because I'm patiently awaiting our next battle of wits and logic. Anyway, it was a most entertaining trial... although..."
"Although, what?" You asked.
"Ah, it is nothing, Traveler... it is just..." Furina hesitated. "The Chief Justice hasn't been his usual self for the past couple of days."
"Hm?... how so?" The Archon's words had piqued your interest. You had only ever met with Chief Justice Neuvillette a handful of times, and even those instances took place in more professional settings. You didn't know him well; you practically didn't even know him at all; however, you were still intrigued nonetheless.
Furina spoke again, breaking your train of thought. "Ever since the incident with the harbinger, Tartaglia, and the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, he has been working nonstop to find the truth! He..." Furina's voice softened. "...hasn't been taking care of himself."
You and Navia turned your heads and locked eyes with each other, as if you were on the same wavelength.
Navia cleared her throat. "With all due respect, Lady Furina... you created the Oratrice, so shouldn't you know the reason for the discrepancy?"
"Well, I— Of course I know!" the Hydro Archon shouted, as she laughed nervously. "Unfortunately, it is not time for me to reveal that information to the world. But that is not the point! When I try to ask him to take a break, he just shoos me away... by Celestia it is infuriating!" Furina, sensing that she was working herself up, paused to take a breath. "He doesn't take me seriously," she said despondently, as she looked at You. "But... he might take you seriously, Traveler."
You sighed. It seemed as if you were about to be roped into another God's personal drama. "Let me get this right; you want me to go get Neuvillette and make him self-care?"
Furina's expression brightened. "Yes, that would be most excellent!"
"Ugh... do I really have to?"
She sighed. "I wouldn't normally resort to this, but..." Furina paused. "Please, please, please, Traveler! Just try, I'll even grant you a favor, should you succeed!"
You were taken aback. Witnessing the Hydro Archon beg for your help was not something that You thought would happen today, but the mention of a favor caught your attention.
"And what could I ask for with this favor?" You asked.
"Whatever— ahem... nearly whatever you want!"
"I'll do it," You said as Navia and Paimon gasped. You didn't even really have to think about your answer. You remembered the reason for your journey; the quest to find your sibling. If I succeed, then I could use the favor to get more information on my sibling... You thought.
"Wonderful! Now hop to it!"
"But we were about to—..."
"There's no time! Just go!" Furina interrupted. "I must go now, good luck!" She waved goodbye, and then quickly vanished.
You, Paimon, and Navia stood in silence for a moment, before Paimon broke the tension.
"Traveler, why would you do that!? We have plans today!"
"Sorry Paimon, but that favor might bring us one step closer to finding the truth about my sibling. I have to take this opportunity."
Paimon groaned, "Paimon supposes you're right... but that means we'll have to wait to celebrate!"
Navia spoke up. "Paimon, what if you just stick around with me for the day, while the Traveler is away?" She smiled, as she turned to you. "This is an important chance for you, so we'll stick back for this one."
You smiled back at both of them. "Thank you both. Paimon, I promise that once I'm done, I'll treat us to a four-course meal at the Hotel Debord."
"Hooray!" Paimon cheered.
You turned up to face the Palais Mermonia, the large structure that the Chief Justice's office resided in. "I guess I better get going... wish me luck." You laughed nervously.
"Good luck Traveler!"
"You got this!"
"I'll see you both later, try not to have too much fun without me!" You waved Paimon and Navia goodbye, and started to walk towards Neuvillette's office, as droplets of rain hit your face.