When the volcano meets the glacier

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓲𝓽𝓻𝓮 4 : 𝓐𝓷 𝓾𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓵

The next morning, the atmosphere changed. The fire is out, but the heat between them persists. They stand at a distance, each taking on his role, but something is different. The link they made the day before cannot be ignored, even if they try to convince themselves otherwise.

Capitano is preparing for their departure, his face as impassive as before. But Mavuika notices the small details, the softer gestures, the look that lingers a little too long on her. They say nothing, but the silence between them is now full of promise.

They know that this peace between them is fragile, that the reality of their positions will soon come back to haunt them. But for the moment, they let the uncalled float among them, taking advantage of this temporary truce in the war that they lead.

They are no longer just enemies. They have become much more than that, and this link, dangerous as it is, is something none of them can now ignore.

After a few days of their night together, the tensions between Mavuika and Capitano have only increased, although everything remains silent. Each one pretends to take up his role, carefully concealing the emotions that are pulling them. But there is something new that disturbs this fragile balance.

Tartaglia, the fearsome eleventh Harbinger Fatuus, arrives at the camp. He is sent by the Tsaritsa to supervise the situation, but also to offer a reinforcement to General Capitano. His appearance, with his charming smile and relaxed air, upsets the atmosphere.

Mavuika watches from a distance, gauging the newcomer with silent suspicion. Tartaglia, in his own way, quickly gets to know her, throwing her strong looks and compliments, visibly intrigued by this pyro archon warrior who dared to stand up to Capitano. He openly provokes her with his playful humor, testing her limits while being fascinated by her strength.

—"Maybe you should join the Fatui," said Tartaglia, winking at her. "We could make a team of shock, you and I."

Mavuika smiles at him, without really responding, but this calculated lightness does not escape Capitano. He stands back, arms crossed, his face impassive, but something darker shines in his eyes. With each exchange between Tartaglia and Mavuika, he feels his patience crumble a little more.

Tartaglia, who likes to play with tensions, pushes the game even further. He approaches Mavuika with a certain casualness, speaking to her in an almost intimate way, as if he did not see Capitano watching from afar. He touches her arm to attract his attention, and although Mavuika keeps her calm, she feels the atmosphere load with a silent threat.

Capitano has never been a man of words. He usually lets his actions speak. But this time, a dull anger begins to bubble in him. The idea that Tartaglia, with his nonchalance, can attract Mavuika makes him crazy. Part of him knows that this jealousy has no place here – they are at war, and she is an enemy, yet he cannot ignore it.

He finally approaches, his feet heavy and determined. When he comes near them, his cold gaze is on Tartaglia, then on Mavuika. The atmosphere is becoming electric, literally. Mavuika can feel the sparks crackling around her, her own power reacting to the intensity of the situation.

—"That's enough," growls Capitano, his voice low but full of authority. "Tartaglia, you have something else to do."

Tartaglia smiles, raising an eyebrow, feeling the tension. He slightly backs away, raising his hands in peace, but his sneer smile does not fade.

—"As you wish, Capitano," he said amused." I'll slip away, but... keep an eye on her. She might change sides."

Then, without another word, Tartaglia moves away, but not before having cast a last seductive glance at Mavuika. She, still silent, watches the scene, intrigued by Capitano's reaction. The silence between them is heavy, almost oppressive.