Just like Venti promised in his song, the "A Buoyant Breeze" was very tasty and people even asked for more, which he happily made. Venti was also happy to find out that Diluc was giving him a bottle of Dandelion wine, which to his amusement was what they used to wake him up to begin with.
An hour or two passed since then and Venti found himself getting bored...
...
Really bored...
...
Which then he decided everyone should know about, since they were the ones who made him sit under the tree to begin with...
-I know I am still hurt and need to heal...-He decided to say with a pout, sounding annoyed. -...BUT IT'S SO BORING JUST SITTING AROUND LIKE THIS!
This came out of nowhere to pretty much everyone around him…
-You still need to heal and we can't just take the tree with us. Can't you find something to preoccupy yourself with...? -Diluc said with a deadpan expression on his face, surprised at how the 2600+ god before him was pouting because he was bored. Rather than being the Anemo Archon, was he actually a little kid or something…? -...Besides, didn't Jean already tell you that you can ask for whatever you want and it will be brought to you…?
-It won't help! Because I would still be mostly sitting by the tree, looking at the same scene for hours and getting even more bored the more time passed! -Venti yelled out, pouting even more now. -And I already slept enough for one day, so I would just be sitting around, watching everyone sleep for the whole night! -He suddenly became very sad. -...As I would start contementing life again, thinking how many of my friends keep dying while I continue living, some even before they could actually experience life, the stupid rules those guys at Celestia made which makes things even worse for most of the world's population and how we are also partly guilty of it since we can't bring ourselves to tell people the truth and shatter their belief and then they die thinking that…
Venti kept mumbling and before long his words started to get incoherent…
…
Which everyone found to be quite concerning…
…
And Diluc couldn't help but wonder about what Venti said...
…
What was that comment about Celestia...?
...
"stupid rules those guys at Celestia made"...?
"makes things even worse for most of the world's population"...?
"we are also partly guilty of it since we can't bring ourselves to tell people the truth and shatter their belief"…?
…
...
What was actually going on in that place?
In the end it was decided that Venti would be continuing to stay by the tree and heal, while he told stories about different Mondstadt heroes. As Diluc decided to give him 3 wine bottles saying they, together with the one he had before, are Venti's agreed share for the day.
-Thank you, master Diluc! -Venti happily said, as he started drinking right from the bottle. -...No matter how many times I drink it, it's taste is wonderful~ It's truly the drink of the gods~
-...I was wondering about it for a while. But Lord Barbatos, why are you calling him "master" Diluc…? -Someone asked him in apparent confusion and Venti found himself too preoccupied with drinking the "drink of the gods" to check who it was. -...You are the Anemo Archon, after all. There should be no need for you to add a title to his name.
There's silence for a few seconds, before Venti chuckled.
-Oh, that...? -He finally says, looking amused. -It's because he is the MASTER of DAWN WINERY, where the most WONDEROUS DRINK is made...-There's a dramatic pause. -DANDELION WINE! -He practically yells out, akin to a hyperactive kid, making everyone look at him in concern. -...Hence I call him "Master Diluc"~
That explanation was as much "Venti" as it could have possibly got...
-...So, you call me that because of the wine...-Diluc says with a deadpan expression, before sighing heavily. -...I should have expected that the reason was something like this.
…
-...Well, it's time to tell you the story of my first friend! -Venti said, trying to sound cheerful, which managed to fool only some of the people around him. -About our rebellion against Decarabian, god of storms!
...
It was a bittersweet memory,
One he had trouble retelling...
...
But, it was time everyone knew what actually happened,
For his friend to get the recognition he deserved…
…
For his memory to be forgotten no more...
The memory was truly hard for him to share,
As Venti found it hard to finish the tale, again...
...
*He couldn't tell of his friend's ultimate fate,
How he died from arrow wounds,
Just as they had finally won…
...
Why was he the one to continue living, while his first friend, the one who sparked the flames of rebellion in the first place, had to die like that...?
...
It was just unfair...
-So you took your friend's form...? - A kid asks Venti, making him feel ashamed. When he took this form, he wanted his friend, the original Venti, to be remembered as the hero who saved his people from the tyrant. But instead his friend's memory was lost to time, while his form became associated with himself, the Anemo Archon. -...He looked just like you do right now?
The kid continues, unknowingly changing the uncomfortable topic before it can arise and Venti found himself sighing in relief.
-Well, mostly...- Venti replied, feeling ashamed that if he didn't take his form and used this name, he would have probably forgotten his friend's name and how he looked by now. -Of course the clothing was different and the eyes and hair looked normal.
-What do you mean by normal...? -Another kid asked him.
-His hair was in a single color, as well as his eyes...- Venti explains, while holding his hair tips to show everyone. -Unlike me, he was a normal human, after all.
-So that light in your eyes and hair tips is...?
-It's the Anemo element, yes. -Venti truthfully answered. -And when I use Anemo power, concentrating it in one place before drawing it out, the tips of my hair become even lighter and shinier. -The kids look at him in expectation, so he turns his lyre into a bow and uses his "Wind's Grand Ode" skill somewhere in the sky. -See...? -He then says as he motions to his hair, their tips glowing in a cyan light now. -Concentrated Anemo element.
...
-So, if someone has eyes and hair like yours, it means that they are elemental...- Diluc wonders aloud, to which Venti nods as he turns his bow back into a lyre. -That means we could easily find out if they are either humans or elementals, like spirits, Adepti and Archons...
-Yes. -Venti answers him, deciding not to tell that if it's exactly like his, but a different color instead, it means there's a high possibility that they are an Archon. -Also it's easier for us to recognize each other, no matter in what form, for we can see, feel, hear and smell the elements themselves. -Most people looked really confused after hearing this. -Well, the element I know the most is Anemo, which would have been strange if I didn't, since I am 100% Anemo myself…-He explains in a slightly amused voice, trying not to think about why most people looked so confused and why their confusion seemed to rise at his explanation. -Like the wind from this tree, it has a nice and sweet taste. -He happily adds, as he warmly looks at it. -That's why I like coming here so much~
…
*Well, as long as he doesn't stay awake for hours and get bored, that is...
...
-You can't fully conceal the Anemo element in your humanoid form, I see. -An intrigued male voice was heard, as it seemed like Albedo and Sucrose were holding notebooks and rapidly writing something in them. -And since you are 100% Anemo, due to you being the Anemo Archon, the Anemo element itself is like an extension of yourself.
-Basically speaking, yes. -Venti admitted, actually happy that not everyone was looking at him in confusion. -That's also the reason why I can masterfully control it.
...And communicate with the winds as well...
-I wondered about it for quite some time, but you can easily create wind currents, can't you? -Albedo suddenly asked him. -The idea for the "Wind Catcher" came from watching you make them. Am I right?
-...Yes, when we went to save Dvalin, Master Diluc, Jean and the traveler saw me make them many times. -Venti reminisced. -Creating wind currents is actually easier than making the eyestorm I showed everyone before, takes less Anemo power as well. They are an easy way to reach high places and each one stays for 20 seconds.
-20 seconds? It seems that we still need to perfect the "Wind Catcher", as the wind currents it releases only last for 9 seconds each. -Albedo thoughtfully said, before looking at Sucrose. -What do you think, Sucrose, want to try perfecting it with me?
Sucrose was silent for a few seconds...
-Yes, that sounds like it could become a satisfactory breakthrough in our research. -She finally answered him, looking intrigued. -...We would probably need some samples to analyze it's structure in order to successfully run tests...
-You are right, we will need to see what we are lacking in order to perfect it. -Albedo thoughtfully said, before looking at Venti. -Lord Barbatos, it might be rude to ask, but might you be willing to help us in our research...?
Venti thought about it for a few seconds...
-I don't really mind. As I stated before, wind currents are easy for me to make. Even if I am severely weakened, in fact. -He answered after a few moments, looking thoughtful. -...I suppose I can also let you study the "blessing" if you wish to. As long as you don't do anything strange with it, like randomly fusing it with inanimate objects or living beings. -He then suddenly looked in Sucrose's direction with a dead serious expression on his face. -Or trying to simmer it, like you tried to do with your Vision and the Dandelion seeds. -The expression turned into a glare. - Simmering it would cause a dangerous case of swirl reaction, which would lead to some unfortunate consequences both for you and anyone else in the vicinity...
-U-understood! -Sucrose yelled out, realizing what those "Unfortunate consequences'' might be. -I will be extra careful with it, so there won't be any casualties!
-Thank you for your cooperation and words of wisdom, Lord Barbatos. -Albedo said, looking and sounding intrigued. -Lord Barbatos, might you tell us what the "blessing" can be fused with without any complications?
-...You can call me "Venti" if you wish to. I actually like the name. And saying "Lord Barbatos" all the time must truly be a mouthful. Especially since you choose to add the title before the name, which is frankly quite unnecessary. -Venti told him in reassurance, the words meant for the other people around him as well. It actually started getting tiring to hear "Lord Barbatos" all the time. Especially in two or more sentences straight. -...As for the "blessing"...For an inanimate object fusion, a weapon or trinket which passed between generations like master Diluc's claymore would do. For they are usually sturdier and can contain the power without breaking. -He thoughtfully continued. -As for a person...Someone immortal or someone who already has great control of an element would be best. If used on a normal person, the power output may lead to drastic consequences.
-...Their bodies might break down from the extreme power output, which might lead to severe wounds or even death. -Albedo though aloud, his hand on his chin. -...Vision users on the other hand, should be able to survive it with little to no side effects.
-Yes, since the Vision itself would balance it...-Venti admitted. -...Due to its nature as both a container and a catalyst for elemental usage.
-Then, I should be able to use it! -Sucrose happily said, already thinking of the possibilities. -And as an Anemo Vision user, there shouldn't be any elemental reaction side effects. -Her eyes suddenly shone. -Can you imagine what kind of possibilities it could bring to our research?! What kind of things we can do with this...?!
-We can try making wind-brewed Cider! -Venti interrupted her, his eyes very shiny, akin to two lamp grasses. -I always wanted to drink something like...! -He suddenly paused, as he saw the looks he was getting. -...Sorry, I may have gotten too enthusiastic...
-No! It's completely fine, Lor...Venti! -Sucrose suddenly yelled out, looking determined. -No matter how weird and illogical the idea seems, you have to follow with it until you find the answer! Until you can create your own wonderland!
-You are absolutely right! You won't know until you try! -Venti happily agreed with her. He felt like he could kiss her on the cheek or pet her ears right here and now. -I am so happy I gave you a Vision! You understand me so well!
-..."Wind-brewed Cider". The idea is truly peculiar. But, just as you both said, if you don't try it you will never know. -Albedo thoughtfully said, looking between the two overly enthusiastic "teens". -But, to achieve it, a lot of work has to be done...
Venti felt himself deflate at the word "work" and could no longer listen to what Albedo was saying.
He was a free spirit, things like "work" went against his very nature…!
...
But then he realized he could do it in order to make his "Wind-brewed Cider" reality,
He would mostly be creating and giving away "research material", anyway...
-Can I join you in your research? -A voice was suddenly heard, as Dr. Edith walked up to the three of them, looking determined and a little pleading. -I still need some material for my new book.
Venti wondered if he should give her a Vision when he is stronger…
…
And it seems like the three of them were currently looking towards him,
Two eyes expectant and four silently waiting for a reply…
...
Did they want him to decide if Edith is to join them or not...?
…
Well, he did have the most authority between the three of them,
But it would have been better if they were to decide it by themselves…
…
Letting him decide was also a decision on their part,
So he might as well do it, right…?
…
He found out that he didn't mind Edith joining their research group,
On the contrary, the idea was quite favorable to him...
*More people in the group meant less work for himself…
-Of course you can join our research group, Edith. -Venti finally said in a very welcoming voice, as he tried not to show his true thoughts on his face. -With more people in the group, it would be…!
-Paimon can't take it anymore! -An annoyed voice suddenly interrupted, as a pissed of looking Paimon suddenly flew right into their discussion. -Can you stop with the science talk already and continue telling stories?!
…
Right,
He almost forgot about that…
…
How much time were the four of them in their own world...?
*By the looks of the people around them, it seems that for quite a while...
…
…
He wondered whose story he should tell next...
-Bar...Venti! Can you tell us a story about Vennessa? -Dr. Edith suddenly said, with stars in her eyes. -How you meet, what happened next and until the fight with Ursa the drake and against the nobility and with as many little details as possible and...!
Venti found himself taken aback with how excited she currently was,
Was Edith actually a die-hard fan of Vennessa…?
…
Either way, he wasn't against telling her story...
…
...
Venti wondered why it was so quiet right now…
...
Why didn't Vennessa say anything about him deciding to tell her story?
…
And wasn't it already strangely quiet for some time now?
…
...
Did he unconsciously close their communication...?
...
...
He did…!
*Must be because he was still healing...
...
Let's see...
...
Was it working now...?
" Oh! We can communicate again!", the winds exclaimed in surprise and relief.
Venti wondered why there wasn't a voice yelling at him for so rudely closing their communication...
...
Wasn't Vennessa around?
"...S-she...W-well...", the winds started explaining awkwardly, "...She flew away to, and we quote: "Take care of the trash. Thoughtfully~" , while mumbling something about "He may be a lazy moron, but he is OUR lazy moron…!" and "The nerve of THAT BITCH!" ...", there was suddenly a slight pause, "...We decided to stop listening after that and just leave her to whatever she was about to do and whoever she planned to murder..."
...
Venti wondered if all Muratans were like that,
Wasn't master Diluc acting strangely before this as well…?
*And even said that he planned to murder all the Fatui and the Abyss order members...
…
*And he wasn't a moron, he was just high-spirited!
Vennessa should have known the difference by now...
...
…
It would be better not to think about it anymore and just start telling Vennessa's story…
-Of course! -Venti finally answered with a dazzling smile, trying not to think about the other "stuff". -I would love to share the story of my dear friend with everyone~