After thinking about some more, Venti decided that whatever way their world came to be and the way it really is, it was still their world no matter what. He was a part of it, so he had to do his part for it as well. For the world, for Teyvat and for his people. And speaking of his people, it seems like he was eerily silent for so long, that they got worried for him and Vennessa was even panicking. After reassuring everyone that he was okay so "no need to worry" and realizing that it was near midnight now, they decided to have some chit-chat.
Some time later, in the middle of the night when most of his citizens were asleep, Venti feels that he has fully healed. Which was soon proven true when both the Anemo circle under him and the green light around him had disappeared. That was also when he realized that he was practically a "danger magnet" right now.
The enemies were still after his Gnosis,
And this time they were going to kill him for sure...
...
Him and everyone else who got in the way...
...
...
He couldn't put them in danger...!
...
He couldn't stay with them...!
...
He had to get away from the city and his people!
He had to go and hide somewhere so that...!
"VENTI! ARE YOU INSANE?! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN THINKING?! IF YOU GO ALONE YOU WILL SURELY GET KILLED!", Vennessa yelled in rage and disapprovement, "YOU SHOULD STAY IN THE CITY WHERE IT'S SAFER! ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO MAKE EVERYO...!"
Venti didn't want to hear it right now,
So he closed their communication...
...
He had to get away before anyone notices and tries to stop him...
...
...
It would have been so much easier if his people hated him...
-Venti...? Where are you going...?! Y-you are not just trying to leave, are you?! -He suddenly heard a concerned voice, just as he was about to teleport away. It turned out to have been Jean, who wasn't asleep anymore. It seems that her concerned yelling woke up everyone else as well and they were looking in their direction now.
...
Well...
This was awkward...
...
Should he make up some kind of story or...?
...
No, it won't work right now,
They already realized that he was trying to run away...
...
...
The truth it is, then...
-...Oh, I am just going to go hide somewhere. Since the enemies are after me, I would need to find a very good hiding spot...! -Venti finally answers her, trying and failing to sound nonchalant, while making everyone else look concerned as well. This was really awkward...-...B-but, don't worry! I-I will be mostly in my wind spirit form, which almost no one knows off! A-and I will visit master Diluc each day for my agreed share of Dandelion wine! A-and I will also occasionally come to the city in order to create "materials" for Albedo's, Sucrose's and Edith's research! A-and I can also stay in old Monds...!
-You are not staying in Mondstadt…? -Jean interrupts him, sounding and looking even more concerned now. -You do remember that...?
-Won't the city be attacked and people killed if I did? -Venti interrupts her, still trying to sound nonchalant, which makes everyone around even more concerned. It wasn't going well, was it...? -...As Mondstadt's Archon, I can't have that.
-The enemies are after you. They will stop at nothing until you are...-Jean reminds him, sounding grave, while trying not to add that they want him dead. -...And since everyone now knows who you are, it would be safer for you if you stay in the city.
...
It really wasn't going well,
His people were too caring, loving and faithful for their own good...
...
It would be safer for him to stay in the city, yes.
But, doing so will put their lives in danger...
...
Did they not realize this fact...?
Or were they too worried about him to acknowledge it...?
...
...
*It really would have been a lot easier if they hated him,
Just like he heard that the "Snezhnayan common folk" hated the Tsaritsa...
...
This fact made Venti sigh heavily...
-Jean, I know that you are a real devotee and I appreciate it. I also know that everyone here is also really concerned for my well being, which I appreciate as well. -He finally said, sounding a little weary. -...But, you don't seem to know what an Archon should actually do... -He said as he looked up at the sky for a few seconds. -Other than ruling over our nations (Which I don't like doing, at all...) we are also supposed to protect our nation and citizens...-He explains, before looking at Jean in the eyes and then looking at everyone else. -We are supposed to protect you all! Not actively invite danger! -He says, before looking down sadly. - If the city gets attacked because of me and people get killed...- He suddenly looked up in determination. -... I do not wish to see such a horrible scene!
-WELL, WE DON'T WANT YOU TO DISAPPEAR EITHER! -Jean suddenly yelled, sounding really mad now. -...LIKE WHAT NEARLY HAPPENED A FEW HOURS AGO, IF YOU DON'T REMEMBER...!
- I GET THAT YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT MY WELLBEING! BUT, YOU SAW THAT I CAN BE HEALED FROM MORTAL WOUNDS, DIDN'T YOU!? -Venti interrupted her, also really mad now. - BUT IF YOU GET MORTALLY WOUNDED, YOU WILL DIE! YOU_WILL_BE_DEAD! -The wind started to pick up around him, quickly turning into a hurricane. - THEN YOU WILL EITHER RANDOMLY REINCARNATE WITH ONLY YOUR MEMORIES AND/OR PERSONALITY INTACT! OR EITHER REINCARNATE AS A HOLLOW SHELL OF YOUR PAST SELVES, BECOME A PART OF THE WORLD OR JUST DISAPPEAR ALTOGETHER!
-YOU DIDN'T DISAPPEAR ONLY BECAUSE DVALIN HELPED US GET YOU HERE IN TIME! ONLY MOMENTS LATER AND YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN GONE! WHICH REMINDS ME, WHAT WERE YOU EVEN THINKING WITH THAT GAMBLE OF YOURS?! FIGHTING THE FATUI IN YOUR' ELEMENTAL FORM EVEN THOUGHT YOU KNEW IT WAS REALLY DANGEROUS AND COULD KILL YOU?! ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?! WHY DID YOU DECIDE ON SUCH A SUICIDAL PLAN?! -Jean continued yelling sounding both mad and sad now, while some people started crying in the background, remembering the scene. -...YOU ACTUALLY DIED BACK THEN AND WAS ABOUT TO DISAPPEAR ENTIRELY, RIGHT BEFORE OUR VERY EYES! -At that Venti looked at her in rising shock, making even the hurricane around him freeze in place. That was the first time he heard of that. D-did he really...? B-but how...? -... ONLY BY SOME UNKNOWN MIRACLE YOU WERE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE!
Venti was really speechless...
…
Not only did he almost disappear...
...
But he actually died as well?!
And was then brought back to life somehow?!
...
...
No wonder they were so worried!
...
...
But, if he didn't act back then...!
-... THE CITY WAS ABOUT TO BE TAKEN OVER BY THE FATUI AND WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO YOU ALL THEN! -Venti decided to yell back, mad. - I COULDN'T JUST STAND DOWN AND WATCH!
-WE WEREN'T ABOUT TO BE KILLED BACK THEN! -Jean yelled back. -WE STILL HAD TIME TO PLAN AN ESCAPE AND GET BACK YOUR GNOSIS, AS WELL!
- IN THE TIME YOU MADE UP YOUR PLAN MANY PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED! I SAW IT HAPPEN BEFORE! MORE TIMES THAT I WANT TO ADMIT! -Venti looked at her like she was insane. - DO YOU THINK I AM SO CRUEL AS TO LET THAT HAPPEN WHEN I KNOW I CAN HELP?! THERE IS NO WAY THAT I ...! NO...- He suddenly paused. -... THERE IS NO WAY THAT ANY ARCHON WOULD JUST STAY BACK AND WATCH AS THEIR' PEOPLE...!
-WELL, YOU ARE WAY MORE IMPORTANT THAN US HUMANS! WHATEVER YOU WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR NOT! -Jean interrupted him, making him look at her in slight surprise, as the wind hurricane became a little slower. -YOU WERE THE ONE WHO HELPED LIBERATE THE OLD MONDSTADT TO BEGIN WITH! YOU WERE THE ONE WHO ESTABLISHED THE NEW MONDSTADT AND TAUGHT IT'S PEOPLE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FREEDOM AND CHOOSING OUR OWN WAY OF LIFE! -The hurricane became even more slower, as Venti's eyes widened at how emotional she was getting. -YOU ARE THE ONE WHO GIVES PEOPLE ANEMO VISIONS, SO WE CAN REINCARNATE WITH OUR MEMORIES AND/OR PERSONALITY INTACT! YOU SAID YOU WILL ALSO REMEMBER EVERYONE WHO DIED! WAS THAT JUST A LIE?! - By now the hurricane around Venti slowed even more. -AND YOU STOOD BY THE IDEA OF FREEDOM FOR US, THE PEOPLE OF MONDSTADT, EVEN IF IT MADE YOU THE WEAKEST ARCHON! -Now the hurricane turned into wisps of wind, as Venti looked like he wanted to say something in reply. -AND BEFORE YOU SAY ANYTHING, MAY I REMIND YOU THAT WE DON'T CARE THAT YOU WEREN'T IN MONDSTADT FOR SO LONG! WE ARE JUST GLAD TO HAVE OUR GOD OF WIND, BARBATOS, BACK! ALIVE AND WELL! AND NOT DEAD! HAVE YOU ALREADY FORGOTTEN THAT?! -Venti was shocked to see that she was crying now. -...Everyone knows who you are now, it would be almost impossible for you to hide. The Fatui would hunt you down and won't stop until they kill you and steal your Gnosis...FOR YOU TO LEAVE MONDSTADT NOW WILL BE AKIN TO SUICIDE! -Venti found it hard to look her in the eyes, knowing that what she said was true. -...After hearing what happened in Liyue, I can't possibly imagine what it's citizens must be feeling now. -Venti's eyes widened in shock, as he realized she was talking about Rex's sudden death (If it was actually death). -And I don't want to know what it feels like, either! Which I am sure everyone else here will admit to, as well! -Jean suddenly got down on her knees, to Venti's confusion. -I, as the current Dandelion knight, can say with all certainty, that everyone wants you to stay in Mondstadt. Especially now. -She promised, before becoming sad again. -...It won't be the first time the city is put into danger and not the last. We are ready to defend the city if a need arrives. But to let you, our own god of wind, leave and be killed. Just so the city will stay safer...Do you really think anyone would want that to happen? How can we call ourselves your people then? -Venti looked up at her with widened eyes. -You have to stay in Mondstadt, which is the safest place for you right now. That way we can protect you from those who are after your life and your Gnosis. And you could even get your power back, in the meantime, if you feel like you really have to. -She looked him right in the eyes. -For you to continue living and not die by the enemy's hands. That is the people's wish!
Venti was looking at her in shock, before looking around at the other people and seeing that their face expressions were similar to that of Jean.
...
Really, he should have expected this outcome...
...
...
Still...
...
If he stays...
...
Everyone will...
-...I-if I stay...The city...Everyone...-He tried to retort, sounding unsure now. -...A-and it's not the first time I am "hiding"...! It's going to be just fine, right...? I-I am going to be really careful and...-He tried to reassure and was failing miserably, while also walking backwards and unconsciously activating his teleportation. -...H-hiding is one thing...But actually inviting danger...? -He sadly said, while looking at the ground. -...I-I can't...In good conscience...I...Huh...? -He suddenly felt someone envelop their hands around him from behind, tightly and a little shakily. -...Barbara...? Why are you...?
-...D-don't go away...Y-you can't go away...! -She was shakily saying, and Venti felt dampness on his back. Was she actually crying...? So, he brought her to tears again...-Y-you will be killed, Lord Barbatos! -Venti noticed in shock that there was dried blood on her hands and it was her own. Why didn't he notice it sooner...? And it also smelled familiar. Like the smell of wind from his Gnosis. Was Barbara clutching it so hard that it drew blood...?! Why would she...? -...A-and this time...There may be no miracle...
…
Did she actually see him die...?!
...
-Don't go, papa toes! -One of the kids joined in. -You will die!
-You will die! -Another joined. -Stay in the city!
-They will kill you! -Yet another one joined. -Stay where it's safe!
...
Soon Venti was surrounded by more kids who were pleading for him to stay in Mondstadt.
He knew he was losing, so he looked around for help...
- I agree with the knight, the nun and the children. -Dvalin told him in a voice that said there was no room for argument. - You have to stay in Mondstadt, whether you like it or not. - He suddenly looked really mad. - AND DON'T YOU DARE DIE AGAIN, YOU HEAR ME?! - Venti found himself looking at him in shock. - AND IF YOU WERE TO OPEN THE COMMUNICATION YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO IS REALLY MAD AT YOU RIGHT NOW!
Vennessa must be beyond furious...
...
-Guardian said you lazy and childish. -Razor said, sounding serious. -But guardian not want you to die. -Well, that was expected, thought somewhat embarrassing. -Razor not want you to die either. So Razor agrees with guardian.
...That was also somewhat embarrassing...
...
-We were there when Rex Lapis was killed. -The traveler sadly told him. -The citizens...They took it pretty badly.
-There was such a gloomy atmosphere afterwards! -Paimon added, looking weary. -Very depressing.
That made Venti feel very bad again...
...
-I vowed to protect Mondstadt and it's people. -Diluc said, in a serious voice. -And you are a big part of it, as well.
Well, he wasn't wrong...
...
-Leaving now will bring more disaster than staying ever would. -Mona said in a foretelling voice. -I have foreseen it.
...That sounded foreboding...
...
-You are nothing like those evil guys at Khaenri'ah. -Kaeya told him, in a very serious voice. -Unlike them, you don't deserve to die.
What was going on in Khaenri'ah anyway...?
...
-You smell really nice. Want to come to my house...? ‿ -Diona suddenly said, before her eyes shone. -I rhymed! Do you love me now...? (◕ヮ◕ヽ)
...W-well, that was embarrassing, even thought he knew she was partly a cat...
*It also seemed like she decided to ignore him being a "drunkard" and instead focus on him "smelling nice"...
...
-If any enemy attacks, I will blow them all up! -Klee happily added. -I will make them go BOOM!
She was still very adorable, even though she loved blowing stuff up.
...
-Either you go with us quietly or we knock you out and take you with us anyway. -Rosaria threatened, looking fed up with everything, which made Venti look at her in shock. Wasn't she a NUN at HIS CHURCH...? And she was actually THREATENING HIM...? -...What is so shocking with what I said...? It's a nun's duty to make sure her god doesn't do something stupid and get himself killed. Which is what happened a few hours ago, might I remind you!
...
He couldn't really argue with that logic...
…
He looked around some more, but everyone just showed him the same "Stop with this foolish stubbornness already and accept our help" expression on their faces, or it just looked like they did.
...
He knew they were worried for him,
Afraid that he will get murdered...
...
But, if he stays in the city,
All of them could get murdered because of...
-OUCH! -Venti suddenly felt pain on the top of his head and noticed a familiar presence. -V-Vennessa...!? Ouch! I-I understand that you are worried...Ouch! B-but you must understand...Ouch! I-if everyone gets murdered beca...Ouch! B-because they were with me at the...Ouch! T-time, I don't know what I will...Ouch! -He felt very hurt by this physical abuse. He understood that she must have been mad at him and promised to do this if he "did something stupid" or something. But why did she have to peck him so hard?! -...C-CAN YOU STOP PECKING ME ON THE HEAD?! OUCHIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!