A few minutes later the children finally let go of the hug,
Leaving the now quiet Archon to stare into space...
-...Venti, are you feeling alright...? Was this too much...? -Jean couldn't help asking in worry, everyone else now showing similar expressions and the children looking like they were soon going to cry. -...I thought that the children's reassuring words and the group hug were going to help you feel even a little bit better...Did it perhaps make things even worse...?
She sadly mumbled, before heavily sighing,
As she was now starting to feel regretful for not stopping them...
-I...Yeah, I just...I am really confused about why you still care so much...-Barbatos soon admitted in a quiet and confused voice, his expression perfectly mirroring it. -I am usually such a nuisance and during the last few days...
-Venti, you are not a nuisance and never were. Don't even dare think that of yourself! -Barbara suddenly yelled out, looking and sounding very annoyed. -I know full well that you are Mondstadt's and my Archon, Lord Barbatos, but you are also my friend and a part of our family! This closeness between us which you yourself initiated so many months ago, asking me to call you by the name "Venti" and act casually towards you! Which is why I decided to stay with you for as long as you need me to and help you heal! This is why I even had the Winds teach me a song from another world! Because we are family, maybe not by blood but by choice and I care for you! -She couldn't help but yell out in even more annoyance and slight anger now too. -And it makes me mad seeing you blame yourself for showing an understandable human emotion: Grief! Grief for your friend, whom you didn't see for more than two millennia and with whom you only recently managed to spend time again, dying for the second time! -She added in even more anger, as tears soon appeared in her eyes. -...I understand why you are depressed and why you hid in the room for so long, but to beat yourself up over it...W-why would you...?
Her voice suddenly broke, as the tears started freely streaming down her face,
With Jean soon walking over to and enveloping her into a tight and warm hug...
*This whole situation making the Archon feel even more shocked and guilty,
As he didn't even know what to say in fear of making the situation even worse...
...
He didn't expect Barbara of all people to react like this...
*But she already did something similar in the past, right...?
...
Like when he insinuated that they were brainwashed to care about him, due to him being the Anemo Archon,
To which he got slapped by her across the cheek and then yelled about being wrong...
*And just like now, back then she was crying heavily too, wasn't she...?
...
...
To think that he made her this mad and sad again,
Why couldn't he just...?
-Venti, how about a change in scenery...? I was told by Alice about a good vacation spot called the "Haar islands", you know where those are located, right...? -His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice, as he soon noticed Vennessa (in her human spirit form) come up towards him and started carefully patting him on the head. -I will even let others ride on me in my Falcon of the West form, so that we can bring more people together with us. This way you can not only unwind, but spend some quality time with all of your friends. -She soon hopefully added, before her expression fell. -...It's just so heartbreaking seeing you like this, depressed and self-hating. So anguished about losing your friend again and blaming yourself just for having feelings...-She couldn't help mumbling, upon letting go of his hair, crouching down to his level and looking him right in the eyes with so much sadness you would think she would soon cry. -...You can't continue like this and nor can I or anyone else see you destroy yourself. So please, let's go on a trip together, alright...?
She almost pleaded, looking extremely anguished now,
A look Barbatos had to admit he hated seeing on her…
…
-...Alright, let's go on that trip…-He soon decided to say, sounding unsure and worrying some people again. -...Even though I can't understand how this will help, but if you insist, then I agree to it…
-...Venti! Hey, Venti! Venti, are you okay...? Why aren't you replying to Klee...?! -The small Pyromaniac was desperately trying to get the other's attention by pulling on his sleeve, which didn't look like it was working at all, as the Archon continued silently looking into space. And even after she promised her friends she will look after him as the Spark Knight...-...VENTI! PLEASE, TELL ME SOMETHING! KLEE IS GETTING REALLY WORRIED!
-...Oh, Klee...? How long have you been...? -Venti suddenly said, as he turned to look towards her with a surprised expression on his face, one which soon turned guilt stricken. -...Looks like I worried you. Sorry about that...I am still so pathetic that...
He started sadly mumbling, his words soon becoming too quiet to hear,
Which made Klee feel even more worried for him than she was before...
...
She couldn't help hoping that the grown-ups would finish their talk soon and they all could go on the vacation,
They already ended the meeting sooner, so why couldn't they hurry up now too?! Venti is feeling really sad!
-...Stupid grown-ups...Being so slow even though Venti is sad...! -She couldn't help mumbling in rising annoyance, soon glaring between the other people in the room. -...Mom already invited us on a vacation, so why can't they hurry this up...?! Don't they care that Venti is sad?!
"SHOULDN'T I BLOW THIS WHOLE PLACE UP SO THEY WOULD FINALLY HURRY?!", was what she almost yelled out,
As she was now glaring at everyone even fiercer than before, which was something that wasn't hard for others to notice...
*One of those people being Kaeya, who perfected the art of reading people and quickly realized her intention...
...
To think that even with the rules he wrote for her, she was planning to blow the whole place up if they dally any longer...
...
While he understood why she was reacting like this, with Venti seemingly slowly going back into his depressive state,
They already abruptly ended the Impromptu meeting, much to the gathered people's shock and rising worry,
As they soon promised to privately discuss the trip details and have someone later inform the citizens of their plans...
*It was already collectively agreed that as soon as they ended the discussion here, they were going to leave for the islands right away,
As a few people were already preparing all the needed items they could put later in their Visions' Hyperspaces...
...
...
They were already rushing enough with the trip preparations, rushing even with this would be...
-Kaeya, do you want to join the group too...? -His thoughts were soon interrupted by the familiar voice of his brother, Diluc now looking towards him with a serious and slightly worried expression, before he deeply sighed upon noticing the other's thoughtful expression. -...I know that you are also worrying about this situation, we all do. Especially since that stupid bard keeps looking into space...-He soon admitted, for a few seconds glancing towards the out-of-it Archon and glaring child sitting on the sofa, before he turned back to look towards his brother. -...But we best hurry up with this, before anything else happens. I am certain you of all people have already noticed.
-...Yes, you are right, Diluc. We best hurry before things boil down. -Kaeya replied, for a few seconds glancing towards the sofa as well, before turning to look towards the other. -As for your question, I would have to refuse. It looks like there are still matters to take care of in Mondstadt, so I will have to regretfully remain here. -He sadly admitted, now looking towards the traumatized looking Varka doing paperwork nearby. From what he heard, the Grandmaster was severely lectured by both Frederica and Vennessa, which was so bad, it made him cry...Speaking of Vennessa...-...I apologize, but I was distracted through some of the discussion. Who are the decided group members coming on this trip...?
-Dvalin and myself for one, we are also going to act as your transport to and from the islands. -Vennessa answered him, her voice heard to all the room's occupants thanks to the Winds, before she turned to look towards the Acting Grandmaster sitting nearby. -...Jean, I wouldn't mind if you rode on me, together with Venti and Klee. -She reassuringly admitted, making the other slightly blush, before turning to look back towards Kaeya. -As stated before, Jean, Venti and Klee are part of the group. Barbara, Amber, Emilia and Albedo are as well, for the reason of being close to that stupid Archon and Alice's daughter. That, excluding Dvalin and myself, already makes it seven people. Which is not a small amount, but we can safely add up to four more.
-We should join the group too, Seamus. It has been a while since our family went out on a trip together. -Frederica suddenly said, looking enthusiastic and slightly amused, especially when she glanced towards a certain Grandmaster and saw his reaction. -Looking after our reckless and currently depressed Archon should be as important if not more than your usual Seneschal duties. You could easily assign those to Cardinal Calvin, while our dear Grandmaster will finally start doing ALL of his duties, instead of suddenly running of to massacre some poor wild monsters, taking a way longer break than initially promised, I may add~
-N-no...All this paperwork...I can't...! Not again...! -Varka soon shakily said, looking like he was about to cry. -It's boring and there's just so much of it and now you plan to leave me all alone with...?!
-There's no need to worry, Grandmaster Varka. You are going to be just fine, like the big boy that you are~ -Lisa interrupted him, looking and sounding extremely amused by this turn of events. -I know our Grandmaster is going to do just fine, so I decided to join in on the trip as well! My, it's going to be so fun spending a vacation with everyone~
After these words, which sounded even more amused than before, the Grandmaster looked even more hurt,
A reaction which made Frederica, Vennessa and Lisa exchange looks of triumph and some knights nearby to look satisfied...
...
Realizing how many people wished to see him suffer, the Grandmaster couldn't help wailing at this injustice,
Or at least tried to, as he was soon stopped by a sudden feeling of heaviness in the air, which made him feel suffocated...
-...Varka, can't you shut up already...?! You are getting on my nerves! -Was soon heard from nearby, as the Archon was now glaring towards the other with a look that could kill. -I AM NOT IN THE MOOD FOR YOUR ANNOYING SCREECHING!
At these words, the shocked Grandmaster was blown back from his chair,
The stacks of paper he was just sighing all falling on his face moments later…
When the group finally arrived to the islands,
It was to the sight of a dense fog covering the whole area...
-...Okay, this is weird...Wasn't it supposed to be summer all year long here...? -Venti couldn't help saying in some confusion, as he and everyone else were now looking around the place. -...And this place is called "Pudding Isle"...? It's not made of Jelly, right, so why...? -He asked in even more confusion, wondering what could have happened after he yeeted all those annoying mountains this way. Surely, the island is just in the shape of a puddi...? -Is that a letter...? Why is it red and who left it there...? -He wondered aloud, now almost glaring at the suspicious looking letter attached to the teleport waypoint, this whole situation feeling really suspicious to him. Though as for the person who could have left the letter there...-...It's not Alice, is it...?
He couldn't help sighing soon enough,
Anxious about what she might have planned this time...
*Which would usually be alright and most times than not, quite fun,
But he was already questioning why he even agreed to go on this trip...
...
He wasn't in the mood for some stupid games!
Seriously, if she planned something outrageous, he would...!
-Lor...Venti, let me check it out. -Seamus suddenly said, interrupting his annoyed thoughts, before he proceeded to take the letter down, open it and then read it. Hopefully it wasn't something too outrageous, since their Archon was already...-Of course, she couldn't have been even a little bit more respectful. This just feels like a weird joke...
He couldn't help wearily saying, after seeing what this letter was all about,
As the Seneschal now wondered if it was a good idea to show this to their Archon...
*Considering how annoyed and increasingly mad he was when he saw it, it might not be the best idea...
...
It was already a miracle he agreed to go on this trip,
Were he to see this "letter"...
-Just give it here, Seamus. -The Archon in question suddenly said, as he teleported to the Seneschal's side and practically snatched the letter from his hands. -...Of course, I should have known. She sees this like some kind of joke! -He couldn't help yelling out in annoyance, after reading the letter. -And what do you mean by "You should have a proper adventure first" and "it will surely help with curing your depression"...?! I don't even know what I am doing here right now! To begin with...!
He soon went on a tirade about this whole situation and the fact it would have been better if people just left him alone, or better yet, forgot he even exists,
He was so weak and pathetic and couldn't go over his friend's (second) death, hiding like a coward in the room for so long and worrying everyone and...
*By that point of his rant, Vennessa took the letter from his hands and decided to check what it was about herself,
Soon unable to stop herself from having an annoyed and grumpy expression, as she handed the letter to Jean to read...
...
Which the Acting Grandmaster did, soon finding out what made her father, Venti and Lady Vennessa react like this,
As the letter itself, while the words were eloquently written, looked like this:
"Hi, Venti! How are you feeling today? Still depressed about your friend's second death or finally starting to feel better?
Well, it doesn't really matter anyway, since I sent Vennessa to you with some interesting news: A good vacation spot I made sure to decorate!
I call it the "Golden Apple Archipelago", which is very fitting, you know. But you know them by their old and very boring name of "Haar Islands".
Anyway, if you are reading this letter, then you have already traveled to Pudding isle after hearing of them from Vennessa.
You must be wondering why there is such a thick mist, aren't you? And you are sure to also notice that the islands themselves are mostly submerged.
It's not such a good environment to have a Vacation, is it...? Especially as it was specially prepared for my daughter, you and the rest of the family.
It's weird, isn't it...? Something just doesn't add up here...
...
Well, that's because I realized that a normal vacation will be so boring!
Just laying around in the sun, swimming in the sea and blowing those annoying Hillichurls up? You can do that anywhere! You should have a proper adventure first!
As such, I made sure to prepare a fun little adventure for you all! One I am certain will be very fun!
And not just that, it will surely help with curing your depression! I have carefully planned everything, you see~
...
Speaking of careful planning, I can't have you stay on this boring cliff, can I now...?
I made sure to leave a new creation of mine called a "Waverider". It's a summonable boat with a mini domain inside which you can use in order to traverse the islands.
Oh, before I forgot, you also need to activate those Teleport Waypoints in order to lift the fog and reveal the true beauty of the islands.
While it's a shame that the Traveler is not currently with you and apparently not in Teyvat either, as an Archon, you should be able to activate those too, right...?
PS: Tell Klee I prepared some nice gifts for her! My cute little daughter should always have her fun!"