It was already a few hours since the group left on their trip,
Yet, Varka still couldn't help but keep thinking about that disastrous meeting...
...
First he got relentlessly bullied by his juniors and other acquaintances,
So relentlessly in fact, especially after that "Lecture", that he was about to cry...
*Even though he was more of a fighter than an office worker, they should know that by now!
...
Then Venti, who was their Archon but rarely acted strict, got so mad at him,
That he not only pushed him hard from the chair, but even threw all the documents on top of him...
*Honestly, this reaction was both shocking and concerning, he really didn't expect the Archon to lash out on him like that!
...
...
And now, when things have finally calmed down and the citizens were informed of the group's departure,
He had to continue sighing all those documents, even those that got ruined because of the Archon's sudden fury!
-I CAN'T DO THIS! THERE'S JUST SO MUCH PAPERWORK! I WOULD RATHER GO ON AN EXPEDITION TO THE ABYSS AGAIN OR HAVE ANDRIUS COMPLETELY TRASH ME WHILE TELLING THAT I AM STILL TOO WEAK! -The Grandmaster couldn't help yelling out in searing pain, already feeling like the world had just ended. But there was still hope...One that was rapidly dwindling...! -...I already summoned Kaeya a few minutes ago, so where is he? He is simply busy and not just ignoring my summons, right?!
...
"Well, actually, Grandmaster Varka...Cavalry Captain Kaeya is already here. As of 4 minutes and 36 seconds ago to be precise...", the Winds soon said, sounding a little conflicted, "Since you were, uh...Having a dramatic scene and yelling quite loudly, at that...Well, he is kind of just standing near the door, wondering if he should just make up an excuse to ignore your summons...?", they continued in a more sheepish sounding voice, before there was a slight pause, "...Not like we could fault him for this, between Barbatos having mood swings due to his grief, people being worried, sad and mad in some cases due to his condition and well..."
Their words were soon cut of, as if they didn't really know how to continue,
But before Varka could think more on this, the door opened and Kaeya strode into the room...
-I already heard it from the Winds, Grandmaster. As well as your dramatic yelling...-The Cavalry Captain soon said, his words getting quieter by the second sentence, as his expression turned serious. -Frederica already warned me that you might do something like this, pushing your duties onto others. And before you officially ask me about this, no, I am not doing your paperwork. -He admitted, not giving the Grandmaster a chance to say even a word in. -I still have other work to take care of, now that many of Mondstadt's key governing members have left on the trip. Besides that, we still have a festival to prepare for. -He paused in his words, looking thoughtful and a little worried. -...Though with everything that has been going on lately, we might need to postpone it...-He soon mumbled, before making a 180 degree turn. -So, while I understand your unfortunate circumstances, I don't have the time nor the energy to help you with this Grandmaster.
He said upon making a small salute, walking towards the door and out of the room, closing it behind him,
Leaving the now shocked Grandmaster alone with the stacks of paperwork...
...
As Varka couldn't help look towards the now closed door in disbelief,
Wondering how even Kaeya, who understood his plight, didn't let him say a word in...
...
...
Maybe he never actually left the Abyss...
-Well, I should probably activate that Teleport Waypoint now. -Venti said a while later, finally calming down from the sheer annoyance that was Alice's letter, soon looking around in search for said "Waypoint" again. -And before you ask, yes, I can move the fog away with my powers. But since Alice decided to play games with me, I am going to answer her accordingly. -He decided to tell the others, answering their unasked question, before noticing the barely lit device. -...That woman making fun of me like that, especially when I am not in the mood for her games, seriously...-He mumbled in annoyance and slight rage, upon touching the teleporter and making it lit up in a blue light. -Oh, it activated. Yay.
He couldn't help commenting in a deadpan voice, feeling quite bored already,
Especially when he realized how easily this thing activated for him...
*He never had to do something like this before and honestly never thought he would need to,
Which was due to him already being linked to the Land of Mondstadt as its Archon...
...
But to think that this waypoint would activate so easily for him,
Was this due to these islands being originally part of Mondstadt's landscape...?
*Even if he was an Archon, unlike the Traveler, this wasn't something that he was...
-Hey, Venti, are you sure you are okay...? -His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice of Amber, who he found to be really annoying at the moment. -...It looked like you were feeling better, but now...-The Outrider's words suddenly broke off, as her expression turned conflicted. -...Well, now that the Waypoint is activated, how about we check on that "Waverider" Miss Alice spoke about...? I'm certain the boat is going to be great!
She soon said, trying to sound and look both enthusiastic and reassuring,
As she tried to ignore the Archon's expression, one which looked so wrong on him...
*To think he would look so annoyed about having an adventure,
As he was usually happy to experience new things, see new people and places...
...
Even though she knew why he was acting like this now,
She couldn't help feeling like he was an entirely different person...
...
-Yes, Amber, let's do that. -Venti finally replied, looking more bored than anything now, which was something everyone noticed and were worried about. -Since Alice so "lovingly" prepared that "Waverider", it would be a shame not to check it out at least once. -He sarcastically added, before turning around and starting to search for it with his eyes. -...Even though I could just use my powers for something like...Oh, so this is it.
He said upon noticing the small looking boat, soon floating down towards it,
As he couldn't help thoroughly inspecting it, a glare appearing on his face before long...
*Seriously, no matter how much he looked at it, he couldn't help feeling increasingly annoyed!
"...Uh, I am not sure what I did wrong, seeing as we only met just now…But can you please stop glaring at me like this...?", a confused voice was suddenly heard, as the boat's window panels lighted up in blue, "Considering your aura, you are definitely not human, so you can hear me, right...?"
The voice asked in some uncertainty, before the blue light disappeared,
Making Venti finally realize that it came from the boat itself...
-A talking boat, of course. Since it's Alice, I should have known. -Venti tiredly commented, stopping a sigh from coming out, as his expression soon turned thoughtful. -Yes, just as you said, I only look human. Which is why I am not that surprised to see a boat talk. -He admitted, choosing to use his Archon voice for emphasis. -So, what's your name...? It's not "Waverider", right...?
"It's not, Sir!", the boat soon answered, its window panels lighting up again, "...My actual name, I am afraid to say that I don't remember it. I only remember that I came from Inazuma.", it sadly continued, before there was a slight pause, "...You can call me "Fantastic Boat", Sir!"
"Suddenly calling you "Sir" like that, seems like he finally realized who you are, Barbatos.", the Winds couldn't help commenting in some intrigue, before there was a slight pause, "But having an amnestic boat from Inazuma..."
They couldn't help mumbling to themselves, their words soon too quiet to hear,
Not like Venti even tried to, as he was still wondering about that name choice...
-..."Fantastic Boat", that's the name you wish to be called, really? -He soon admitted in disbelief, before heavily sighing. -...Look, in any other situation I might have found this amusing, but currently I am not in the mood, so can't you just keep qu...?!
-Venti, I apologize for interrupting your...Ahem, discussion with the boat(?), but are you certain you are feeling alright...? -His words were interrupted by the familiar voice of Albedo, as he and Emilia soon entered his field of vision, looking a little concerned. -Perhaps I should do a thorough check on you and ascertain if anything is...?
-I am alright. As much as I could be, anyway. -Venti interrupted him, choosing to ignore his and Emilia's concerned expressions, as well as the worried emotions he felt being sent towards him. -Let's just enter this "Fantastic Boat" and see what Alice has prepared for us.
And then, without waiting for a reply of any kind, he walked towards the boat's entrance,
Soon opening it and getting inside, not the least bit surprised that it's a mini domain, just as Alice said...
*Knowing that woman and her skill, he was more surprised why it wasn't even bigger,
There was some kind of annoying purpose to this, wasn't there...?
...
This room with a few cabinets and boxes, a control panel and a viewing window at the front,
Big enough for all of them to enter and stay at, but too small for them to sleep in...
*Was Alice's intention to have them sail this boat during the day and sleep outside at night...?
And to begin with, considering how this boat was, it wasn't supposed to be a submarine, was it...?
...
That Alice, what did she...?!
-YAY! THERE'S SO MANY BOMBS! MOM GAVE KLEE THE BEST GIFT EVER! -Was soon heard from nearby, as Klee was currently happily jumping over a stack of bombs she found in one of the boxes. -I AM GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN!
-Oh my, there seems to be a drawer with swimwear inside~ -Lisa commented while she opened the cabinet, soon taking what appeared to be a letter from it and reading it. -..."Those swimsuits and swim trunks are for later on of your vacation, so go on now, find that perfect spot~". My, what a tease~
She soon added, looking and sounding amused,
Venti found himself unable to share this sentiment with her, feeling annoyed...
...
But it was still comforting to know that Alice didn't randomly leave those somewhere,
He was not in the mood to see a Hillichurl in a bikini and a slime in a trunk…
*Even imagining it was giving him a migraine, even though he physically shouldn't even be able to have one…
...
-Oh, there's some sleeping bags here...-Dvalin soon commented, as he opened a big box lying nearby, his expression turning confused. -...There seems to be exactly twelve of them and all of them have a similar design...? And what is with this letter: "The boat is not big enough for everyone to sleep in, so you will have to camp outside, what a shame!"...?
He couldn't help wondering aloud, his confusion considerably rising,
Which was a reaction almost everyone in the group shared...
-That does sound like something Alice would do. It appears that she planned this beforehand. -Albedo soon commented, being one of the people not confused by this. -...She truly wanted us all to enjoy sleeping under the stars...-He couldn't help mumbling, secretly feeling glad, before he decided to open a huge box standing before him. Well, he should have expected something like this, but still...-There appears to be a Cannon here, as well as a short note, let's see...-He thoughtfully said upon opening the note and skimming through it. -...I wouldn't want to bore you with the details, Venti, so I will summarize: This Cannon is a late gift for the anniversary of Alice's first arrival to Mondstadt and her acceptance by both the Archon and the people. One you can freely attach to the boat itself and use it, together with the smaller cannons, to blow up some nearby Hillichurls. -He soon closed the letter and put it in his Vision's "Hammerspace", before turning towards the annoyed looking Archon. -I think it would be best if you man the cannons first, Venti, unleash your frustrations on nearby monsters. I am certain that everyone else would also back up this suggestion.
He soon admitted, looking between the other's in the room,
Each one of them, soon nodding in agreement to his words...
-I wholeheartedly agree with Chief Alchemist Albedo. Considering your current frame of mind, it would be best if you man the cannons Venti, at least for now. -Frederica soon said, looking both serious and thoughtful, an opened letter held in her hand. -...Besides, considering the continuation of this "quest" is to follow the beacons in order to activate three more waypoints around the islands' area, this would be greatly helpful.
"At least by manning the cannons and unleashing your frustrations on the monsters around, you would be able to keep yourself mostly calm...", was what she didn't say,
Yet it was still clearly understood by everyone present, including the Archon himself, who realized that this really was the case and soon agreed to the suggestion...
After a while of sailing around the area,
The people couldn't help feeling worried...
...
Really, really worried...
...
As they watched Venti go nuts on every Hillichurl he saw,
Madly blowing them up the second he noticed them...
...
And with his inhuman sight, even the thick fog couldn't save their lives...
*They agreed to let him man the cannons first, in order unleash his frustrations,
But no one expected him to get this "enthusiastic" about this, so much so that he continued blowing up Hillichurls left and right...
BOOOM!
BOOOOBOOOOM!
BOOOOOBOOOOOBOOOOOOBOOOOOOOOOM!
-YAY, MORE EXPLOSIONS! YOU ARE SO GREAT AT THIS, VENTI! -Klee soon yelled in great enthusiasm, just as said Archon was in the process of destroying another Hillichurl base, much to the others' growing worry. -This reminds Klee of that time we blew up all those monsters together!~ Hehe, it was so many months ago, but still was so much fun! -She couldn't help admitting, remembering the occasion like it was just yesterday. Remembering how fun it was to do what she loves, with Venti even helping her out! -Venti, Venti, when we are back home, can we blow up all those monsters again?~
The little Pyromaniac enthusiastically asked, making everyone else worry even more,
As they also clearly remembered what happened during the "pest extermination" at that time...
*It was wild, lightly speaking and during that time, there were also a lot of different kinds of monsters all over Mondstadt...
...
Unlike now, where there were barely any slimes hopping around...
-Now that we are seemingly at the end of this "quest", do you mind sharing with me the story of these islands, Venti...? -Albedo suddenly said, looking and sounding both thoughtful and intrigued, as he was both interested in the matter and also tried to distract Venti. -As an Archon, you must know quite a bit about the "Haar Islands" and wouldn't mind sharing at least some of the knowledge, am I right...?
-...For some unknown reason, this "Golden Apple Archipelago" always stays in the state of summer. Or at least, it should be, but currently there's a thick fog all around...-Venti soon said, looking and sounding calmer than before, which reassured some people's worry. -That's all I am going to say right now, not in the mood for a long explanation. -He added in some annoyance, looking into the distance now. -Besides, I am certain that the book lover Lisa here knows quite a bit about this place herself.
He calmly added, glancing towards the Librarian for a few seconds,
Before turning back to the viewing window, his full attention on the sailing now...
*Not only was he manning the cannons, the people agreed to let him sail it too...
...
Or rather, he was currently having the Winds make the boat go faster, turning it into a speedboat...
...
-Of course, Cutie, I do know some of these islands' lore. How kind of you to give the spotlight to little old me~ -Lisa admitted, looking and sounding slightly teasing. -...But really, I didn't know that this place usually stays in the state of Summer(until now that is)...It's quite similar to Mondstadt city, isn't it...? -She soon added, her expression turning warm, as she then proceeded to pat Venti on the head. -...It never rains or snows there, after all. Which is honestly quite nice, since I don't need to worry about getting sick~ -She couldn't help gladly saying, trying not to chuckle at the expression the Archon was having right now. But even if she likes teasing him, it was about time she shared what she knows...-...Now then, as for what I actually know about these Islands, it's truly quite a bit...-At these words her expression turned serious, as she let go of Venti's head. -The books speak of such: "A mysterious archipelago enveloped by storms and dense fog, belonging to no nation. That which is outside cannot enter, not can anything inside leave. Only those who are chosen may enter its territory. Many years ago, a fleet from Mondstadt encountered some islands at sea. Reportedly, there were torrential rains and howling winds. The sailors could hardly discern land through the thick fog. The islands weren't far, but no matter how much they sailed, they never grew closer. The sailors were initially confused but then became terrified, as they believed they were hallucinating."
She reminisced what she found out, soon getting thoughtful,
Especially when she realized what those islands had to do with their current situation...
...
Those weird islands, how exactly did they get here, why do they work like that…?
And more importantly, why her own knowledge and that of their Archon seemed to be clashing...?
*Or rather than one of them being wrong, could it be that the islands worked differently for different people...?
"Only those who are chosen may enter its territory."
...
If it's really so, then who is the one cho...?
-IT'S THE FOURTH WAYPOINT, FINALLY! -Her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice of Venti and before she or anyone else could as much as blink, he stopped the boat, ejected himself and started floating towards said Waypoint. -...I can finally be done with this...
They heard him say, before he got too far to hear clearly,
Most of the people left inside the boat now exchanging worrying glances...
...
It didn't take them long to exit the boat and follow after the annoyed Archon...