It was now some time after the "checking on the Anemo Gnosis" situation,
Yet Venti still couldn't stop thinking about what happened...
*As he was quietly sitting by the campfire, gazing into the embers...
...
...
He must be overthinking things, he surely was,
There was no other explanation for this, right...?
*He must have imagined the weird feeling coming from the Gnosis,
There was no way there was something weird happening to it...
...
Especially not due to someone like himself,
Originally an ordinary and weak Wind Spirit...
...
One who miraculously became a god and then an Archon,
And the one who couldn't even save his friend from dying, twice...
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...
-...Since it's now evening, the time of somber tranquility, I can't stop those thoughts from pouring in...Just like last week, after my friend's...Departure, once again, I am...-He soon quietly mumbled, starting to feel anguished again. -...Even after everyone was trying so hard to make me feel better, why do I still...? -Why was he still thinking like this...? Why, after seeing how much everyone still loved and cared for him (even if this amount of affection was undeserved) was he still...? -...Why do I still can't seem to get over my friend's (second) death...? Why am I still so overly emotional and pathetic...? As an Archon, one who already has so many people believing in me, to still feel this way...-...It felt so wrong, like he was ungrateful for what he already had. Even though there are people who suffered so much more than him...-...I wonder how it would have turned out if I had changed bodies with my friend back then, just like what happened with Barbara and myself more than half a year ago. -...When she so selflessly shielded him from a fatal attack...-...If only my friend could still continue living, I wouldn't have minded taking his place...
He sadly admitted, feeling so useless and hopeless again,
As he couldn't help comparing himself to his dear friend...
*Even with his horrible life during Decarabian's rule, so many centuries ago,
His friend, the original "Venti", ignored his own fears in order to do what's right,
In order to give the people of (old) Mondstadt freedom, even at the cost of his own short mortal life...
...
...
Unlike his friend, he only recently started taking more active care of Mondstadt and its people,
And what's worse than that, he was the one who had to be constantly saved by them, in both body and mind...
*Their love for and trust in him, sometimes he couldn't help wondering why it was so strong,
Even leaving their children with the fickle old him, without worrying for even a second that he might fail them...
...
...
Yet, even knowing all that and more, after realizing his blessing,
Why was he still continuing to act and feel in such a disgusting manne...?
-Lor...Venti, please, there is no need for you to have such miserable thoughts. -A worried voice was suddenly heard from nearby, as the Archon soon turned towards it, noticing how some people were awake and looking towards him now. -I heard it from the Winds, the kind of horrible thoughts you were having, my Archon. -The speaker, who was Seamus, soon admitted. -As for your worries about somehow being "ungrateful" to Mondstadt's people just by showing us your emotions...Truthfully, I can't believe you could even think something like that...
-He means that these thoughts of yours are completely asinine. -Emilia soon "translated", before noticing the small glare she was now given. -What is it that I said wrong...? I do not feel like going in circles right now. -She admitted in some annoyance, before turning back to look towards the now quiet and seemingly confused Archon. -...I might have not been a part of Mondstadt for long, but only a fool would not realize the true state of the city and nation: The bond between the people and you. -Her expression soon turned dead serious. -The people love you, for both your good and bad qualities, so relatable and human. Because it is you, not just thei...Our god, but also a friend and an important member of our family. -She explained, upon looking between the others. -"The one standing in infinite glory is you, the one fallen from grace is also you. What matters is 'you' and not the state of you and we love you. Even if you need us or don't need us, we will always be there for you to talk to, just as we always have been and will always be.", is the truth of the matter, whether you believe it or not. -Her expression soon turned warm and slightly amused, as she noticed the Archon's now shocked expression. -...There is no need for you to feel guilty for showing your emotions, because it's only natural and everyone would gladly help you out, right...?
The Alchemist rhetorically asked, getting a disbelieving look from the Archon in reply,
One she was not certain wherever she should feel amused or sad about...
*To think that he would be so taken aback upon hearing the truth,
Their Archon was truly so...
-Thank you for explaining it to him, Emilia. -Albedo soon said, completely interrupting her thoughts, as the Chief Alchemist was now looking towards the dumbfounded Archon. -...Now then, "Venti", you would not mind if we move onto the second matter of your highly destructive thoughts: Telling yourself it is somehow wrong to feel grief due to what happened to your friend. -He added in all seriousness, before deeply sighing. -...Remember this message I told you earlier on: "Sometimes, you have no choice but to say goodbye. Even if you wish for your loved ones to stay, you have to let them go. If not for yourself, you have to do it for those who are still here."...? -He waited for the other's reaction, which came as a sad nod. -...At that time, I failed to realize how lacking it truly was, that I forgot to add another important truth to the message: "Saying goodbye, no matter how soon or late, is never easy. For the people we lose, it is natural to feel deep grief, the proof of just how much we loved them and how greatly we miss them now. It is not a weakness in any way or form and while it will take time for the pain to disappear, we can share it with others so that they can help us heal.". -He admitted, trying to sound as reassuring as possible, before deciding to summon a certain item out of his Vision's "Hammerspace". -This painting was originally made for you to remember your friend and the happy times that you spent with him. It is a gift from me to you, Venti.
He admitted upon giving the painting to the still shocked Archon,
Who took it into his hands without a word, looking conflicted...
*As he couldn't help remembering everything he experienced with his friend that day,
From the moment he noticed his friend in the room, to the moment this picture was drawn and anything in between...
...
And then...
"...Friend, how long are you going to play this charade...?
...How much longer are you going to gamble with your life...?"
His friend suddenly breaking the illusion...
"Friend, how long are you going to continue this...? How long are you going to deny reality...?
I know that you missed me and I missed you too, but you can't continue like this, else you will die!
I already experienced all Mondstadt had to offer, by spending time with you and everyone else! Unlike 2600 ago, I could finally enjoy the freedom we so desperately fought for! So please, let me go! For you to die, because of me, because you are keeping me here, I...I DON'T WANT THAT!"
His friend trying to explain to him that this was wrong,
That no matter how much he wished him to stay...
"Barbatos, calm down and listen to me. Stop using your power to keep me alive, in this form.
...It's draining you, so much. I don't want you to die. Especially not like this...!
Being able to see what Mondstadt has become and spend time with you. This is enough for me. So, please, let it go. Let me go, alright...?"
Trying to have him see reason,
That if he continues this, he would die...
"It's alright. It's alright. Unlike in the past, thanks to you I was able to enjoy my time here, experiencing Mondstadt together with you. Even if it was for a short while, I still had so much fun.
...So it's alright now, my dear friend. Thank you for giving me this chance."
His friend reassuring him that it was okay,
That he was already content to have been able to see what Mondstadt has become...
"You are going to be just fine, my little elf friend. You don't need me in order to continue living your life to the fullest.
...Your people, they are your family now, isn't that right...? They worked so hard to make sure that you are alright, especially today, when you kept endangering your life so much...
They all look so worried, knowing what you are doing, yet not having the heart to stop you...
...Friend, don't tell me that you failed to notice this...? Did you not realize why we had so much time today...?
They want you to live, you know that right...? Just like myself, they don't want you to die. So please, stop using your power to keep me here. You have to continue living, just as all of us want you to."
His friend reassuring him once more, that even if he left,
He still had people who cared for him, people who loved him so much...
"Friend, I am glad...You finally...Stopped using your power...
...It's alright...You are going to be just fine...With everyone here...Watching over you...
...You will continue...Taking care of my silly friend...Wouldn't you...?
...I am glad...Truly glad...Thank...You.."
His friend's last words to him, ones of reassurance once more,
Both the summary and the confirmation of everything said before...
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That he had to live, for both of their sakes, as well as the rest of his people,
And that he is not alone, never truly was and would never be...
...
Even with the way he was now, still so lacking and...
-...It was like this all along...-He emotionally mumbled, hugging the drawing close to his chest, before turning his gaze between everyone around him, both asleep and awake. -...I am sorry for worrying you so much. Thank you for staying with me and for making me realize the truth.
He couldn't help admitting, a small and gentle smile unknowingly appearing on his face...
...
When his "promise" suddenly acted up, he felt awful,
Thinking that he unintentionally killed his friend again...
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And yet...
...
Yet, this promise saved his life…
…
His people saved his life...
...
They didn't care if he still had his faults,
And they were ready to help him whichever way they could...
*Reassuring him that it was okay to feel this way and ask for their help...
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Always with him...
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Always so loving and caring...
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If he could cry, he would have surely done it a thousand times already,
So much so that a new river would surely have appeared by now...
In was now the middle of the night,
When the two brothers finally arrived at the Lawrence estate...
-I don't mind still checking this place out with you, Diluc. But are you sure we can find any evidence lying around...? -Kaeya couldn't help saying, glad to spend some time with the other, yet unsure whether this was a waste of time or not. -...Any normal person would have destroyed all evidence by now.
-That's just the thing, Kaeya, any "normal person" would have done that. Except that the Lawrences are nothing but. -Diluc answered him in a tired voice, as he proceeded to open the front door of the mansion and go inside, his brother soon joining him. -Our father might have adopted you in the past, but you didn't have to spend as much time in their company as I did due to my status as the Ragnvindr heir. -He soon deeply sighed, already looking done with everything, as the duo now walked through the mansion. -Those people are overly pompous, seeing most Mondstadt citizens as "mere peasants" and "below magnificent overlords such as themselves". They are so overconfident that the "peasants" won't be able to piece all the information together, it makes them extremely dumb. So much so that I wonder how Eula turned out so different from that bunch. -He added upon stopping before a big door, opening it and getting inside, Kaeya quietly following him. -As you can see, this is the clan head's office and unsurprisingly, the evidence is just lying around.
He admitted in some amusement upon walking towards and opening a nearby drawer,
Revealing a bunch of documents stacked inside...
...
Ones he soon took in his hands, skimmed through them one by one,
Before giving the stack of documents to Kaeya to see...
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-...This is...They are truly morons, just like you said...-The Cavalry Captain couldn't help saying upon checking the papers, all of them connecting to one thing. -...To think they would be working together with the Abyss Order and even left for their "new grandiose mansion".
-Truly dumb, right...? Just because they are not welcome in the city anymore, due to their own misdeeds, they have joined hands with one of Mondstadt's enemies. And not only that, that dumbass Schubert even agreed to it after the Abyss creatures attacked the clan's estate. -Diluc couldn't help admitting, looking towards the documents with a barely hidden mocking expression. -Those "gentlemen's" overconfidence and stupidity really knows no bounds.
-Venti, you look a lot happier now. Are you already feeling better...? -Was the first thing Klee told to him the next morning, before a pout appeared on her face. -...Klee wanted to help you feel better, but in the end I didn't do anything...
She sadly added, the pout becoming even bigger,
Which looked a little weird on her currently mature face...
*Yet, even if aged up, she was still the same Klee that he knew...
-It's alright Klee, you already helped me enough. Remember that time two days ago, when you got mad on my behalf...? -Venti soon told her, both in reassurance and some amusement. -I might have been out of it at the time, but I could still feel the death glares you were sending everyone so they would hurry up. -He soon used Anemo to float up to her level, before taking off her cap and starting to pat her on the head. -...No matter in what form, you are still the same adorable, helpful and mischievous child to me, Klee.
-I like you too, Venti. You are the best Archon ever! -The Pyromaniac happily admitted, enjoying the patting, looking content even after it stopped. -...And now that I am big, I can finally fully hug you!
She suddenly yelled out, before proceeding to envelop the now confused Archon in a warm and tight hug,
One which, due to her current curvier form, could have suffocated him if he was human...
*But he wasn't a human and didn't need to breath, so it was fine,
Klee was just glad that she could finally show him enough love~
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...
For a long time, seeing how sad and gloomy Venti was,
Klee wished her arms were long enough to envelop him fully...
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But when she turned grown-up...She kind of forgot,
Feeling too happy by everything that her mom prepared...
*Having an adventure around these islands was just so much fun!
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So now, to show how sorry she is for forgetting,
Klee was going to keep hugging Venti for as long as she could!