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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

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Chapter 19: Letter and Gift

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What happens when you know there's a chance someone you know and care for could be dead?

Klee had many times thought that the worst thing she could have to deal with was the awareness that someone, like her Mama and Grandmaster Varka, had to leave for a long time. Yet, they were still alive so they could come back anytime so... what happens when someone doesn't because they can't?

When the news that the Fatui had moved to attack the Traveler, Mr. Venti and also John, Klee thought that they all were fine beyond being a bit bruised and hurting. That was the case for the first two, while the third had been... kidnapped. By the Fatui. And they are true meanies! Early on, Klee just thought that John would have come back within a few weeks. Maybe a month. But as time passed, that hope vanished even before that time limit she set herself was over.

It wasn't her fault, that unease burning due to other people's reaction. Amber had been busy with more missions and had been avoiding speaking with her for some time, same for Eula as she seemed more involved in out-of-town commissions. Meanwhile, Venti had been spending more time drinking wine and... crying. It was one of those odd sights for Klee to find as the bard had always looked so nice and cheerful, even when sad. This time, however, he really looked upset by this situation.

All the knights had been telling to her face that they were working to save the intelligent hilichurl, but that felt more like a lie. Jean meant it, same for Lisa and Kaeya, but the rest appeared so unsure of this. And then, as she was coming back from one of her usual solo trips around Mondstadt, Klee stumbled in a conversation the guards at the entrance were having.

"Do you think that hilichurl is going to be found?"

"You mean the one the Fatui took? You really think they will keep that guy alive? I bet he is already gone and Jean knows that."

...No.

This dreadful chance sank deep in Klee's mind and, even though she made an effort to not get dragged down by it, Klee's overall habits started to grow less and less. She wanted to go out less, she wanted to stay in her room more, she felt a lack of interest and creativity to use her bombs and soon... the others noticed that Klee had gotten quieter.

Lisa spotted that first, but she involved Kaeya on the matter but, as one could easily expect, the Cavalry Captain could hardly get through the damp mood the little girl was dealing with. Jean had to personally check on her twice through these few days and, even then, she refused to tell her if John was alive or not.

"W-We don't know yet. He could still be alive."

Could. It's possible, but not confirmed.

Days passed and Klee didn't even see a point in putting on her outfit, feeling like those clothes felt uncomfortable compared to her sleepwear. Her bed was soft and comfy, warm even through the sheets. Klee was also skipping making new bombs, ignoring the craving to do something about it as she felt it would be too much of a bother.

What would be the point of going out without someone that played with her?

She didn't want to be alone for these occasions, knowing it wouldn't be the same. And she hated how that would not give her the happy sparks she had while playing with her Pap-friend. Days were slow and it was only getting worse and worse. That was the case until Bennett visited because he had a commission from Liyue's branch sent to Mondstadt.

It was a letter and a box containing a 'gift', the first thing that the young man gave her saying that 'the one that sent it said that it was meant to be read with super-attention'. It didn't tell her much, but something about that clicked deep in her mind as she nodded, took the letter and box and, after thanking Bennett, closed the door to her room and walked back to bed.

The envelope had a single writing on it:

To Klee, with spiritual headpats.

What?

The girl frowned at this point, confused by what was going on and thus went to see what the letter and package had.

To a certain little girl that has been feeling down as of recently,

Hello and I hope my disappearance didn't shock you much, little Klee. I am sure it did and... dang, I am sorry for that.

No way.

Her posture tightened and tensed as she grasped the letter closer to her eyes.

I know, it could be a trap or a trick. You're a smart cookie after all and I am sure that your gloomy mood would paint this as some try to cheer you up with lies- but you see, my dear firecracker, I remember that you and I had made a few secret quests to bomb a few lakes just short of two months ago.

And I remember telling her that we just went fishing as you returned home with a big casket filled with delicious trouts~.

It's- it's him!

I hope that's enough, I really do. I have so little space to write this one and... let's start with the most important question: I am alive and well, and I am currently living in Liyue.

Now, I bet you have many questions: how did you get there if you were sent to Snezhnaya?

I will summarize this bit because it's a bit complicated. I woke up in one of their prison cells under their big castle, they didn't get my bonking stick so I freed myself and, while looking around for a way out, I stumbled on a Vision.

Like, a empty one or something, but then- poof! It activated and for a while I turned into my human self.

Yeah, it was a thing and you should have seen how I put on a fake uniform to trick some guards and get out of there. They were so sold to the act that they didn't even bother me much. I found a strange construct that moved around like a minicart but bigger and fueled with Electro. I had to burn up my Vision a bit and become an Hilichurl again. Still, I made it out of there!

Klee giggled a bit, knowing that, even though it felt so silly, John wasn't lying to her. That sounded so much fun. Maybe she should visit Snezhnaya and use her bombs to punish that mean act.

The letter wasn't done just yet, and the next part was quite funny as the first one.

This 'train' took me not to Liyue, but Sumeru. Big place, lots of tree and hostile mushrooms- they are like slimes but with mushrooms-features. The place was so big I thought I was going to get lost, but I am not able to properly talk and could get some directions.

After a while, I stopped briefly in Sumeru City, found someone you may like as a friend (picture on the rear side of the letter) and she is currently under my care as I got to Liyue.

Klee checked the picture and... she is so pretty! Her eyes were so green and she looked like someone she could play together with Diona!

I own a Building Company now and I am making enough money to get to Mondstadt. And yes, I will be there in roughly a bit less than two month from now. So, don't feel too upset as I will be soon back to play with you some more.

He was going to be back then! Even faster than Grandmaster Varka and her mommy!

Klee beamed as she knew this was going to be great and-

By the way, I think you also got a box. There's a gift I had worked on for a few days now, one I think you will love.

The little girl was instantly tearing into the box and pulled out a small statue out of it.

"A-A Dodoco?" Klee muttered in surprise, eyes wide open as she stared at the unusual toy. It was sturdier, made of pretty orange rock with a light-blue tail.

She went back to the letter.

I hope you like it as I personally carved it. The body is made with a special stone called Cor Lapis. Its name translates as Lapis' Heart as it has such a close attitude with Geo element. The tail is made with Noctilucous Jade, an ore that is known to illuminate in the dark, so, anytime you feel the need to banish the dark, this brave Dodoco shall assist you.

Klee hugged the new 'friend' tightly, her smile quivering as tears came back. "This is so... so nice."

She put the item down for a while as there was one last bit from the letter.

P.S. You may notice a few reactions from those that had been feeling my departure for long as I have sent other letters. This day will be quite fun for you, I am sure of that.

See you soon, my little firecracker.

Klee giggled at that thought, and she decided she now had a good reason to leave bed, get dressed up and check around the city. The first stop was Jean's office to greet her. The door was half-open but it was clear the Acting Grandmaster was busy with someone already. Eula to be precise.

"You have to provide a motivation so I can send you to Liyue. This can't be done because you want it."

"It's important alright! But I don't expect this reasoning to be understood and as a Knight I would expect my request to be treated with respect."

...Was Eula planning to check John?

Jean was about to reply to this, but noticed the familiar red-hatted head peeking from the door.

"W-Wait, Klee?"

"Good morning, Jean," The little girl chirpily greeted as she took a step inside and got a bit of a surprised reaction from the two women.

Klee knew it's been a while since she behaved like this, so she knew that the silly shocked faces were justified.

"I am glad to see you are out of bed."

"I have a few people to check on," The child remarked then looked at Eula. "Good luck getting allowed to visit John in Liyue."

The door closed right as Eula's face fell and Jean's curious frown turned to the Lawrence.

Why wouldn't she tell Jean the truth?

A silly thought for later. She had to check the town next!

The stroll initially yielded no result, but then, as Klee made it to the Cathedral, she found Venti performing for a small crowd by the Statue. He had a few boxes filled with Granita nearby, all grape-flavored... which was meant to be a replacement to wine, so that meant he had stopped drinking at the nearby bar?

Somewhere nearby, Klee also saw Amber pacing back and forth nearby while mumbling on 'how do I get all these missions done fast so I can take a break for Liyue?'. Klee giggled at that sight, but knew deep down that she would have gone and done the same to leave for Liyue too. Yet, she was told John was to be back very soon so...

She could wait for her Papa's return.

AN

'Interlude' on what is going on back at 'home'. Will Eula get authorized to go to Liyue? Will Venti take flight to check on this matter? And, most importantly, will Amber get a month-worth of jobs done so she can take a much-needed break for a 'holiday in Liyue'?

Next time... Fatui cause issues, Keqing becomes best female bro, and Ganyu is spotted... creating friction between the unbeatable duo!