In the aftermath of the battle against Osial, tranquillity had resumed in Liyue, with the exception of the regular Hilichurl extermination processes by the Imps and other demons for revenue.

In one of the many streets of the harbour, Moxxie and Nifty were casually walking about, looking for someone,

Eventually, they found who they were looking for, none other than Mona.

« Finally. You kept me waiting so long I almost fell asleep. » she spoke.

« Yeah, I know. Sorry, got busy with the whole Osial ordeal. That and the constant Chilli Churros holocaust. » Moxxie replied.

« You're the lady Moxxie said you can teach me to use water attacks! Nice to meet you! I'm Nifty! I LIKE TO MURDER THINGS AND WANT TO LEARN HOW TO USE WATER TO MURDER THINGS EVEN MORE! » Nifty introduced herself.

« Archons I've predicted your arrival and still find it creepy….» Mona's face paled. « None the less, yes. I'm more than willing to teach you a few of my tricks, but first, I would like you to come with me to Mondstadt to reclaim a box that belongs to my master. It was part of an agreement she made with a friend 50 years ago. But she isn't as spry as she used to be, so it's now up to me. »

« I mean, sure. Guess we could have a little trip back to Mondstadt before the opera play, but why do you need our help? » Moxxie asked.

« Well... that's because I would also like to take on the guardian of the box. » Mona replied. « My master and her friend contended in the mystic arts all their lives without a clear victor. If I triumph here, then I will show myself to be superior to my master! »

« Oh! I have an idea! If you murder your master, you'll prove you're better than them quickly! » Nifty proposed with a creepy smile.

« …That's not how the force works! » Moxxie replied with a deadpan expression.

« Now, from my predictions, I know that my master's friend has left Mondstadt, leaving her successor as the current guardian of that box. » Mona replied. « Like me, that successor must also be the one who has surpassed their teacher. I must not be careless. »

« Ma'am, I hate to brag, but unlike my boss I'm a bit of a professional. I'll do the deed, free of charge! Except for you teaching me how to use a catalyst. » Moxxie replied.

« That's not how it works. The knowledge passed down to me from my master must be passed on in turn. » Mona replied. « If I were to bring my disciple to meet her, then the lead is already mine, no? And you are among Mondstadt and Liyue great heroes, my equal in status. So...»

« Meh. Makes sense. » Moxxie shrugged.

« Hehe, a wise decision. Let us be off, then. That said, I would like to pay a certain place a visit before we go. » Mona replied. « There is a small inn near Mt. Tianheng that never sees a lot of business, even though its food is always great value for the money. The owner has always been good to me, so I'd like to say a farewell before I set off. »

« Lead on! »

Xxxxxxx

At the inn, the group was greeted by the owner of the establishment. « Mona, you've come at just the right time. Did you see a jade ring while you made your way here? »

« A jade ring? Can't say I have. » Mona casually replied.

« Oh, that's not good... that ring was given to me by my mentor. But while my back was turned, it was swallowed up by a slime! » the man explained.

« Do not worry, sir! We'll bring it back in a jimmy! I just need Mona to pint point the location of the target and we'll be golden! » Moxxie replied.

« Absolutely not. Astrology is meant to be used to gain insight into reality and observe destiny itself. It's certainly not for such mundane affairs. » Mona shot back.

« Or maybe not. Despite your generosity towards her….» Moxxie continued annoyed.

« This is a matter of pride and one's state of mind. If an astrologist thinks that their arts can solve all problems, they will be forsaken by the starry ether. » Mona replied. « Their divinations will lose the power to guide, and will not be able to pierce the fog of the unknown before them. Principles are principles. »

« Well, I was going to put up twenty thousand Mora as compensation, if you were willing. » the man sighed.

« Twenty thousand...! » Mona eyes widened in shock.

«…Are you having a stroke? I love strokes! They make people have funny faces! » Nifty exclaimed.

« Oh, ahh, it's nothing! I... I was just thinking that the person who finds that ring must be lucky indeed, to be able to earn twenty thousand Mora just like that. » Mona replied with a nervous smile.

«…Jeeeeeesus Ccchrist you're like my boss! Except with tits! And a hat! And are actually human! » Moxxie exclaimed.

« It's not like that! The owner's business has had it pretty hard. It must be a truly extraordinary ring, to be worth spending this much Mora to find. » Mona replied. « It wouldn't be right for us to leave like this, so let's help to search for it. There may be other means we can employ besides astrology. »

« Let us handle it! Let us kill the slime! » Nifty begged.

« Indeed, I'll leave this one to you two! This is the first mission I'm giving you as your master! » Mona replied.

« YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!» Nifty begun to laugh maniacally, before Moxxie placed a hand on her shoulder.

« Now, Nifty, I know you want to murder the Slimes, but why don't you go and murder those Chilli Churros right there? » Moxxie pointed at a patch in the mountains with some Chilli Churros.

« Okaynevermindyougettheslimes! » Nifty replied, as she raced towards them like a rabid animal.

« Huh. There were actually Chilli Churros there. » Moxxie noted. « Anyway, will be right back with the ring boss! »

Xxxxxxx

Five minutes later…

« Got the ring! » Moxxie exclaimed.

« Got the Chilli Churros flayed skin! » Nifty added, dropping several Hilichurl skins on the inn floor.

«…We don't need the latter. » a terrified Mona replied. « Anyway, Mr. Zhu, you must take care of such precious things a bit better. You might not be so fortunate next time. »

« You're absolutely right. How would I have faced my family if I had lost the 253rd ring my mother gave me? » Zhu replied.

« …..Wut? » the trio asked.

« Ah, let me explain. My family owns three jade mines, and in order to ensure that I would be able to find myself a good wife, my mother had many jade accessories made as heirlooms. » Zhu replied. « I think there might be over five hundred of them. »

« Then, why would you feel the need to set up an inn here? » Mona asked.

« Well, inheriting the family business too early unavoidably made things boring. » Zhu replied. « Thank you, all the same. Here's the Mora, as agreed. Please take it. »

« Then I'll take it gladly! » Mona yoinked the coin bag, essentially drooling.

« Hey. His eyes are up there. » Moxxie scolded the girl annoyed.

Suddenly, then, a loud stomach rumble could be heard.

« Uh…what was that? » Moxxie asked confused.

« Oh, right, you mustn't have eaten in days. I'm very sorry, I forgot that you have no-» Zhu begun, before being interrupted by a nervous Mona.

« Aaaaaaah—! Shhhhahahahaha! That didn't happen! Forget it! In fact, I feel that you have indeed contributed to our good fortune. I say we spend this money on treating you to a fine meal! » Mona laughed nervously. « If we travel north, we'll reach the Wangshu Inn. I hear that the food there is really good, so let's go try it out! No need to thank me, I'm just doing as a good master should! »

«…Are you actually starving? » Nifty asked.

« TOWANGSHUINNRIGHTNOW! » Mona exclaimed, as she grabbed the duo and raced to Wangshu Inn.

«…Good kids. »

Xxxxxxx

After lunch at Wangshu Inn and after a long track, the group finally reached Mondstadt.

« Phew. That was tiring, but we're finally in Mondstadt. » Mona commented. « The quest to plumb the wondrous depths of knowledge is indeed arduous...»

« Doesn't help that a certain SOMEONE has decided to commit a literal Chilli Churros genocide on Mt. Tianheng! » Moxxie added angrily as he held a restrained Nifty.

« Please don't mention that…» Mona begged.

« Are you also resting your feet here? » a man sitting under a tree with a group of people called the trio.

«…You're Tresure Hoarders, right? » Moxxie asked annoyed.

« W—What are you saying? » the man exclaimed in "shock", before Moxxie casually shot their carts with a pistol, the content dropping out and revealing itself to be countless obviously stolen goods.

A short awkward silence followed, before Moxxie tossed Nifty at the group, who promptly massacred them. « Fifth fucking time you tried this shit. »

« None the less, Are you ready? Don't shame your master now — we're about to meet that successor. » Mona asked.

« Question: how do we read the stars? » Nifty asked.

« …Shit that's a problem….It won't do if you have no idea at all, even if you two are fake disciples! » Mona exclaimed. « We have a rule that forbids us from teaching outsiders, but I suppose... I suppose I could teach you. »

« Yay! Learning is fun! » Nifty exclaimed.

« So how does it work? » Moxxie asked.

« My astrology is based on hydromancy, and as the name suggests, I use the reflections in water bodies to observe the true starry sky. » Mona explained, before summoning some water. « Allow me to demonstrate. Watch closely now. »

As she summoned water, she got a good reading of the stars. « From the present station and movement of the stars... I see, so that successor is a young... female... Knight of Favonius. »

« ….That's not helpful at all! » Nifty cheerfully exclaimed.

« Well I guess we could look for them in Mondstadt, and I could get that catalyst the blacksmith has been working for a while…even though something tells me I'm not welcomed back here…» Moxxie noted, as the people of Mondstadt despaired as they saw the Imp, thus the return of the destruction that the IMPs would bring.

Xxxxxxx

After getting the catalyst and inspecting the city for a bit, the voice of a little girl called for Moxxie.

« Uncle Moxxie! »

She had pale skin, light red eyes, pale blonde hair with a prominent cowlick, and elf ears. Her hair was tied in pigtails. She wore a red coat with a darker red embellishment and keyhole shapes in the hem over a white dress and shorts, as well as a fluffy scarf with a pom-pom, gloves, knee socks, boots, and a brown backpack that resembles a randoseru. Attached to this bag was her Pyro Vision as well a furry, woodland animal-shaped pom-pom. She also wore a large red newsboy cap with a pin featuring a clover insignia and two white feathers.

She quickly ran towards the demon and tackled him in a hug. « Klee! How are ya doin', you little psychopath? »

« Klee is doing fine! She hasn't gone to solitary confinement for a whole week! » Klee replied. « Hey, where are uncle Blitzo, aunt Mille and big sister Loona? »

« Oh, they're still in Liyue, but don't worry, they'll be back here soon. » Moxxie replied.

« Yaaay! This way, Klee can blow up more Chilli Churros! » Klee exclaimed cheerfully.

« Can I join too? » Nifty asked.

« Oh, sorry. Klee didn't see you there. » Klee apologized. « Anyway, Klee is Klee! »

« And Nifty is Nifty! Nifty loves to murder things! » Nifty introduced herself.

« Does Nifty want to blow up some Chilli Churros later? » Klee asked.

« Okay I'm in! » Nifty replied.

« YAAAAAAY!»

« Excellent work, my two disciples! You've found the successor to great knowledge! » Mona exclaimed.

« Wait, who-» Moxxie turned towards Mona, before his face turning stern. « No. NO. Absolutely NOT. We're NOT fighting a child! »

« Uh…Uncle Moxxie? What is the weird lady talking about? » Klee asked.

« I am the astrologist who has plumbed the depths of the ocean of stars. Surely, you have long calculated my arrival as well. » Mona explained.

« An ocean of stars? What's that? Does it have fish in it? » Klee asked.

« Fish...? No, don't play dumb. Is this some kind of game? » Mona replied.

« I should be the one saying that! I didn't get what you said at all! » Klee shot back angrily.

« Look Mona. She's obviously not the person we're looking for! » Moxxie complained.

« But my predictions can't be mistaken... Well, let's make sure. Your mother's name is Alice, isn't it? » Mona asked the little girl.

« That's right! Oh, so you're Mommy's friend! But she's gone very far away... » Klee replied.

« My readings told me as much. But before she left, she must have imparted her mystical arts to you, surely? » Mona asked.

« Mystical... arts? I... don't get it. Mommy only taught me to make Jumpy Dumpties. » Klee replied confused.

« So Klee's mother is the friend and rival of your teacher? » Moxxie asked Mona.

« Yes. As well-versed in astrology as she was, my master knew only astrology. Alice, on the other hand, was skilled in a great many other mystical fields. » Mona explained.

« And don't you think that perhaps she's a itty bitty too young to learn anything Alice could had created? » Moxxie's face cringed.

« Yes. It seems she has inherited the blood, but not the knowledge... what a miscalculation. There can be no contest like this. » Mona noted. « Ah, yes. So, before Alice left, did she tell you about a fifty-year agreement, and about a certain box? »

« Ooh, I know this one! So you're here for that box. » Klee replied. « I remember now. I buried it together with my new treasure, at Windrise! »

« Klee, if I have to clear another god damned mine field, you're getting seven across the ass! » Moxxie replied angrily.

« Aw, I wish uncle Blitzo was here…» Klee pouted, before racing off. « anyway, wait for me. I'll be right back! »

« Oh for God-GET BACK HERE KLEE! » Moxxie raced after her, followed swiftly by Nifty.

Xxxxxxx

After a while, the trio was at Windrise.

« We're heeere! This is it. Let's dig it up! » Klee exclaimed.

« Be careful Klee, there's Slimes afoot…» Moxxie noted.

« It can't be. I put up a sign here. There's no mistake–» Klee replied, before several slimes emerged out of nowhere. « Argh! Dendro Slimes! »

« Klee! Stand back! I'll-» Moxxie prepared his tommie gun, before Nifty charged in.

« Hey Klee! Wanna KiLl ThEm!?» Nifty asked with a creepy tone.

«Uh…can we blow them up instead? » Klee asked.

« Okay that works! » Nifty replied, as she pulled out several grenades.

« Wait, where did you- » Moxxie asked, before he realized his grenades had been stolen by Nifty. « Oh crumbs…»

Xxxxxxx

Jean was in her office when she heard a massive explosion coming from Windrise.

« Oh Barbatos…they're back! » Jean despaired.

« Hey, Acting Grandmaster Jean, have you seen Klee? » Albedo casually walked in.

« …Oh thank Barbatos, it's just Klee…» Jean let out a deep breath of relief, before her eyes widening in full panic. « OH SHIT IT'S KLEE! »

Xxxxxxx

Five minutes later, and the trio had returned to Mona, who was reading a book.

« You're back at last. The wait was exceedingly dull. I had intended to read a book to pass the time, but this one was just some ridiculous diary. Nothing of note in it at all. » Mona addressed the trio. « It dropped from Klee's backpack, so I thought it might contain some ancient knowledge, but... Never mind that. So, did you find the box? »

« Choke on it. » a burned Moxxie replied angrily, before tossing it at Mona.

However, as she inspected it, she noticed something was wrong. « Wait a moment... W—Why isn't it locked?! And... why is it empty!? »

« ….It's what? » Moxxie asked.

« Well... it's because I borrowed this box to store my treasures. » Klee explained.

« Borrowed?! » Mona exclaimed in panic, as she grabbed Klee's shoulders.

« But since you're here for the box, I took all my treasures out. That's why it's empty. »

« You used it to store your things?! T—Then where are the original contents of the box? That's what I want. »

« Oh. You want the thing that used to be in the box? ...You should've said so. »

«You haven't... broken it, have you? » Mona's face paled.

« No! It's not broken at all! » Klee replied. « It's the book in your hand. »

« Whaaaaaaat—?! T—This... So this book, this diary... is that hag's... It's her diary from 50 years ago?! » Mona exclaimed in despair. « The thing she wanted back after 50 years was the dark history of her youth? Ah, I'm finished! No wonder... No wonder that old woman said that I should not look at it no matter what, or she'd rip me to shreds... »

« Am... Am I in trouble? » Klee asked.

« Not unless your name is Mona. » Moxxie smirked.

« I'll just have to stay in Mondstadt temporarily. Once that old crone's reached the end of her days, I'll be free. » Mona commented.

« Uh…isn't it a bit…to extreme? » Moxxie asked.

« But what will I do about my astrology research? ...No, wait, I don't even have a place to stay. » Mona realized.

« I have a proposal! You help us pinpoint the location of Chilli Churros or other menaces to Teyvat, you can work with the Imps! I just need to make a call to ask Blitzo. » Moxxie proposed.

« I…I guess it could be a temporary arrangement…» Mona replied.

« Honestly, I'm sure Blitzo will more than willingly accept this deal! We could REALLY use a tracker. Our escapades cause too much explosions….» Moxxie noted.

However, as he said that, the peace and tranquillity of this peculiar location of Mondstadt was shattered by the bellow of a wild animal.

« KLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!»

« SORRYKLEEGOTTAGOBYE! » Klee raced off to seek a place where to hide.

« …I miss Liyue…» was all Mona could utter.

Xxxxxxx

Many thanks to Inanna for many of the suggestions for this chapter.

I hope you enjoy this new chapter! Please review so I can know your opinion. I'm willing to accept suggestions for what is going to happen, so stay tuned! Also, remember to like and follow, if you want!

See you to the next update!