On a tranquil Mondstadt, Beelzebub was just going on a casual stroll, when she saw Klee walking down the streets.
« Klee! How ya doin', kiddo? » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« Hi Autie Bee…» Klee replied in a sad tone.
« Klee? What's wrong? Did you have an argument with Jean? » Beelzebub asked.
« Worse than that! I got a terrible, terrible letter and need to go a certain place! » Klee replied.
« A letter? » Beelzebub asked.
« Yes, from a person that won't acknowledge that Klee and Dodoco are family. They even said they want to test Klee and have Klee go to Dodoland... But, but...» Klee explained.
« Who do I need to hurt? » Beelzebub asked serious.
« A very bad, bad, bad guy! He's called Dodo-King! » Klee exclaimed.
« Who? » Beelzebub asked.
« You also haven't heard of him? » Klee asked.
« What do you mean "also"? » Beelzebub asked.
« Because even Klee has never heard of him! » Klee exclaimed.
« This is really confusing, girl, not gonna lie…» Beelzebub commented.
« I went to go find Albedo, but he's not home, so I thought of the Imps, but they were also gone to Inazuma! » Klee exclaimed.
« Oh yeah. I did ask Moxxie and Blitzo to go and check on Vex….» Beelzebub noted.
« Let me read you the letter that Dodo-King wrote! "Wicked girl of flame, I am of the Dodo Clan"... Uh, Klee can't read this part... "In the name of Dodo-King, you are not qualified to become Dodoco's new family!" » Klee begun to read the letter. « "Unless you bring Dodoco to the Golden Apple Archipelago, light four..." Uh... "Accept the..." Um... I don't know some of these words...»
« Let's see here…» Beelzebub grabbed the letter and begun to read it. « "Overlord" is a guy in charge. "Light four beacons, and knock upon the trialist's gate" is probably some challenge, and "arbitrate" means this jerk wants to test you. »
« Arbi... Um... Arbi... trate? » Klee asked confused.
« And they want you to return Dodoco? » Beelzebub asked.
« How could this be!? Dodoco is my bestest friend, so I'll never give Dodoco to him! » Klee shot back. « But... He said he's the strongest of the Dodo Clan. Ohh... Could the Dodo Clan be Dodoco's family? »
« What even is the Golden Apple Archipelago? » Beelzebub raised an eyebrow confused.
« I don't know. » Klee replied.
« Really? » Beelzebub asked.
« This is also the first time Klee has heard of the "Golden Apple Archipelago." Golden Apple... Archipelago? » Klee explained. « It's probably an island with lots of apples, hehe. »
« Did the letter come with an envelope? » Beelzebub asked.
« Nope. » Klee replied.
« Where was this letter even sent from? » Beelzebub asked once more.
« I don't know. It suddenly appeared on my room's windowsill. » Klee replied.
« …You sure it's not some stupid prank? » Beelzebub asked.
« No, no way! I'll never admit defeat! I have to go there! » Klee replied.
« Well count me in, I suppose. 'Cause either we're gonna find the jerk that threatened you or the sore looser who did this stupid prank. » Beelzebub replied.
« Thanks~! » Klee hugged the demon.
Xxxxxxx
However, after a while, the two were left empty handed. « How can no one in this stupid city know nothing about this stupid archipelago!? »
« Klee knows, right? » Klee pouted.
« Now that I think about it, I hardly think anyone could prank you, kid. » Beelzebub noted.
« I love everyone very much, and everyone loves Klee very much. » Klee replied.
« I guess we could ask Lisa…» Beelzebub pondered.
« Oh! Miss Lisa! » Klee exclaimed.
« C'mon, kiddo! To the library! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the two reached the library.
« Party girl! Another party girl requires your assistance! » Beelzebub declared.
« Oh, well if it isn't Beelzebub and Klee. What brings you to the library all of a sudden? » Lisa asked.
« The kid here needs some help, and the Imps went to Inazuma so I'm now taking care of her. » Beelzebub replied.
« Oh, yes. I've heard. Though, it was only Blitzo and Moxxie that went there. » Lisa explained. « Millie went to Natlan after hearing that her family was stranded there, and Loona is now in Sumeru. »
« Wait, the school country? Why? » Beelzebub asked confused.
« Let's just say…it was a surprise of my part…» Lisa smirked.
Xxxxxxx
The day before, at Lisa's office…
« I will be honest with you Loona. You are more than a handful, and not even for the bad reasons, hehe…» Lisa commented.
« Getting too good? Hey, not blaming ya, you know how shitty Isekai tropes go… » Loona shrugged.
« Nevertheless, I have a way for you to improve your Electro skills, my dear. » Lisa explained.
« Oh, that is freaking awesome! So what is it? » Loona asked.
« Here, take this. » Lisa replied, as she handed Loona a piece of paper.
« Uh…what's this? » a confused Loona asked.
« Why, it's your recommendation to the Sumeru Akademia. » Lisa replied. « I've been planning on giving it to you for a while. Granted, you will have to pass the entrance test, but I'm sure you can handle it.»
Loona widened her eyes in shock, fear and despair after hearing she was going to school. « NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!»
Xxxxxxx
« Let's just say….I thought she would take the news better…» Lisa rubbed her arm nervously.
« She hates you now, doesn't she? » Beelzebub asked.
« Not at all, by the look of things. She said that I'm still "Loona approved", so I guess I'm still in her good graces? » Lisa replied. « Nevertheless, what is it that you need help with? »
« Miss Lisa, can you help Klee find an arki-archipelago? » Klee asked.
« An archipelago? » Lisa asked confused.
« Dodo-King told Klee to go to the Golden Apple Archipelago so he can challenge Klee! » Klee exclaimed.
A short awkward silence followed. « Oh boy, where do I even start…»
Xxxxxxx
A short explanation later…
« Let me get this straight. To determine if Klee is worthy of becoming Dodoco's family, the ruler of the Dodo Clan, Dodo-King, wrote a letter to Klee summoning her to this Golden Apple Archipelago to be judged? » Lisa asked. « Does that sum it up? »
« Yes! I have to go! » Klee explained.
« And you cuties sought me out to help Klee find the location of this Golden Apple Archipelago, correct? » Lisa asked.
« I mean, it doesn't get much smarter than you, girl… » Beelzebub casually replied.
« Haha, how sweet of you to say. Then I have no choice but to assist you in earnest. » Lisa thanked the girl. « Klee, can you show me that letter? »
« Okay! » Klee handed the letter to Lisa, who begun to analyse it.
« Hmm. Though there's little information written upon the letter, have you all tried any other methods? » Lisa proposed.
« Such as? » Beelzebub asked.
« This letter contains faint elemental traces that seem more like a hint than anything else. Maybe try using your Elemental Sight. » Lisa explained.
« Well, let's give it a go…» Beelzebub replied. As she used it, she saw something on the back of the letter.
In response to that, Beelzebub grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, and begun to draw what appeared to be a group of islands. « And here's what we're looking for. »
« The information on the reverse page is now clear. This drawing is likely of the Golden Apple Archipelago you've been looking for. » Lisa explained.
« Guess we're closer to solving this mystery, then…» Beelzebub commented.
« I've read every single book within this library's walls. Similar islands have been mentioned in some of them. 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. » Lisa explained. « 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. »
« Well that's a nightmare and a half…» Beelzebub commented.
« Unfortunately, the books do not record the location of these islands. I'm afraid that if you want more information, you'll have to find someone more knowledgeable than I. » Lisa replied.
« Well…shoot… » Beelzebub cursed.
« Klee, do you really want to go to those islands? It might be a very scary place. » Lisa asked.
« Yes, I want to go! » Klee exclaimed.
« Haha, my, how brave. Far be it from me to scare a child, but Klee, you really should take someone with you, just in case. Someone reliable, like Miss Beelzebub over here. » Lisa replied.
« Dodoco is very important to me... I won't lose to Dodo-King! » Klee exclaimed determined. « I'll need to ask for some time off so I can go to the Golden Apple Archipelago and find Dodo-King. »
« Sounds like a plan! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the duo reached Jean's office.
« Master Jean, I want to ask for some time off because I want to go somewhere! » Klee exclaimed.
« Klee? Oh, and it's Miss Beelzebub well. » Jean greeted the duo.
« It's been a while, everyone. How have you been? » Barbara was also there.
« Enjoying some quality time with sis? » Beelzebub inquired.
« One could say that…» Jean replied. « But back at the subject at hand. Klee, why are you requesting time off all of a sudden? »
« Klee is going to the Golden Apple Archipelago to meet the Dodo-King or else... or else he'll take Dodoco away! » Klee explained.
« Dodo-King? Take Dodoco away? » Barbara asked confused.
« He doesn't think that Klee is worthy of being part of Dodoco's family... » Klee whimpered. « I need to prove myself. Auntie Bee will help me, right? »
« Miss Beelzebub, is this so? » Jean asked.
« You bet it. » Beelzebub replied.
« I've never heard of the Golden Apple Archipelago. Where is it? » Jean asked.
« I've also never heard of it... » Barbara noted.
« Me either, but Miss Lisa said that someone must know! » Klee replied.
« ...So it's a place that even Lisa doesn't know? » Jean asked.
« Yup. »
« I see. From what you say, it seems to be quite a mysterious place. » Jean pondered, before turning to Klee. « I sincerely apologize, but I cannot approve Knight Klee's request for time off. »
« Huh? But why? I must go! » Klee insisted.
« Even if these mysterious islands do exist, we cannot determine if they are safe or not. I cannot allow you to journey into a potentially dangerous place. » Jean replied.
« Oh come on, I can protect the kid! » Beelzebub protested.
« If I don't go, Dodoco will be taken away. I—I don't want to lose Dodoco... » Klee whimpered.
« Oh, Klee...» was all Barbara could say.
« Moreover, how do you intend to reach the islands? Without a safe and reliable plan drawn up, I'm afraid I cannot give you my approval. » Jean continued.
« Oh... Dodoco... » Klee commented sadly.
Suddenly, however, the door of the office was opened, and out came Vikki. « Hey boss! Found this bard here. Says he wants to speak to you. »
The bard she was referring to was none other than Venti, which was being held by the collar. « I may or may not have a solution to your conundrum! »
« He may or may not have a solution to your conundrum. » Vikki parroted the man.
« So now they're called the Golden Apple Archipelago, huh? They used to be known as the Haar Islands. They're located on a stretch of sea that's particularly difficult for the average person to reach. » Venti explained. « Not to mention, the area has strong storms and thick fog year-round. Ships can hardly approach the islands, let alone dock. »
« So how do we reach them? » Beelzebub asked.
« Let's go…somewhere more open…» Venti replied.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group reached a large open area outside of Mondstadt.
« Okay, we're here. So what happens now? » Beelzebub asked.
« Leave it to me. » Venti begun to play the lyre.
Then, after a few seconds, came Dvalin.
Safe to say, everyone was shocked.
«…Is that- » Beelzebub was left speechless.
« Indeed. » Venti replied. « This is a secret between us here, so don't tell anyone else. »
« One of the Four Winds!? » Barbara exclaimed shocked, before pondering for a bit. « Come to think of it, didn't Miss Beelzebub call this bard here "Barb"? As in, an abbreviation for Barba-»
« WOOOOHOA! Quick to the dragon! » Venti laughed nervously, before summoning a small cyclone, lifting the group up so they could get on Dvalin's back.
Then, the mighty dragon took off.
Xxxxxxx
On the way, Dvalin was flying at high speed, before suddenly stopping and heading towards a small spot in the ocean.
On that spot were Blitzo and Moxxie on a raft, badly hurt, with Blitzo having what seemed to be a Katana stuck in his rectum.
« What happened to you? » a confused Dvalin asked.
« Tits Katana happened. » Blitzo replied angrily.
« You mean the Electro Archon? » Klee asked.
« Since when did you know about the Electro Archon's nickname? » Jean raised an eyebrow.
« Let me guess. The Imps? » Barbara sighed.
« …Uncle Blitzo told me to call her that…» Klee admitted.
« Honestly speaking she deserves worse, but you are a child, therefore too young for swear words. » Blitzo replied.
« Okay. Bye, Uncle Blitzo and Uncle Moxxie! We're heading to the Golden Apple Archipelago to save Dodoco from the Dodo King! » Klee waved the two demons goodbye, as Dvalin flew off.
« Hopefully you don't get the Butt Katana treatment…» Blitzo grumbled angrily.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group finally reached the Golden Apple Archipelago, and after the group got on the ground, Dvalin left.
« What are these islands? » Jean asked confused. « The weather is dreadful, the fog is thick, and visibility is low. Just like Lisa said. »
« And me thinking it was a good idea to bring my swimming suit… » Beelzebub groaned annoyed.
« Miss Beelzebub, what else does the letter say? » Jean asked.
« Have a read. » Beelzebub handed the letter to Jean, who quickly scanned it.
« So apparently we should now activate four beacons…» Jean noted.
« Four beacons? Does that mean he wants us to find something that emits light? » Barbara asked.
« Anything to deal with this damn fog…» Beelzebub commented.
« There's already one lit device here. It appears that we need to find the other three and light them up as well. » Jean reasoned.
« Well, let's activate them, shall we? » Beelzebub declared.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group activated the devices, and the fog was gone, revealing a quite scenic scene.
« The fog's gone! » Klee exclaimed.
« NOW we're talking, ladies! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« The four beacons have been lit, but we still don't know what trials may lie ahead. » Jean warned the group.
« Ahh, the weather's so nice! » Barbara exclaimed. « I know we can't afford to drop our guard, but I can't help but enjoy the summer... »
« I wanna catch fish! » Klee exclaimed.
« Klee, this isn't Mondstadt. Please be careful. » Jean warned the little girl.
« Oh. I understand…» Klee then turned towards Beelzebub. « Auntie Bee, after we deal with Dodo-King together, we can go catch some fish! »
« You bet! » Beelzebub replied.
« That being said…. the sudden appearance of this letter, these islands that are inaccessible by ordinary people... It's too much of a coincidence. Why would this sort of invitation be sent to a child? » Jean pondered.
« It's truly unbelievable... I also mustn't be careless. » Barbara added.
« Who cares? Let's explore this dump! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
As they explored the island, they saw something peculiar floating in the ocean.
« That narrow device... It seems to be a buoy. » Jean noted.
« Dodo-King must have put them there! » Klee exclaimed.
« What is he up to? » Beelzebub asked.
« Well, since he hasn't revealed himself to us, does that mean he's changed his mind? Or maybe... » Klee pondered. « Maybe these buoys are a clue and he's waiting for me to find him! »
« So could that be why these buoys have suddenly appeared? » Barbara asked.
« No matter, I'mma go fetch them. Hop on, Klee! » Beelzebub exclaimed, as Klee climbed over her shoulder. Then, she flew over one of the buoy.
Xxxxxxx
It didn't take long for the two to destroy the buoy.
Suddenly, however, the ground begun to shake.
« This sound…» was all Jean could say.
« Whoa, an earthquake! » Barbara exclaimed.
Then, the land rose from the sea, revealing more islands.
« What's happening!? » Klee exclaimed in a panic.
« Holy cow, it's that weird stuff the land does when meeting other pieces of land! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« This whole stretch of land just rose out of the water! » Barbara exclaimed.
« Dodo-King, Dodo-King, I'm gonna catch you! Hehe! » Klee exclaimed.
« That's the spirit! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« Before the ground started shaking, I heard the sound of machinery. I believe there may be an immense mechanical structure under this region of the ocean. » Jean guessed. « With the entire archipelago situated on a mechanical framework, it could be activated to raise each island from beneath the water. »
« Something like that would nothing be short of a miracle... Could it be the power of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos? » Barbara pondered.
« I dunno man. He doesn't sound like a tech guy…» Beelzebub shrugged.
« It's incredible, no matter how you think of it. Using a letter to draw us here and these challenges involving various mechanisms... This so-called Dodo-King is no amateur. » Jean replied.
« It's not gonna matter when I punch him in the face. » Beelzebub replied.
« Agreed. » Jean grinned evilly.
« I found him! It's Dodo-King! He's over there on that island! Hee-hee, gotcha! » Klee pointed at an island at the centre of the archipelago. « You wanted Klee to come find you, so here Klee comes! Jumpy Dumpties, get ready~! Let's go! »
« Is that... a platform in the middle of the ocean? » Barbara asked.
« Something has appeared. Everyone, we can take a closer look, but please be on guard. » Jean warned the group.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the girls reached the island, where they found a tall humanoid machine.
« Dodo-King, I see you! » Klee exclaimed.
« And I'm gonna give you five across the ass! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
In response, the machine remained silent.
« You little son of a gun… » Beelzebub said, angry at being ignored. « YOU'RE GETTING SEVEN ACROSS THE ASS! »
« Wait! It simply must be damaged! » Jean exclaimed.
« Oh, do you recognize it? » Barbara asked.
« No, I can only guess. It looks completely out of place on this island... Look at its clothes. It appears like it came from Inazuma. » Jean noted.
« Yeah, my boyfriend said that it's basically Anime Japan or something…» Beelzebub replied.
« This area of the sea is independent and does not border any country, so it certainly seems out of place here. » Jean replied. « But given Inazuma's current situation, how could something like this occur...? »
« Hm... No, I get it now! » Klee exclaimed. « This isn't Dodo-King. The real Dodo-King is somewhere else. »
« Oh. All right….You get to live, machine. » Beelzebub turned towards the machine.
Xxxxxxx
The next day…
« Ah, good mornin' ladies! » Beelzebub greeted the rest of the group.
« Good morning to you, Miss Beelzebub. » Jean replied, before she noticed something in the distance. « Wait…there's white smoke coming from one of the islands! »
« It must be Dodo-King! » Klee exclaimed.
« Hell yeah! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« I'm also keen to lay eyes on this so-called Dodo-King. All of you, follow me. Let's investigate. » Jean replied.
And so, the girls reached the spot, only to find Diluc and Kaeya.
« …Kaeya? Diluc? What are you two dudes doing here? » Beelzebub asked.
« A certain "Dodo King" decided to send us a letter…» Diluc replied.
« You too received the letter? » Jean asked.
« I'll get to that. But first, I want to enjoy some of this island sunshine. Master Diluc might actually get a tan. » Kaeya replied.
« How the hell did you even get here with all the storms and fog? » Beelzebub asked.
« Storms and fog? We must've gotten lucky. When we arrived here, there wasn't a single patch of fog in sight. Now it feels like I'm on vacation. » Kaeya replied. « But as you know, a boat wouldn't have made it over. We had no choice but to use the same method of transport as you did. »
« Dragon ride? » Beelzebub raised an eyebrow.
« Indeed. Dragon flights are a fairly conspicuous affair. Eye-catching, one could say. » Diluc replied.
« Wait, so everyone found out that I...? » Jean widened her eyes.
« It would seem that people noticed a dragon, but not necessarily a cargo. Still, word spread quickly that a dragon was in town. » Diluc replied.
« Phew, thank goodness. » Jean sighed in relief.
« Who knew that everyone's favourite bard had the power to summon dragons? » Kaeya smirked. « I guess Dvalin must be a die-fan of classical ballads... »
« Oh yeah, Barb! Yeah, he's, like, my favourite person alongside Loona. » Beelzebub replied. « Anybody else who joined you? »
« There were actually two others that arrived with us on the island. They wandered off, for various reasons. » Kaeya replied.
« Various reasons? » Jean asked.
« Let's just say that big egos aren't conductive to team cohesion... » Kaeya replied.
« Who were they? » Beelzebub asked.
« Albedo and Razor. » Diluc replied.
« Albedo and Razor? Yay! » Klee exclaimed.
« Wait. Kaeya, if you're here, then who is overseeing the Knights of Favonius? » Jean asked.
« The mighty Librarian, Lisa, of course. » Kaeya replied. « Not to worry. In some ways, she's stricter than either of us. Any evildoers in Mondstadt need to watch out for the next several days. »
« Thankfully Lisa's there... » Jean sighed in relief. « Um, where did Albedo and Razor go? »
« Also, what was that white smoke I just saw? » Barbara asked.
« Ah yes, that... I should start with how we ended up here... We arrived by dragon, but as soon as we entered the island's vicinity, something caught Razor's eye. He jumped straight off of the dragon's back and vanished into the ocean. » Kaeya replied. « We worried that he'd be in danger, so we also leaped off the dragon and glided onto this island. But, as you can see, this is but a deserted land. Based on previous experience, I decided that it would be best to wait for contact, while Diluc believed that Razor wouldn't return to find us. During our little dispute, Albedo quietly disappeared on us. »
« For some reason, I remember that our initial landing zone was the island over there with the higher mountains. Only at your insistence did we change course and land here. » Diluc continued.
« Oh my, but your footsteps melted the water that I took such effort to freeze. Who made Cryo and Pyro so incompatible? If you had a Geo Vision, I'd be long asleep on one of the other islands. » Kaeya smirked.
« Oh, so what I saw earlier was just steam from vaporized water? » Barbara asked. « R—Regardless, things seem to be livelier now, which is good. »
« Yes, it's a boon to have extra allies in an unknown situation. You two, please join our travels. » Jean added.
« Sure. » Diluc replied.
« But of course. » Kaeya added.
« Our top priority is to find Albedo and Razor. Do you know which direction they went? » Jean asked.
« For now, it's impossible to locate Razor. As for Albedo, he went that way. » Diluc pointed.
« What are we waiting for? » Beelzebub exclaimed.
Xxxxxxx
After a while, the group found Albedo.
« Big brother! » Klee exclaimed cheerfully.
« Hello everyone, hello Klee. » Albedo casually greeted the group. « I thought that we might convene around this time. »
« I trust you enjoyed your stroll? How kind of you to maroon us on that neighboring island. » Kaeya replied.
« Please, don't mention it. I felt that the two of you could do with some alone time. » Albedo shrugged.
« Albedo, why did you come here? » Jean asked.
« I received a letter. » Albedo replied.
« On the way over, the four of us shared what we knew. A mysterious letter appeared outside each of our doors. » Kaeya added.
« They were all signed, Dodo-King. » Diluc added.
« Anyone else find it hard not to crack a smile when Master Diluc says "Dodo-King"? » Kaeya joked.
« Everyone's letter was different, and yet all of them drew us to this archipelago. » Albedo contunued.
« What the hell is this Dodo guy doing? » Beelzebub asked confused.
« This is indeed a mysterious case. » Jean sighed.
« Having heard the contents of the letters, it became abundantly clear that something wasn't right. » Diluc replied. « I don't believe this so-called Dodo-King exists. But there is someone or something with a reason for luring us here together. »
« No, no! Dodo-King is real! He's... He's Dodo-King! » Klee protested.
« …If you say so. » Diluc casually replied.
« Something caught Razor's attention on the journey over, or he wouldn't have leaped from the dragon's back. I've examined this island. His footprints are nowhere to be found, and there's no sign of a boat having left. » Albedo explained, pointing at a platform. « Based on our position and bearing when he made the jump... if he didn't land here, then he must've made his way over there. »
« Oh, yeah. We've been there yesterday. Found some Inazuman statue. » Beelzebub casually replied.
« Could that be what caught Razor's attention? » Albedo pondered.
« Everyone, let's head to the central platform. » Jean commanded.
Xxxxxxx
And so, the group reached the central platform, where they found Razor.
« Razor! » Klee exclaimed.
« Everyone. » Razor replied. « I am here. »
« Razor, are you okay? » Jean asked.
« Are you hurt? Do you need healing? » Barbara asked.
« No need. Okay. » Razor replied.
« What are you doing here? » Beelzebub asked.
« I… smelled something. » Razor replied. « This, give to you. »
« I guess it's part of the machine. Let's put it in. » Beelzebub replied, as she placed the mechanism in the machine.
As she did, the machine begun to move, and seemed to reading up to attack, but was quickly stopped by Beelzebub, who just punched it in the face.
« IN YOUR FACE, METAL MAN! » Beelzebub exclaimed victorious.
« Look! What's that? » Klee pointed at the ground, where there were some crystals.
« Are those crystals? » Jean asked.
« Before we get to the crystals, why don't we start with the machine itself? » Albedo proposed. « Our previous conjecture was correct. This giant in Inazuman attire is a machine modeled on the human form. »
« Think it's one of those ruin guard thingies? » Beelzebub asked.
« For it to attack us indiscriminately like this, I believe it must have been damaged some time ago. » Albedo noted. « Its outward appearance confirms its Inazuman origin. »
« But... as far as I know, Inazuma is still under the Sakoku Decree. How could such a massive piece of offensive weaponry have found its way here? » Jean asked.
« It seems the answer to that question disappeared with the people that used to inhabit this archipelago. » Albedo replied.
« People? » Klee asked.
« I'm sure the shrewdest among you have already come to the same conclusion. These deserted islands bear signs of human activity. I would go so far as to infer that this archipelago once held a human population. They were most likely visitors from elsewhere — not indigenous to the islands. » Albedo replied. « They may have spent a long time here before finding a way to return home. Since then, the island has been empty, with only a few scattered remnants of the past. As for the crystals... hmm. They've been manufactured from a particularly rare type of ore... transparent... I believe they must have a specific function. »
« I also found a pile of stones and small flowers nearby…» Barbara added. « It almost feels like someone left a heartfelt offering of... gratitude. »
« Hmm, I see. » Albedo hummed. « What about the rest of you? Who do you think would want to commemorate a machine in this way? »
« Perhaps someone who was truly grateful. Only people that had benefited directly from the machine would leave a memorial like this. » Kaeya shrugged.
« If the machine co-existed with that first group of humans, then the memorial isn't so hard to understand. Of course, this is only a hypothesis. » Albedo reasoned.
« Co-existed... You mean, before it became damaged? I wonder what exactly happened to it. » Barbara pondered.
« Hmm... There is a hilichurl presence here. Perhaps this machine's indiscriminate attack is actually supposed to be targeted at hilichurls... to protect the inhabitants. » Diluc noted.
« An unlikely coincidence, I would've thought. In any case, this is all speculation. If we want to get to the bottom of it, we'll need more evidence. » Kaeya replied.
« Yes, though we don't have any clues to go on... We should sweep the area again soon. But first, let's focus our attention on the problem at hand. » Jean added.
« Look! Another letter! It must be Dodo-King! » Klee exclaimed.
« What does it say? » Beelzebub asked.
« "Mysterious Dodo-King, mysterious Dodo-King, he sleeps alone on the southwesterly isle. The bad child made him wait too long, the days grow dark, the stars are rising." » Klee begun to read. « "Greedy spirit, greedy spirit, you made the moon run a ring. Keys of three colours guarded by a strange fish, the secret lies here, do you dare to proceed?" »
« More cryptic riddles? » Jean raised an eyebrow.
« What could it mean... does it have anything to do with those crystals? » Barbara pondered.
« And also... "southwesterly isle"..? Now, which island would that be? » Kaeya added.
« I'd say it's about time we went and investigated instead of standing here making wild guesses. » Diluc proposed.
« Investigate what? We've seen everything we could have seen in this god-forsaken archipelago! » Beelzebub replied.
« Actually, there is a REALLY weird island. » Klee replied. « It has a big huge round thingy on it! »
« Klee, did you go off by yourself without authorization again? » Jean asked sternly.
« Oh, sorry. I just wanted to go for a walk…» Klee apologized.
« As long as you didn't activate any mechanisms. » Albedo replied.
« Even if it seems completely empty here, it's easy to run into danger when you're by yourself. Klee, next time you want to go anywhere, please tell me first, okay? We'll go together. How does that sound? » Jean sighed.
« I thought Master Jean is always busy with other things... You really mean it? » Klee asked.
« Of course. » Jean replied.
« Yay! Okay! » Klee exclaimed. « By the way, when will Klee's little sibling come out to play? »
« …I'm going to kill that damned lizard….»
Xxxxxxx
That evening, after catching a lot of fishes for a puzzle, the group reached what Klee had seen, a massive forcefield.
placing the fish scales, they prepared to venture inside.
« Ready for this, kiddo? » Beelzebub asked.
« I—I'm worried... What if Dodo-King really is in here? And what if he doesn't allow me to become Dodoco's family, or if I lose to him... » Klee asked worried. « Then Dodoco can't be with me, and Mom will be very sad too... Dodoco is my bestest friend that Mom ever gave me. I—I'm too scared to press it...»
« Don't worry, kiddo. We're here for you. » Beelzebub replied.
« Yes, we're all here for you. » Jean added.
« No matter who the enemy is, as long as we're here, you don't have to be afraid. » Kaeya added.
« Perfect, I also want to see how strong the enemies on this island really are. » Diluc added.
« Go. » Razor simply said. « I'm here.»
« Guys, don't say things like that... What if Dodo-King just wants to invite Klee to his house to chat? Or yes, maybe he already approves of Klee! » Barbara said.
« Will he really approve of me? » Klee asked.
« Why wouldn't he? You've always tried your best and have done a good job. » Albedo replied.
« Really? » Klee asked.
« You bet. » Beelzebub replied.
« …Alright! » Klee exclaimed. « Leave this to me! »
And so, Klee pressed the button, and the shield dissipated, revealing what seemed to be a room of some sort.
« Huh, this is…Wait, I'm so confused. What is this!? » Jean exclaimed.
« Whoa, this entire island is like a massive gift box hidden beneath the energy shield...» Barbara noted.
« There seems to be something over there. shall we take a look? » Albedo pointed at a phonograph in the middle.
« Yes, I wanna look! » Klee exclaimed, as she raced forward.
As she did, the phonograph activated.
« Wicked girl of flame, you have finally arrived. I've waited far too long — how very boring! You dare face me, the overlord of the Dodo Clan, Dodo-King!? Such glorious courage! » a voice came from the phonograph. « Though such courage is admirable, but it is now meaningless because... Because Dodo-King is me, your mother, Alice! »
« Huh? Mom!?» Klee exclaimed shocked.
« Wait, you mean the girl who wanted to kill Mona? » Beelzebub asked.
« No, that was her friend, Mona's master. » Jean explained.
« Klee and her fellow islanders, hey there! So, how did you like it here? Was it fun? Summer skies and the ocean surf, mmm~ Quite the vacation, no? » Alice asked. « There's no use looking for me, I'm not actually near you. The speaking device on the platform before you is none other than my personal creation, the Alice Phonograph! I'm using it to convey a mother's love! »
« Uh, you can't be serious…» Kaeya groaned.
« Hey, I didn't scare you all off, did I? Sorry, my Klee loves playing with all sorts of small toys. As her mother, I naturally want to support her. » Alice explained.
« Like, girl, I get it. going big is, totally bark, but sometimes ya gotta chill, ya know? » Beelzebub pointed out.
« Klee's… M-Mother? » Razor asked confused.
« It's a pity that I can't meet you, but I'll be watching your every move from afar, just as always. » Alice added.
« It was actually Alice! How careless of me… » Jean sighed.
« Wait, what? » Barbara asked.
« You might find all of this a bit odd. Why would a mother so far from home expend so much effort to create such an aquatic wonderland? » Alice asked rhetorically. « Ding ding ding! That's correct, I've personally been to those islands. I absolutely adore the ancient ruins and unique landscape. I prepared everything so you all could take part and enjoy the islands as well. »
« God I would had loved you in one of my parties…» Beelzebub commented.
« Hehe, are any of you saying bad things about me now? » Alice asked.
« Wait, is this thing on? » Beelzebub asked.
« Don't worry. Our mother is an extremely enigmatic and near-omnipotent sorceress. Don't be overly concerned. This is just her character. » Albedo explained.
« You must have been curious about what was behind those letters, the boats, the buoys, the energy shield... Mm-hmm~ Actually, I thought it was a lot of effort, but this was the only way to invite everyone here, am I right? The islands are just full of stories. The original inhabitants, shipwrecks, mystical machinery... Countless coincidences converge here. It would've been such a waste if I didn't make these arrangements. Now let me guess... Everyone who received a letter should be present. Kaeya, Diluc, Razor, Jean, Barbara... » Alice explained. « A shame that the Imps couldn't come, but alas, Miss Beelzebub will make for a more than perfect replacement. You were all invited by me to accompany Klee. Thank you all for allowing my daughter to have a memorable summer. Everything on the islands is a gift for you all, as thanks for keeping my little Klee company. But when you hear this recording, I'll already be traveling in other faraway lands. The life of a traveler is such haste and amusement. »
« So Alice went to all these lengths because she was too busy to be with Klee? » Jean pondered.
« No, Mom's just like that! » Klee explained.
« Now everyone, if you're trying to find some hidden meaning in all of this, I must tell you that the situation isn't as complicated as you may think. The reason why I like the city of Mondstadt is that its freedom is exactly what my daughter and I could every hope for. » Alice explained. « My wish is simple: I want Klee to grow up with a curious yet kind heart. As long as she so desires, she can do anything and go anywhere. »
« So that's it. We'll, I must admit that is certainly fits Alice's style. My apologies, I misunderstood. » Jean realized.
« You've got one hell of a mum, kiddo…» Beelzebub commented.
« Yep! Mom is the bestest mom! Mom, we caught fish, sailed a boat, went swimming, and played a lot of things! » Klee replied. « Everyone's been super duper amazing and very kind to me! Next time, you can come with us and we can all play here again! »
« It appears that mother and daughter are kindred spirits, both wild and free... » Kaeya noted.
« Ah, summer... Speaking of summer, when I went to those islands, it also happened to be summer. Sitting on the beach, listening to the waves roll against my feet, I thought of you. Klee, you are a child of summer, a present to me from the sea and the wind. Mom is thankful for your birth and wanted to give you something. So Mom dressed up these islands, transformed the ancient ruins into a summer park, and used the moniker of Dodo-King to invite you. » Alice explained. « In another world, there are tales of a wondrous island named after golden apples. Known by many names, it embodies the majestic vistas conjured by human fantasy. Mom loves that story and wanted you to enjoy the wonderful things in it, so Mom gave you sapphire waters, pearly sands, a fantastical paradise... For you and for those who love you.»
« So there were only three crystals... Light red like flower petals, light blue like ocean waves, light yellow like autumn leaves... » Barbara noted.
« Perhaps from Alice's perspective, this archipelago is the natural fourth crystal. Located in the middle of the sea and covered by plant life, it truly is a lustrous and emerald "Summer Crystal." » Jean pondered.
« Klee, just like Mom, you are of a race blessed with longevity. For us, time is like a gust of wind: moments come and end. In such a long life, parents are but a child's first connection. Even though we don't want to be separated, there will come the day when you must walk your own path. Klee, Mom will always love you, but there are also others by your side. » Alice explained. « Friends who accompany you, teachers who educate you, people who are willing to stay on an island for you despite knowing how unusual it is... Ah, summer is for everyone. No matter how life changes, no matter how many things happen this year, summer will never disappear, just like the love between people. From now on, regardless of wherever you go, I hope you never forget how many people in this world love you. »
« Same as always, aren't you? » Albedo smirked.
« Huh? Time's almost up, so I'll stop here. Right, right, I spent a lot of effort on this place, so you all must play your hearts out! » Alice exclaimed. « Everyone, my darling Klee, see you next time~ »
« Bye, Mom! » Klee exclaimed.
« Feelin' better, kiddo? » Beelzebub asked.
« Dodo-King was actually Mom. I don't know why, but I'm very happy! » Klee exclaimed. « It doesn't matter if it's Mom blowing up Mondstadt's main gate, or Mom getting grounded, or Mom writing weird letters. Klee loves her very much. »
« Just so you know, you're not alone kiddo. You have us! » Beelzebub exclaimed.
« Don't worry. Mom is the most strongest mage, so she can keep me company no matter where she is. She never lets me feel lonely! » Klee replied. « I love Mom thiiiiiiiiiis much! »
« Got some love for us too? » Beelzebub asked.
« I also love you very much! You have to play with me lots here, or else Mom will be disappointed! » Klee exclaimed. « I still have a lot of Jumpy Dumpties and I brought Dodoco here, too. I'll take you swimming and fish blasting! »
« Hell yeah! Time to enjoy the hell out of these islands! » Beelzebub declared.
« Thank goodness we brought the swimming suit…» Jean commented.
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!