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Chapter 1 : Arrival of the Unknown Star
🕑 Added 2024-08-04 21:40:25 +0000 UTCThe city of Mondstadt was known for its gentle breezes and clear azure skies. Today however, the calm was disrupted by a spectacle that drew the eyes of every citizen, a blazing comet streaking across the heavens, leaving a trail of sparkling stardust in its wake. It hurtled towards the earth with an intensity that made the people catch their breaths and their hearts race.
As the comet descended, a young man was embedded within it, unconscious but alive. The comet crashed into the forest nearby with a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath Mondstadt and sending a shockwave that could be felt throughout the city and its surrounding areas.
...
In Mondstadt, the Acting Grand Master Jean was already mobilizing a response team. "Amber, take a squad and secure the area around the impact site. We don't know what we're dealing with yet," she commanded, her voice steady but urgent. Amber, the ever-enthusiastic Outrider of the Knights of Favonius, saluted and hurried off, gathering a few knights and heading towards the forest. Among them was Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain, who was as intrigued as he was wary.
...
The young man awoke at the edge of the crater, the remnants of the comet still glowing faintly behind him. He blinked, disoriented as he looked at his surroundings. He couldn't remember how he got here or anything about himself, except for his name. He felt a peculiar energy coursing through him, an elemental force that seemed almost too potent to contain. Staggering to his feet, the young man moved away from the crater, his heart pounding with both fear and excitement. The air around him crackled with energy, making his skin tingle. Before he could get far, he heard voices approaching. Turning, he saw Amber and her squad emerge from the trees. Amber's eyes widened as she saw this stranger struggling to stand near the impact site.
"Hey! You there! Step away from the crater!" Amber called out, her bow at the ready. The knights flanked her, their weapons drawn, though they looked as astonished as she did. The stranger didn't hear them because his head was a mess, and his vision was blurry. He couldn't even make out the knights features.
"Ugh, my head feels like it's about to burst. These armored men... are they....saying something to....me? Ugh I can't....even stand....properly."
Amber repeated herself, "Hey! Step away from the crater!" She took a cautious step forward.
The young man tried to respond, but his legs gave way beneath him. He collapsed, unconscious, as the knights rushed forward to help him up. "Quick, get him away from here!" Amber commanded, her earlier apprehension turning into concern. Kaeya knelt beside the young man, checking for any immediate injuries before helping to lift him.
...
Minutes later, the young man awoke, lying on a makeshift stretcher the knights had fashioned. His vision was still a bit blurry, but it was clearing up. He looked around, confused, and saw Amber and Kaeya standing nearby.
Amber noticed he was awake and approached him slowly. "Hey, are you alright? Can you tell us your name?"
The young man blinked, trying to focus. He could feel the strange energy still coursing through him, but it was more manageable now. He opened his mouth to speak, his voice hoarse. "I... I don't remember much. My name... my name is..."
He trailed off, struggling to recall anything beyond that single piece of information. Amber exchanged a concerned glance with Kaeya.
"It's alright," Kaeya said gently. "We'll figure this out together. For now, just rest. You're safe with us."
Amber nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yes, don't worry. We'll help you. Let's get you back to Mondstadt. You can tell us what you remember along the way." "It's Orion," the young man suddenly said, his voice still shaky but determined.
Kaeya and Amber exchanged a surprised glance. "What?" Amber asked, her brow furrowing.
"my name; it's Orion. It's the only thing I'm sure of," the young man repeated, his gaze meeting Amber's with pure conviction.
Amber studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Orion... Alright then, Orion. Let's get you back to Mondstadt and figure things out from there."
Amber exchanged a glance with Kaeya. "We need to take him back to the city, Jean needs to hear about this," Kaeya said. "But first, let's secure the area."
As the knights moved to inspect the crater, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that he is missing something significant, and that feeling was eating him away. He glanced back at the remnants of the comet, which seemed to pulse in response to his gaze. ... As they approached the gates of Mondstadt, Orion couldn't help but admire how peaceful and inviting the city looked. The gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming Dandelion, and the architecture seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings. He marveled at the sight, "Such a peaceful place," he whispered to himself.
Kaeya noticed Orion's amazement and smiled knowingly. "Impressive, isn't it? Mondstadt has a charm that's hard to resist"
...
Entering the bustling city, Orion was greeted by a lively scene. People of all kinds went about their daily activities, merchants selling their wares, bards singing in the streets, and children chasing each other playfully. It was a stark contrast to the choatic forest scene he had woken up in.
Kaeya leaned closer to Orion and remarked casually, "I can tell you're not from around here, at least not by the way you dress. It's... quite exotic, even by Mondstadt standards, which says a lot considering we get visitors from all seven nations."
Orion nodded, still taking in the vibrant atmosphere around him. His attention was briefly diverted when a striking figure approached them. Eula, Captain of the Knights of Favonius Reconnaissance Company, walked gracefully towards them, her presence commanding attention, her piercing icy blue eyes that seemed to see right through him, and her flowing blue hair that matched her eyes. Orion couldn't help but stare, captivated by her beauty. "She's... breathtaking," Orion murmured to himself, unable to tear his gaze away.
Eula noticed Orion staring and felt a faint blush rise to her cheeks, but she maintained her composure. "Kaeya!," she addressed him directly, her voice steady and businesslike. "What do we know about that comet that crashed in the woods? Any findings?"
Kaeya gestured towards Orion. "This is Orion. He was found near the impact site. Seems like he's a survivor of whatever happened up there."
Eula's curiosity deepened as she studied Orion with keen interest. "A survivor," she said, her gaze lingering on him briefly before turning back to Kaeya. "Keep a close watch on him. We need to report to the Acting Grand Master."
With a nod of acknowledgment to Orion and Kaeya, Eula continued on her way, leaving Orion momentarily awestruck by her presence. Kaeya glanced at Orion, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Welcome to Mondstadt, Orion. Looks like you've already caught the eye of our Captain."
...
As they continued through the bustling streets of Mondstadt, Kaeya turned to Orion with a casual smile. "Before we head to the headquarters, how about a meal? I know a place nearby that serves excellent dishes."
Orion didn't hesitate. His stomach rumbled quietly in agreement, and he replied with a grateful smile, "YEAH!, i mean yeah, I'm pretty hungry. A meal sounds perfect."
Kaeya led them through winding alleys that he is familiar with until they arrived at a cozy tavern nestled near the city's edge. Inside, the aroma of roasted meat and baked bread welcomed them warmly. The tavern was alive with chatter and laughter, a stark contrast to the solemnity of their recent experience.
They found a secluded table in a corner, away from prying eyes but still within earshot of the lively ambiance. Orion sank into the wooden chair with a sigh of relief, feeling a temporary respite from the weight of unanswered questions.
As they perused the menu, Kaeya leaned forward, his voice low but earnest. "Orion, Let's start with the basics then. Do you remember anything before waking up near that crater?" Orion furrowed his brow, searching his mind for any hint of a memory. "Nothing," he admitted slowly. "my name. That's all."
Kaeya nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the sparse details. "Orion," he repeated softly. "It's a good start. Mondstadt is full of mysteries, but we have resources and allies, maybe you have family here or someone we'll try and look for anything"
Their conversation paused briefly as Kaeya hailed the tavern's server and ordered a hearty meal for both of them. Soon, plates of roasted meat, fresh vegetables, and crusty bread were set before them, steaming with inviting aromas.
Orion didn't hold back. Hunger gnawed at him, and he attacked his food with gusto, devouring each bite like a man who hadn't eaten in days. Kaeya watched with amusement, his tone light but teasing. "Easy there, Orion," he remarked with a smirk. "The food isn't going anywhere. No need to scare it off."
Orion paused mid-bite, cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment. He chuckled sheepishly, realizing how ravenous he must appear. "Sorry," he mumbled
, swallowing hastily. "It's just... really good" Kaeya's smirk softened into a warm smile. "No need to apologize. You're entitled to enjoy a good meal after whatever happened back there in the woods"
...
After their meal at the tavern, Kaeya wiped his mouth with a napkin and smiled warmly at Orion. "Alright, it's time to head to the Knights HQ."
Orion nodded, his expression thoughtful as they prepared to leave. "Yeah, sure," he replied, though a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his mind. "Why do I feel like I'm missing something? Like I'm wasting my time here..."
Kaeya noticed Orion's hesitation and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "i can tell you're confused, it's natural if you have amnesia" he said quietly, his voice sincere. "We'll do what we can, I promise."
Orion nodded again, silently grateful for Kaeya's encouragement. With a deep breath, he followed Kaeya out of the tavern and into the bustling streets of Mondstadt, their destination clear in his mind but uncertainty lingering in his heart. "I can get used to this place" Orion murmured to himself.
...
Arriving at the grand stone building that housed the Knights of Favonius, Orion took a moment to observe the hustle and bustle around him. Knights in their distinctive uniforms hurried about their duties, citizens of Mondstadt going about their daily lives, unaware of the turmoil within him. The contrast between the structured environment of the Knights and the lively atmosphere of the city did not escape Orion's notice.
Turning to Kaeya, Orion spoke softly, "Your knights seem way too serious and formal."
Kaeya chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, you're noticing that, huh? Mondstadt takes its duties seriously, but don't let the stern faces fool you. Underneath those uniforms, there are quite a few characters."
Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Kaeya's remark. "Characters? As in?" Kaeya grinned mischievously. "Oh, you'll see."
