Unexpected Visitor

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***

After their brief exchange, Kaeya led Orion into the Knights of Favonius headquarters. The interior was a stark contrast to the lively streets outside. The corridors were quiet, occasionally interrupted by the soft echo of knights' footsteps and the distant murmur of conversations. They reached a large wooden door with a polished brass plaque inscribed with "Acting Grand Master Jean."

Kaeya knocked gently before opening the door and stepping inside. The office was spacious and meticulously organized, with shelves lined with books and maps. Behind a sturdy wooden desk sat Jean, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. Her demeanor was calm and serious. "Kaeya," Jean greeted with a nod, her voice carrying a calm authority. "Please, have a seat." Kaeya cleared his throat to gather everyone's attention. "Jean, Lisa, I'd like to formally introduce you to Orion," he began with a tone of respect. "He is the one we found near the crater caused by the comet."

Orion's eyes widened slightly as he took in Lisa's elegant presence. Her green eyes held a depth of wisdom, and her flowing brown hair seemed to shimmer with a touch of magic in the soft office light. "Are all the female knights this stunning?" Orion wondered to himself, momentarily captivated. "Maybe I should join them…"

Lisa greeted Orion with a warm smile, her gaze both assessing and inviting. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Orion," she said, her voice melodic and quietly authoritative. Orion nodded politely, still taken aback by the unexpected beauty and presence of the female knights.

Before Jean could ask more, she noted the absence of another expected report. "Kaeya, where is Amber? I expected her to return with your findings some time ago," Jean inquired, her brow furrowing slightly with concern. Kaeya kept his composure and offered a casual smile. "I sent Amber on another assignment, Acting Grand Master. She's handling additional reconnaissance work for us." Jean nodded, accepting Kaeya's explanation. "Very well," she said, turning her attention to Orion. "Now, Orion…"

Before she could continue, Kaeya smoothly interjected. "Acting Grand Master, if I may, let me update you on what we've discovered so far. Orion was found unconscious near the crater caused by the comet's impact. He remembers little, just his name and a few fragmented details. There was also a strange energy surrounding him when we first arrived, but nothing that seemed immediately dangerous."

Jean listened intently, her eyes shifting between Kaeya and Orion. "I see…" she murmured thoughtfully. Kaeya, sensing his part in the introduction was complete, gave a slight bow. "If you'll excuse me, Acting Grand Master, there's another matter requiring my attention. I'll leave Orion in your capable hands."

Jean nodded. "Of course, Kaeya. Thank you for bringing him here and for your efforts. We'll take it from here." Kaeya turned to Orion with a reassuring smile. "I'll be around if you need anything. See you later." With that, he exited the office, leaving Orion with Jean and Lisa. As the door closed behind Kaeya, Jean focused on Orion, her expression a mix of curiosity and empathy. "Orion, you say you don't remember anything except your name?" Jean asked, her tone gentle but serious. Orion nodded. "Yes, that's correct." Jean paused before continuing, "Kaeya mentioned something intriguing about a strange energy. Do you know anything about that?" Orion shook his head. "Strange energy? I don't know anything about that." He thought to himself, "I did feel a strange energy surging through me, but I'm unsure if I should mention it."

Jean's gaze narrowed slightly as she searched his face for any sign of deception. Finding none, she nodded. "Alright. If you remember anything else, please inform us. It could be important for the safety of our city." Orion hesitated before adding, "Speaking of energy, I sense something unusual in your elemental powers. It feels oddly familiar."

Jean exchanged a glance with Lisa, the librarian and mage, who had been listening closely. "Do you have a Vision? If so, show us," Lisa said, her voice a mix of excitement and caution. Orion looked puzzled. "Vision? What exactly is that?"

Lisa smiled softly, her jade green eyes shimmering with arcane knowledge. She extended her hand to reveal a dazzling emblem glowing with electro energy. "In our world, a Vision is an item containing elemental power, bestowed upon individuals by the Archons."

Orion observed the emblem with fascination. "I don't have such an item," he admitted, feeling a blend of curiosity and uncertainty. "But I can sense the power in that Vision, and it's different from what I feel within myself."

Jean nodded thoughtfully. "That sensation might be your innate connection to an element. We know someone who can do something similar. Can you try to channel it, Orion?"

Taking a deep breath, Orion focused on the energies within him. He extended his hand, and a swirling vortex of fire and ice erupted from his palm, creating a powerful display that made the air heavy with intensity. Orion felt a searing heat engulf his hand, nearly unbearable, while a strange, ethereal glow began to form. He quickly controlled the display to avoid drawing attention from Jean and Lisa.

The room fell silent as Jean and Lisa exchanged another glance, now filled with a deeper understanding. "This is extraordinary… two elements, and he doesn't have a Vision," Lisa murmured, her eyes fixed on Orion.

Jean nodded. "We need to learn more about your abilities and why you're here, Orion. Until then, you'll stay with us in Mondstadt. We'll help you find what you're looking for."

Orion considered her words, appreciating the kindness. "She's kind, but I can't stay here. I don't even remember where I came from. How can they truly help me?" He took a deep breath, preparing his response. "I appreciate your offer, Jean, truly. But I can't impose on you for long. I need to find my own path and uncover my memories, or I feel I'll be wasting my time here."

Jean's eyes softened with understanding but remained firm. "At least stay for a day to rest. You've been through a lot."

Seeing the resolve in her eyes, Orion nodded slowly. "Alright. Just for a day, then. Thank you."

Jean smiled warmly, relieved by his agreement. She nodded to a nearby knight. "Please, escort Orion to a room where he can rest for the night."

The knight bowed respectfully and gestured for Orion to follow. Orion walked beside him, their footsteps echoing faintly against the stone floors. Soon, their footsteps faded, leaving an eerie silence in the corridor.

Once Orion and the knight were out of earshot, Lisa looked at Jean with concern. "You're not letting him leave like that, are you?" Jean's expression was serious yet compassionate. "Of course not, Lisa. But we can't confine him here either. Kaeya seems to have it under control. Our adversaries have been… unpredictable lately."

Lisa leaned forward, her concern evident. "I really like this young man, Jean. I just hope he's not one of… them."

...

As Orion lay in bed, the day's events swirling through his mind, a sudden movement at his window caught his attention. Startled, he sat up and saw a dark figure silhouetted against the night sky, making it hard to discern any features. A shiver ran down Orion's spine as the presence of this unexpected visitor unsettled him.

He hesitated, unsure whether to call out or stay silent. Was this a threat or something else? The figure remained still, as if waiting for Orion to make the first move. The night seemed to heighten the tension, with every shadow playing tricks on his senses.

Gathering his courage, Orion spoke cautiously, "Who are you?" There was a moment of silence before the figure stepped forward slightly, revealing fiery red eyes. The figure slipped into the room, removing their mask to reveal fiery red hair, vibrant even in the dim moonlight.

The figure spoke calmly, their voice steady. "My apologies for the intrusion. I am Diluc."

Orion stared, trying to process the unexpected encounter. Diluc's presence was both reassuring and unsettling, his intense gaze piercing through Orion's confusion.

"What do you want?" Orion managed to whisper.

Diluc regarded him thoughtfully. "I've been observing you. Mondstadt is not always as safe as it seems."

"First Jean and Mondstadt, now Diluc with his unsettling presence," Orion thought, frustration and curiosity mingling within him.

"How did you find out about me?" Orion pressed, curiosity overcoming him.

Diluc's lips curled into a faint, sarcastic smile. "It's my job to know what happens in Mondstadt. And the knights weren't discreet about finding someone in a crater near my estate." Orion nodded slowly, processing this revelation. "I came here for one thing. Are you a friend or a foe?" Diluc asked, his voice calm but intense.

Orion hesitated, grappling with Diluc's question. "I… I don't know!" he admitted, frustration evident in his voice. "You're like the tenth person to ask me today!"

Diluc nodded thoughtfully, his expression unreadable. "A case of amnesia? Interesting." "Well, I wanted to see you," Diluc said sincerely. "And from my experience, I don't think you're a threat." Orion studied Diluc's expression, searching for any hint of deception. There was none, only genuine conviction. It was a small comfort in the midst of Orion's confusion.

"Thank you, I guess?" Orion said, unsure of how to feel.

"Rest well tonight," Diluc said, his tone softening slightly. "Visit me tomorrow at my tavern in the city. I may have some answers to your questions."

Orion nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Diluc's enigmatic demeanor left him with more questions than answers, yet the prospect of clarity tomorrow was a hopeful beacon amidst his uncertainty. "Thank you, Diluc," Orion replied sincerely. "I'll be there."

"And one more thing," Diluc continued, his voice low but firm. "I'd prefer if you didn't mention our conversation to anyone, including Jean and the knights." Orion frowned slightly, surprised by the request but sensing its importance. "May I ask why?" he inquired cautiously.

Diluc's gaze hardened slightly, a hint of wariness in his eyes. "There are forces at play in Mondstadt that not everyone understands," he explained. "For now, it's best if certain matters remain discreet, including my actions."

Orion paused, considering Diluc's words. "But you revealed your face to me," he pointed out softly, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Isn't that a sign of trust?"

Diluc's expression remained impassive, his silence stretching into an uncomfortable moment. Orion sensed unspoken reasons behind Diluc's caution but couldn't quite decipher them.

Orion nodded slowly, respecting Diluc's boundaries despite his lingering questions. He realized that Diluc's trust was not easily given, and there might be deeper reasons for his decision to reveal himself tonight.

"Thank you for trusting me this far," Orion said sincerely.

Diluc inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment before turning to leave, his silhouette fading into the darkness beyond the window. Orion lay back in bed, his thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty and questions.

"Oh damn it, I'll think about it tomorrow. I should just sleep now before someone else shows up." As he drifted into sleep, Orion couldn't shake the feeling that he had stumbled upon something far more complex than he had initially realized.