Chapter 43 : A Welcome to Inazuma

Orion stirred in his sleep, enveloped by a comforting darkness that felt both familiar and strangely inviting. Just as he began to drift deeper into his dreams, a sudden, jarring knock echoed against his forehead—a sharp, blunt fist meeting skin.

"Hey! Wake up!

Orion sprang upright, eyes blinking against the lack of light, golden eyes narrowing sharply on the figure looming over him. Standing there was a young man with fiery ginger hair and dull blue eyes a sheepish grin plastered on his face, he looked truly sorry-but the spark in his eyes showed that he is no stranger to mayhem.

"I am so sorry about that, My name is Childe," he said, extending his hand, his face almost red with embarrassment. "We tried waking you up more gently, but my master, Skirk, thought this method was better.”

Orion rubbed his forehead, still groggy but amazingly unmindful of the rudeness of the wake-up call. "You know, that was actually one of the best sleeps I have gotten in ages," he said, a quirked smile stealing across his lips. "Maybe Skirk is onto something with her. unconventionality."

Childe chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, well it worked."

Just then, Skirk appeared in the doorway, arms crossed and an amused smirk on her face. "I told you the abyss is rather nice," she said, an edge of playful sarcasm lacing her tone.

"Clearly," Orion replied, holding back a laugh. "It's surprisingly comfortable.”

Childe laughed loudly and clearly enjoyed the teasing. "Well, if you are going to sleep in an abyss, at least you will have some interesting company."

"Interesting is one way to put it," Orion said, exhaling wearily. "I'm just glad I awoke in one piece."

"Trust me, we really didn't want to wake you like that," Childe said, the sincerity returning to his expression. "You were out cold. I thought we'd lost you to the void."

Orion stretched, finally shaking off the remnants of sleep. "It would appear that I am quite resilient, even in the abyss. Just be more careful next time. A gentle nudge would suffice."

Childe grinned, the teasing mood now back. "Noted! Next time, bring a feather."

As the laughter from earlier subsided, Skirk crossed her arms, her expression shifting to one of focused determination. “Alright, enough with the jokes. Orion, I’ll open a rift for you right now. You’ll be going to Inazuma.”

Orion blinked, groggy from the abruptly interrupted sleep. "Inazuma?" he echoed, trying to shake off remnants of drowsiness. "And who's going with me?"

"Childe will accompany you," Skirk replied, nodding towards the Harbinger, who stood not so far away, a playful smirk on his face.

Orion turned to Childe, his brow furrowing in confusion. "He's coming with me?

Childe shrugged and his grin just got bigger. "What can I say? I'm down for an adventure!"

"Wait a minute," Orion protested, raking a hand through his hair. "I didn't even get to wake up properly or eat! I mean, at least let me grab a snack before we dive headfirst into whatever chaos is heading our way?”

Skirk's face softened, but the tone in her voice was firm. "No time for that," she pressed on, cutting him off, "i have a piece of information to give you once you're back. Maybe even another reward for your troubles." Her eyes had the hint of mischief, and seemed to be suggesting it was something well worth the hurry.

Orion wavered, since the possibility of not taking in a meal really sat deep in his mind. But again, the mentioning of a reward was what stung his curiosity. "Another reward, huh?" he mused, giving glances between Skirk and Childe as he weighed his options. The promise of useful information with a reward to boot-his stomach still growled in protest.

Skirk's face turned grave, and she gestured to the space between them. "You'll have to take my word for it. It's more important that you focus on your mission for now. Dain is in that nation, and another Harbinger of the Fatui will be expecting you there."

"So be it," Orion muttered, his determination muddled in an instant. But the urgency laced within Skirk's voice cut through his concerns.

Skirk's wrist flicked, conjuring a whirling rift with energetic vibrations crackling through the air. "Go, and good luck Orion."

Forward stepped Childe, his excitement overflowing. "You'll thank me later when you see what Inazuma has to offer, just consider me your guide."

Orion and Skirk exchanged a quick, confirming nod as a wave of determination surged through his veins. It was time—there would be no going back now. Drawing on an inner source, Orion stepped forward into the plethora of chaotic energy coming from the rift. Childe followed him promptly, with lots of eagerness.

Reality twisted and contorted as they leaped through the shimmering portal. For a moment, Orion felt as if he was being pulled through a light tunnel, colors swirled in a vibrant blur. He held on to the sense of Childe's presence beside him, ready for what lay on the other side.

They dropped down, suddenly, into an alleyway. The recognized din of a busy city wrapped itself around them. Orion stumbled a little, catching his balance as he turned, drinking in the sights and sounds of Inazuma. The air was heavy with the smell of street foods mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter. Lanterns lined the alley, casting their soft light on the way ahead.

Childe grinned, eyes sparkling. "Welcome to Inazuma city, First things first-food!" He pointed down the alley, where some sizzling pan noise and warm invitations called out.

Orions stomach growled in a seconding agreement. "Sounds good to me," he replied, a smile creeping onto his face despite his earlier grumbling. "But what about this other harbinger? Didn't skirk just say that they'll be waiting for us here?

Childe nodded, his expression shifting to one of anticipation. “Correct, let her wait, she’s been keeping an eye on things around here, and I think you’ll find her... interesting.”

Orion raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Interesting, huh? Is that a good interesting or a bad interesting?”

“Let’s just say she has a certain flair ,” Childe said with a chuckle, leading the way through the lively streets. “You’ll see what I mean.”

****

As they walked, Orion couldn't help but be in awe of the vibrant culture around him. Vendors called out, offering bright-colored wares and delectable food. The architecture was amazing, with intricate designs that reflected the peculiar spirit of Inazuma.

So they were walking down the busy streets, and suddenly Childe stopped and pointed between two shops, where there was a small restaurant. "Uyuu Restaurant! This is the best one! You'll love it. Let's go in!”

Orion followed Childe through the wooden entrance, where the inviting aroma of simmering broth and grilled delicacies washed over him. The interior was cozy, with paper lanterns casting a warm glow and the sound of gentle laughter and chatter filling the air.

They found a table near the window, which provided a lovely view of the street. Orion slid into his seat, eagerly flipping through the menu. His eyes widened as he scanned the plethora of intriguing dishes—each one more tantalizing than the last.

It's been quite a while since I had Inazuma cuisine," he said, a hint of yearning in his voice. "Sashimi platter, to start with." He smiled, apparently very excited at the thought of tasting local delicacies again.

Orion further scanned the menu, savoring the anticipation of a good meal. "It all looks incredible," he said, his mouth watering at the thought of the various offerings.

"Don't worry about the price; I will pay for it," added Childe, waving his hand casually. “Mora is no issue for me"

Orion chuckled, being so considerate of Childe's generosity. "Well, in that case," he said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. Seizing the day, he made his order in quick succession as the enthusiasm burst forth. "Unagi chazuke, tri-flavored skewers, sakura shrimp crackers, bird egg sushi, butter crab, three onigiris, egg rolls, and a sashimi platter too. And this tricolor dango for dessert looks interesting!”

Childe blinked in utter disbelief, a gesture of humor and incredulity. "You really think you're going to eat all that?" he asked as one eyebrow rose.

Orion shrugged casual, his face breaking out into a confident grin. "That's nothing," he replied with a spark of mischief in his eye.

Childe stared at him for a moment, still trying to wrap his head around the sheer quantity of food Orion had just ordered,

 “Okay, but do you think they have wine?” Orion said while he continued to examine the menu, lost in thought. Just then, Childe leaned in closer, lowering his voice “They... they have sake.”

 “Then sake will do,” Orion replied, flashing a grin at Childe, who was still bewildered by his outlandish order.

Childe chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You can't possibly eat that much. can you?"

Just watch me," Orion said, falling back in his chair with a smile of confidence. He was almost thrilled to taste the flavor of Inazuma. Whatever came next in this land of vitality and color, he was ready for, and a good meal would get him off to just the right start.

When food arrived, Orion attacked as if he were some sort of hungry beast. Orion was practically inhaling his unagi chazuke while opposite him, Childe sat, eating his sashimi platter in minuscule bites.

"Hey, man, eat slowly!" Childe teased, looking at the amount of food on Orion's side of the table decreasing at an accelerated rate.

Orion looked up thumbs-upping with cheeks filled. "This is amazing!"

Childe burst out laughing, shaking his head. "You know, you are supposed to chew, right?"

Chewing is overrated!" Orion shot back, taking a tri-flavored skewer and shoving it into his mouth as if it was the last food on Teyvat.

Childe burst out laughing at the sight of Orion going through the dishes one by one. "You're going to scare off the other customers this way.."

"Let em." Orion shot back, reaching for the butter crab next and making quite a mess in the process.

Orion had just taken a mouthful of his butter crab when an odd feeling washed over him. His eyes widened, his golden irises flared brighter, the sensation of an intense presence. Just as he would have turned his head, a hand clamped firmly on his shoulder.

"Well then, boys," a smooth voice drawled, full of playful amusement. "I thought you were supposed to come see me, not waste your time here."

Instinctively, Orion turned around to face the origin of the voice. And, of course, there he was-a stunning figure with that confidence that somehow drew all eyes unto her. The Knave, one of the Fatui Harbingers, simply leaned casually against the wall, an amused smirk dancing upon her lips.

Childe crossed his arms now, his eyes rolling. "Why do you always have to spoil the fun?"

Arlecchino was chuckling, the most playful glint in her eyes as she looked at Childe. "And miss this sight of you two gobbling down food like it's the end of the world? I could hardly resist."

Orion, still trying to come to terms with the sudden entrance, managed to crack a smile. "I barely sensed you, you are strong, that much i can tell."