The morning sun filtered through the window, casting warm, golden light across the room. But despite the peaceful atmosphere, I couldn't sit still. My feet moved restlessly across the floor, pacing back and forth as I ran through explanations in my head.
"I'm not a threat. My powers—well, they're not dangerous to Mondstadt. At least, not unless I choose for them to be..." I muttered, frowning at how that sounded.
"No, no, too ominous," I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "How do I even explain something like this?"
I tried again, my voice more confident this time. "I've always had these abilities, but I've never used them for harm. It's just a part of who I am, and I want to use them to help—"
A sudden knock at the door cut off my rambling. My heart skipped a beat. Was it time already? I wasn't ready—no, I was ready, I'd practiced for this—but then again, maybe I needed more time to—
I pulled open the door, my mind racing, only to be met with an unexpected sight.
Kaeya.
The Cavalry Captain stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe with his usual air of relaxed confidence. His single eye gleamed with amusement, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Good morning, Tayden," he said smoothly. "Practicing for your grand performance, I see?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "Kaeya? What are you doing here?" I quickly realized how rude that might have sounded and tried to recover. "I mean, I didn't expect you to be the one to... get me for the meeting."
Kaeya chuckled, his smirk widening as he straightened up. "And here I thought you'd be glad to see me. Should I take it personally that you're disappointed?"
I sputtered, caught between a half-formed apology and the realization that he was messing with me. "No, I—It's not that, I just thought—"
Another laugh from Kaeya, this one more genuine. He waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Tayden. I'm only teasing. Don't worry, I'm not here to interrogate you." His tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious, though the playfulness never fully left his expression. "After what you did to help defend Mondstadt, any suspicion around you has been cleared. This meeting is more of a formality—just to clear things up."
The tension in my shoulders eased, though I still felt a knot of nerves twisting in my stomach. "Thanks, Kaeya," I said quietly. "I was... worried about how this would go."
Kaeya's gaze softened for a moment, though his signature smirk never fully faded. "No need to thank me. You've earned this, Tayden. The Acting Grand Master just wants to ensure everything's in order. Think of it as... tying up loose ends."
I nodded, grateful for the reassurance. "Right. So, uh... are we heading out now?"
Kaeya tilted his head, studying me for a second before giving a casual shrug. "Unless you're planning on backing out last minute. But I have a feeling you're more prepared than you think."
I chuckled nervously. "I hope so."
"Good." He stepped aside, gesturing for me to follow. "Shall we, then?"
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day ahead of me, and nodded. "Yeah. Let's do this."
The walk through Mondstadt's streets was surprisingly calm. Kaeya and I made our way toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, passing familiar landmarks—the fountain, the marketplace, the windmills—all bathed in the soft morning light. Yet, the closer we got to the headquarters, the more aware I became of the fluttering in my chest.
Kaeya seemed to sense my unease, his steps slow and unhurried beside me. "So," he began, his voice light, "any last-minute worries you want to get off your chest before we get there?"
I hesitated for a moment, considering the question. "I guess I'm just nervous about... explaining everything. I mean, I've barely got a handle on my powers myself. What if they see me as a liability? Or worse, a threat?"
Kaeya chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Jean's not like that. She's thorough, sure, but she's also fair. She knows you fought to protect this city. That carries a lot of weight."
His words offered a small measure of comfort, but the nagging doubt remained. "Still," I muttered, "it's not every day you meet with the Acting Grand Master to discuss... demon powers."
Kaeya glanced over at me, his smirk returning. "True, but look at it this way—if she didn't want to hear you out, we wouldn't be having this meeting at all. You've proven yourself, Tayden. Just be honest, and you'll be fine."
As we approached the Knights' headquarters, the building seemed larger than I remembered—its stone walls standing tall and imposing against the morning sky. My stomach tightened, but I squared my shoulders, determined to face whatever was waiting for me inside.
Kaeya stopped just before the entrance, turning to face me with a rare, serious expression. "This is it. Ready?"
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah," I said, my voice steady. "I'm ready."
Kaeya's smirk returned, though there was something warmer in his gaze this time. "Good. Let's go clear the air."
With that, he pushed open the door, and together we stepped inside.
---
We arrived at Jean's office, the tension in my chest growing with every step. Kaeya moved ahead and knocked lightly on the door, his usual calm confidence never wavering.
"Acting Grand Master, Tayden's here."
Jean's voice, clear and composed, called from the other side. "Come in."
Kaeya pushed the door open and stepped aside, motioning for me to enter first. I took a breath, walking into the room, trying to brace myself for whatever came next.
The office was just as formal as I remembered, but it wasn't the room that threw me off—it was the faces waiting for me inside. Jean stood behind her desk, her expression unreadable, but it wasn't just her and Lisa like I had expected. Eula and Amber were also there, standing off to the side, watching me closely.
"Hey, Tayden!" Amber said, her voice bright and full of energy, though there was a layer of seriousness underneath that I wasn't used to seeing.
Eula gave a small nod, arms crossed as usual, but her eyes carried a weight that told me she was here for more than just moral support. The air in the room was thick with expectation, and I could feel every set of eyes on me, waiting.
Jean stepped forward, and I instinctively straightened, unsure of what was coming. She moved with a grace and authority that made it hard not to feel intimidated, even if I knew she wasn't angry. But then, without warning, she did something that made my breath catch—she bowed. Not just a slight dip of the head, but a deep, genuine bow.
"On behalf of the Knights of Favonius," she began, her voice softer than I'd ever heard it, "and as Acting Grand Master, I offer you my sincerest thanks, Tayden. You risked your life to protect Mondstadt from Stormterror, and without your actions, we may have faced a catastrophe far greater than what we endured. You drove off a force that could have ravaged this city, and you did so at great personal risk."
I stood there, stunned, completely at a loss for words. Jean—a leader who commanded the respect of an entire city—was bowing to me. I could hardly believe it. For a moment, all I could do was stand there, feeling the weight of her words and the sincerity behind them.
When Jean straightened, her eyes locked onto mine, the gratitude still clear on her face. "Stormterror and the Abyss Order have been growing more aggressive in recent months. If you hadn't fought the way you did, if you hadn't put yourself in danger, we might not be standing here discussing how to rebuild Mondstadt—we might be mourning far worse losses."
I opened my mouth, trying to find the right thing to say, but the words wouldn't come. Humility felt like the only response I could manage. "I… I just did what I could. Really, anyone would have done the same."
Jean shook her head gently, her lips forming a soft but firm smile. "You're far too modest. What you did was nothing short of extraordinary. And it's for that reason that I'm officially bestowing upon you the title of Honorary Knight."
The title hung in the air like a weight, something heavier than I could have expected. Honorary Knight? I wasn't sure how to respond, but I nodded slowly. "Thank you, Jean. I… I'm honored."
"You've earned it," she said simply, her voice full of certainty.
As the tension began to ease, Jean gestured toward the chairs around her desk. "Please, sit. Let's discuss the nature of your powers, Tayden. It's important that we understand them fully."
I took a seat, trying to keep my breathing steady as everyone else gathered around. Lisa leaned forward slightly, curiosity practically radiating from her, while Kaeya leaned back, his arms crossed but his sharp eyes focused on me. Amber and Eula took their places nearby, both watching me intently.
---
Jean's gaze was calm but expectant. "You've demonstrated incredible abilities, and we're grateful for that. But to ensure Mondstadt's safety—and to understand how best to work with you—we need to know more. What exactly are your powers, and where do they come from?"
I swallowed, feeling the weight of the moment. "Well," I began, choosing my words carefully, "my powers are… demonic in nature."
Eula and Amber exchanged a glance, but neither said anything, waiting for me to continue. Jean stayed silent, giving me space to explain.
"I wasn't exactly born with them but they were passed down to me unknowingly. These abilities developed over time, and they're… different. My strength, my speed—those are enhanced, but the biggest part of it is my regeneration. I can heal from most injuries, even ones that should be fatal."
Lisa's eyes gleamed with interest. "Regeneration? Fascinating. So, you're saying you could survive things that would kill most people?"
I nodded. "Exactly. My body heals itself far faster than a normal person's. I've taken hits that should have ended me, like an arrow through my head, but my body just… fixes itself."
Lisa smiled thoughtfully, clearly intrigued. "A rare and powerful ability, no doubt. But are there limits?"
I hesitated, glancing at Amber and Eula, knowing this was where things got tricky. "Yes. There are limits."
Eula's gaze sharpened, and I could feel Amber's eyes on me, both of them sensing the shift in my tone.
"Normal wounds—ones that aren't infused with elemental energy—heal quickly, almost instantly. But if I'm hit with an attack that's infused with an element—like cryo or pyro—the damage takes much longer to heal. The stronger the elemental energy, the slower my regeneration."
Amber blinked, surprise flashing across her face. "Wait—so if you're hit with, say, a Pyro attack, it takes longer for you to heal?"
I nodded, feeling the weight of my next words pressing down. "Yes. And if the elemental attack is powerful enough, it can slow my healing to the point where I might not recover at all."
Eula's eyes widened, and Amber's face paled slightly. Neither of them had known this.
"Also," I continued, swallowing hard, "if I'm decapitated by an elemental-infused attack, I… I won't regenerate. I'll die."
The room fell into silence. Jean's expression was unreadable, but I could see the concern in her eyes. Lisa's curious smile had faded, replaced by a more serious look, while Kaeya raised an eyebrow, his usual smirk momentarily gone.
Amber was the first to speak, her voice shaky. "Tayden… why didn't you tell us this before?"
I winced, feeling the guilt settle in. "I… I didn't mean to hide it. I guess I just… forgot to mention that part."
"Forgot?" Eula's voice was sharper than usual, her eyes locked on mine. "That's not exactly a small detail to leave out."
"I'm sorry," I said, feeling the weight of their reactions. "I didn't mean to keep it from you. I just… I didn't think it would matter that much."
Eula's arms remained crossed, but there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Just make sure you don't forget details like that in the future."
Jean, who had been quiet for a moment, broke the silence. "So, aside from your regeneration, you mentioned something about using blood during the fight against Stormterror. Can you explain that?"
I shifted in my seat, feeling all eyes on me. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Yeah, it's called a Blood Demon Art. It's an ability that lets me use my own blood as a weapon or tool. In my case, my blood can ignite under certain conditions, creating a fire that's… not exactly normal."
Lisa's eyes sharpened with curiosity. "Not normal how?"
I glanced at her. "It's a lot more potent than regular Pyro energy, especially against demonic or corrupted beings. It burns hotter, and it's particularly effective against dark magic or anything infused with corruption—like Stormterror."
Lisa leaned forward. "And you can control this fire at will?"
I shook my head. "Not exactly. Right now, I can't make it ignite by itself. I need a catalyst—something like Pyro energy. In the fight with Stormterror, I used Flaming Essential Oil from an alchemist here in Mondstadt. Without something like that, it's nearly impossible for me to set it off."
Eula, still processing everything, spoke up next. "So, you're saying you can literally set your blood on fire, but only with help?"
I nodded, a slight grin forming. "Yeah, that's about right. It's not perfect, and I'm still trying to figure it out. TD says there's a lot more I can do with it, but I haven't fully tapped into that potential yet."
Amber perked up, raising an eyebrow. "Wait, TD? Who's that?"
I winced slightly, realizing I hadn't explained this part to them yet. "TD… well, he's a part of me. A manifestation of my demonic powers. Think of him as a version of me, but more connected to the abilities I've inherited. He's… not exactly human."
Everyone stared at me, waiting for more details, so I sighed and kept going. "It's like he's another version of me, but with his own thoughts and personality. He's kind of sarcastic and likes to mess with me, but he's helped me survive so far. He understands these powers better than I do."
Lisa's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Ah, a duality. So TD is like a second consciousness? Does he influence your actions, or can he take over?"
I quickly shook my head. "No, nothing like that. He's more of a… guide, I guess. He doesn't control me, but he gives me advice or pushes me to use my abilities. He knows more about them because he's directly tied to them."
Kaeya chuckled softly, clearly intrigued. "So you've got a sassy demon inside you who gives you advice? That's… different."
I laughed nervously. "Yeah, that's one way to put it."
Amber leaned in, her eyes wide with fascination. "So, you're basically your own team? You and TD working together to figure this stuff out?"
"Exactly. TD isn't a threat or anything—he's just another part of me that I haven't fully figured out yet."
Jean, who had been quietly listening, asked the next question. "You've told us about your blood abilities, but what about your regeneration? How does it work?"
I took another deep breath, knowing this part was going to be tricky. "My regeneration lets me heal from almost any normal wound. If I get cut or hit by a regular weapon or attack, it'll heal pretty fast. I've survived things that should've killed me… and just walked away."
Eula and Amber were both nodding along, clearly already aware of that part.
"But," I continued, my voice growing more serious, "there's a limit. If I get hit by an attack that's infused with elemental energy—Pyro, Cryo, Anemo, whatever—it slows down my healing. The more potent the elemental energy, the slower my recovery."
Eula's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you didn't tell us that before! So, elemental attacks can actually stop you from healing properly?"
I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling sheepish. "Yeah… I kind of forgot to mention that."
Amber shot me a wide-eyed look. "Tayden! That's kind of a big deal!"
"I know, I know. I just didn't think about it at the time," I admitted, feeling a little guilty.
Jean's voice was calm but firm. "And if an elemental attack is powerful enough, what happens? What if it's fatal?"
I swallowed, feeling the weight of the question. "If an elemental-infused attack decapitates me… I die. For good. My regeneration can't fix that."
The room went silent as the reality of my words sank in. Even Kaeya, who had been his usual laid-back self, now wore a more serious expression.
Lisa tilted her head thoughtfully. "So, you're practically immortal—except when it comes to elemental attacks. That's a dangerous line to walk."
"Yeah," I agreed quietly. "I heal fast, but I'm not invincible. If I'm facing someone who uses elemental energy, I have to be careful. The stronger the attack, the bigger the risk."
Eula's gaze softened with concern. "You really should've told us this earlier, Tayden. We could've been more cautious around you."
Amber crossed her arms, clearly worried. "Yeah, you can't just run into danger without thinking about this stuff. We need to know how to protect you too."
I gave them both an apologetic smile. "You're right. I'll be more upfront about it from now on. Promise."
Jean's eyes met mine, her tone softening slightly. "Thank you for explaining all of this. It's clear that your powers are extraordinary, but they come with risks. We'll need to keep that in mind moving forward."
I nodded, feeling the tension ease a little. "Yeah. I've got strengths, but I also have limits. That's why I need to be smart about when to use them."
Lisa, still curious, pressed on. "And your Blood Demon Art—is it connected to your regeneration in any way?"
I shook my head. "Not really. My blood abilities are separate. They don't trigger regeneration, but they do drain me. If I lose too much blood using my Art, it weakens me, and my regeneration takes longer to kick in. I have to be careful not to overdo it."
Kaeya raised an eyebrow. "So, it's a balancing act. Using your blood powers makes you stronger in the short term but leaves you vulnerable if you push too far."
"Exactly," I said. "I can't rely on it all the time. I have to choose when to use it, and when to hold back."
Jean nodded thoughtfully. "Understanding those limits is crucial. We wouldn't want you to exhaust yourself in a critical moment."
I glanced around the room, feeling a strange sense of relief. For the first time, I wasn't hiding who I was. They knew the truth now—about my powers, my weaknesses, even TD. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
"Thanks for listening," I said, my voice quiet but sincere. "I know it's a lot to take in."
Amber grinned, her usual cheerfulness returning. "It's a lot, but it's also pretty cool! You've got some serious skills, Tayden."
Eula shot me a stern look, though her eyes were softer now. "Just make sure you're careful. No more running into danger without a plan, understood?"
I smiled sheepishly. "Understood."
---
The weight of everything I'd just revealed still hung in the air as the room fell silent. For a moment, no one spoke. I could feel the tension easing, but I felt that they finally understand. I wasn't just some random adventurer passing through Mondstadt. I was different, and now they all knew exactly how.
Jean, as composed as ever, was the first to speak. "Tayden, thank you for trusting us with this. Your honesty is appreciated. We'll do everything in our power to ensure that you're supported as part of the Knights of Favonius."
Her tone was calm but sincere, and the words carried a sense of finality. She had made her decision, and it was clear that she accepted me, despite everything. A wave of relief washed over me.
I nodded. "Thanks, Jean. I wasn't sure how this would go, but… I'm glad I could finally get it off my chest."
Jean gave me a small smile. "We're a team. And from what I've seen, you've more than earned your place here. The title of 'Honorary Knight' isn't just a formality. You've proven yourself in ways that go beyond mere strength. You've shown bravery and selflessness."
I blinked, caught off guard by her words. I hadn't done it for recognition. I had fought because people were in danger—because Mondstadt was at risk. But hearing that acknowledgment from Jean… it felt good, in a way I didn't expect.
"I appreciate that," I said, my voice a little quieter than usual.
Lisa, who had been sitting back and observing, finally chimed in with her usual teasing smile. "Don't be too modest, Tayden. Not many people can survive what you did—and then casually stroll in here like it's just another day."
I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. "Yeah, well… I had a lot of help."
Kaeya leaned back in his chair, his ever-present smirk widening. "True, but you're the one who took on Stormterror directly. Not exactly a small feat."
Eula, her arms crossed, still looked as if she was processing everything I'd said. Her eyes flicked toward me, a mixture of concern and frustration in her gaze. "You need to be more careful, Tayden. If you knew that elemental attacks could be fatal for you, why didn't you say something sooner?"
I winced at the directness of her question. "I know… I should've told you. Honestly, it slipped my mind in the moment. I didn't want to worry you two."
Amber, who had been unusually quiet during the conversation, suddenly huffed, arms crossed. "Yeah, well, we're your friends, Tayden! You need to trust us with stuff like that."
Her usual bubbly energy had a sharp edge to it now, and I couldn't blame her. I'd kept too much from them, even after I promised not to. "I'm sorry, Amber. Eula. I didn't mean to keep you in the dark. I'll be more open from now on."
Amber's expression softened, and she gave me a small nod. "Good. Just don't go pulling any crazy stunts without telling us first."
The room relaxed after that, the tension slowly fading as the conversation wound down. Jean glanced at the clock on the wall, then back at me. "We've covered a lot today, Tayden. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. I think it's safe to say that we can move forward with confidence."
She stood up, and the rest of us followed suit, sensing that the meeting was coming to an end. "If you need anything, know that the Knights of Favonius are here for you. This city is your home now, just as much as it is ours."
Her words hit me harder than I expected. Mondstadt was my home now? The thought had never crossed my mind before, but standing here, surrounded by people who had accepted me despite everything… maybe she was right.
I nodded, my voice steady. "Thank you, Jean. That means a lot."
She gave me a final smile before turning toward the others. "Thank you all for being here. Let's continue working together to keep Mondstadt safe."
---
As we made our way out of Jean's office, I felt a strange sense of closure. It wasn't just about explaining my powers or earning a title. It was about finally being seen—fully, without secrets or half-truths.
Amber skipped up beside me as we walked through the hallway, her usual grin back in place. "So, Honorary Knight, what's next on your agenda?"
I laughed, shaking my head. "Honestly? I think I need a nap after all of this."
She giggled. "You deserve it. But don't think you're off the hook. Eula and I are going to make sure you stick to that promise of not keeping secrets!"
Eula, walking a few steps ahead, glanced back with a nod of agreement. "We'll be watching."
I couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I figured as much."
Kaeya, who had been quietly observing as always, shot me a smirk. "Looks like you're stuck with us now, Tayden."
And as we walked out into the open air, the sun shining brightly over Mondstadt, I realized that maybe being "stuck" wasn't so bad after all.