#cynoxoc

I'm a huge Cyno fan and proudly main him in the game, so of course, he's going to be a part of this story! I absolutely love Sumeru, and I feel like there aren't enough fanfics set there, especially ones that focus on Cyno. I'm still deciding whether to make this a series, so please let me know what you think!

Okay, here's the little disclaimer and a heads-up: I don't own Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact, or anything related to them.

And a big thank you to @arn9tails for letting me use their Genshin size difference AU as the basis for this fanfic. The idea that Teyvat isn't scaled to Earth but is actually much, much larger really fascinated me—it's a pretty scary thought, isn't it? I also really liked the idea that people from Earth aren't resistant to it, which is what sparked this whole thing.

Also, just a quick heads-up: this story touches on some serious and sensitive subjects. It's inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai themes, different isekai worlds, creation myths, and fanfiction in general.

Alright, let's dive into chapter 3 and see what adventures await our dear Oc!

Chapter 3 Paimon copy cat:

I sighed, realizing that no amount of reader inserts, fanfiction, chatbots, or fan-made otome games could have adequately prepared me for what I was experiencing. I felt incredibly small in this world, perhaps the size of a Barbie doll, and the food before me was stunning, as though it had been plucked straight from an anime. Had I not been so stressed, I would have undoubtedly been fan-girling.

Despite the plate still appearing enormous relative to my diminutive size, hunger overwhelmed me. I was ravenous, but without any utensils. Although I had prepared this dish countless times in the game, I had never actually tasted it back on Earth.

According to the game's lore, the dish was Biryani: "An aromatic rice dish. Stir-fry the meat until it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Then, stew it with condiments and long-grain rice. Sprinkle a few Padisarah petals before serving. Every grain is saturated with the aroma of fatty meat and condiments. The dish has an exquisite taste only found in Sumeru." To my exhausted and sleep-deprived mind, that description simply translated to "food."

At that moment, I likely resembled a wild animal.

"You look like a boar piglet..."

I immediately recognized Cyno's voice, followed by Tighnari, who looked utterly exhausted.

"Cyno..." The forest watcher shook his head, his expression weary. "Just ignore him..."

A wave of embarrassment washed over me.

The insult was like a slap. "I don't resemble a boar..." The denial escaped my lips before I could think, a purely defensive response born from injured pride. Hindsight suggested a more tactful approach might have been wiser.

"You do... you resemble a boar piglet," Cyno's voice, a resonant baritone from his towering height, corrected me. Stupid giant Cyno. A child? I was a fully grown woman, thank you very much. I couldn't discern his meaning – was he joking, or was it simply his blunt, unwavering honesty? A shiver traced its way down my spine. The mere thought of facing a real boar filled me with apprehension. My small size in this world already put me at a disadvantage, and if the boars here were anything like their Earth counterparts, with their indiscriminate appetites, I was in deep trouble. The food chain's hierarchy became painfully obvious, and I realized I was at the very bottom.

He locked his intense, crimson gaze on me, his expression inscrutable.

"Tighnari, I did not enjoy yesterday's dinner at camp with the boar..." he stated, his tone utterly grave, the slightest cock of his head the only hint of anything unusual. I could almost hear Tighnari's weary sigh carried on the wind. "He was such a pig..." Cyno continued, his voice as monotone as ever.

As a dedicated Cyno player, even I couldn't manage a smile. He was trying, I could tell, attempting to alleviate the tension, but his attempt fell completely flat. I had always pictured that if I ever met him in person, I'd be overcome with laughter, tears streaming down my face. But here, now, standing before the genuine article? Not a possibility.

"You see, the boar is a part of the pig famil-..." I watched, a bizarre blend of fascination and dismay, as he tried to analyze and explain the joke, only further entrenching himself in comedic failure.

Tighnari, muttering, "I should wash the dishes..." gathered the plates and walked away from Cyno, abandoning me. I wanted to scream, "Giant Tighnari, come back!" but I bit back the words.

He'd deserted me the instant Cyno began his jokes. I felt a pang of sympathy for Cyno; he seemed utterly oblivious to just how awful his jokes were. Now, I was trapped at this enormous table, forced to endure them. Kaveh's voice line suddenly sprang to mind, the one where he warned the Traveler to never listen to Cyno's jokes sober. Between you and me, I'd always dismissed it as the ramblings of an alcoholic. But Kaveh was right.

Cyno's voice cut through the silence. "Not funny? Mao?"

Mao. That was the name I'd settled on. A placeholder, really, a designated title in this bizarre chapter of my life. The fact that I couldn't remember my own name gnawed at me, a constant, low-level hum of fear beneath the surface. My emotions were a tangled mess, a chaotic storm of anxiety and bewilderment. And then there was the small matter of my current stature – I was, quite literally, the size of a Barbie doll. A cat minded you.

"It's not you, it's me..." The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I trailed off, cringing inwardly. It sounded like a breakup line, ridiculous given the circumstances. Thankfully, Cyno didn't seem to pick up on the awkwardness.

The words rushed out, a torrent of pent-up worry and frustration. "I was abducted, along with my best friends, and I have absolutely no idea where they are. On top of that, I left my aunt in charge of looking after my parents, and they're both really sick. I'm supposed to be home."

Cyno's gaze softened as he took in her plight. Trapped in a world so alien, so vast compared to her own—he understood her fear, her disorientation. A deep frown etched itself onto his face. The practice of selling these "mini humans" was an abomination, a custom long outlawed in Sumeru. Yet, despite the ban, they still surfaced, these tiny beings, often brought to the Akademiya under the guise of research.

But these miniature people… they were different. They didn't behave as ordinary humans should. Most scholars accepted this at face value, attributing it to their diminutive size or unknown origins. Cyno, however, suspected a deeper, more insidious cause. He remembered Tighnari's insightful observation: these "mini humans" likely lacked the natural defenses, the inherent immunities, against this world's unique magic, its mana.

If Mao—the name they'd given her, since her own was lost to her—was similarly vulnerable… Cyno's mind raced. He couldn't be sure if the world's strange energies had already begun to affect her. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Was it possible she might regress, devolve into the feral state he'd witnessed in other mini humans? He couldn't allow it. He wouldn't.

His resolve hardening, Cyno met her gaze. "We're going to get to the bottom of this," he declared, his voice firm, laced with a promise he intended to keep.

I nodded, but little did I know what the next day held. A day that would turn my world, quite literally, upside down.

I awoke the following morning, desperately wishing the events unfolding were nothing more than a bizarre dream. Alas, reality crashed down upon me: I was in a gargantuan version of Teyvat, perched precariously on Cyno's broad shoulder like some exotic parrot. My knuckles were white as I gripped his cape with my uninjured hand, fighting the dizzying urge to look down. It was a terrifyingly long way to fall. He had been striding purposefully towards Sumeru City for what felt like an eternity – a good four hours, at least.

How, you might ask, did I find myself in such a ludicrous predicament? Well, it all started something like this:

"Hey," I began, craning my neck to look up at Cyno. Without a word, he promptly scooped me up, his movements reminiscent of King Kong seizing his prize.

"I really don't want to go in your pocket..." I protested, my voice laced with apprehension. The last time I'd been confined to that pocket, I was bordering on the brink of a full-blown meltdown. Besides, the space was incredibly claustrophobic.

"How else are you supposed to travel, Mao?" He crossed his arms, a gesture I knew all too well.

"Walking, like a normal person..." I suggested, perhaps with a touch too much hope in my voice.

"You wouldn't be able to keep up, and the moment you set foot on the forest floor, I'm sure some ravenous beast would try to make a meal out of you," Cyno countered, painting a rather morbid, and frankly, unsettling picture.

"Isn't there any other way?" I pleaded, desperation seeping into my tone. Cyno sighed, a sound that usually preceded some form of compromise.

"I suppose I could pass you off as a jinni..." he conceded, his voice tinged with reluctance.

And that is how I ended up here, teetering on his shoulder like a brightly plumaged parrot. To add insult to injury, I was adorned in something vaguely resembling Princess Jasmine's outfit from the cartoon, albeit a significantly more modest version, for which I was eternally, deeply grateful.

"Do the Jinn really wear these?" I asked, my fingers gripping Cyno heavy cloak. Perched precariously on Cyno's broad shoulder, I couldn't help but feel like a slightly-out-of-place Princess Jasmine Barbie doll.

"Yes, when they take human form, they do." Cyno's voice was a low rumble. "But they're rare, you know. Most are kept confined – in jars, or bound to weapons, or even trapped within lamps."

I nodded, remembering the few Jinn scattered throughout the game's lore. They were creations of Nabu Malikata, powerful beings, but…

"Are they common?" I asked, my curiosity now fully ignited. I didn't recall encountering the Jinn all that frequently during my playthroughs.

"Common enough..." Cyno replied, his tone leaving me wondering just how "common" was "common enough" in this strange new reality.

Sumeru City was a feast for the senses, a vibrant tapestry of exotic scents and captivating sounds. I reveled in its beauty, often perched comfortably upon Cyno's broad shoulder, the rich aroma of spices swirling around me. Life was tranquil, until that moment that peace shattered with a single, chilling question. I overheard a voice, laced with avarice, inquiring, "How much for the Jinni?"

Being Barbie-sized, it seemed, offered no advantages in this situation. My tiny heart lurched within my chest. Did people truly see me as nothing more than a commodity, an object to be bought and sold?

"Not for sale," Cyno's voice cut through the air, firm and unwavering. In a swift, protective motion, he tucked me safely inside the secure darkness of his cloak pocket.

I wish I had an exciting secret to share, or that I had found something interesting in Cyno's pocket, but sadly, neither of those things happened. After what felt like forever, he finally pulled me out from inside his cloak.

"Mao? Are you okay?" he asked, his voice a tint of worry. I gave a slight nod.

"I'm fine..." I answered, my eyes scanning the room. It looked like an office, or maybe a bedroom—possibly a studio apartment. I noticed I was sitting on a desk, and in the corner, there was a bed and a bookshelf. I tried to remember, but I couldn't recall Cyno ever having an office in the game. I knew he had a place to live, but the details were vague.

"So, what now?" I blurted out, feeling anxious as I sat on his desk. He stayed in his chair, looking at me.

"For now, I need you to tell me everything you know..." His voice was strong and determined. I had a sinking feeling that I was about to be interrogated.

I was the size of a Barbie doll, a tiny intruder in a colossal, terrifying version of my favorite game. The thought of being interrogated by Cyno, my beloved character, sent shivers down my spine.

He began with deceptively simple questions, each a calculated probe: my date of birth, my mother's maiden name, the name of my childhood pet. With unnerving precision, he recorded every answer.

The inevitable moment arrived when I had to explain Genshin Impact to him. It was a daunting task, considering Teyvat was a world untouched by computers and the technological marvels of modern Earth.

"In your world, I'm a character in a game?" he finally asked, his voice sharp and devoid of warmth.

"Yes..." I squeaked, my gaze fixed on the floor, struggling to articulate the impossible. I braced myself for anger, for threats. Instead, an unsettling calm settled over him.

"That's interesting. What do you know about me?" The crimson eyes that I once adored now sparked with an intensity that filled me with dread.

"I know you tell jokes to diffuse tense situations. I know you received your Vision while reading a book on Sumerian law, before your appointment as General Mahamatra. And I know about Collei..." The words tumbled out in a rush.

"Is this game akin to Genius Invokation TCG?" he pressed, his mind already dissecting the information.

"Yes, in a way, but far more interactive..." I offered, struggling to find the right words.

"Hmm, could that be the reason for your divergence from the other 'mini humans'? Perhaps your immersion in this world through the game..." Cyno murmured, more to himself than to me, lost in a labyrinth of his own deductions.

Before I could even blink, Cyno's hand was upon me, scooping me up with the force of King Kong. I found myself staring up at him, my expression, I imagined, resembling that of a pouting kitten cradled in his massive grip.

"Give me some warning, will you? I'm not particularly fond of being manhandled..." I leveled him with a look that could only be described as utterly done.

"Mao, I assure you, no harm is intended. We simply must be on our way..." He then proceeded to deposit me, once again, upon his shoulder. I felt like a brightly colored parrot perched there, surveying the room. He reached for a jar on his desk, the lid unscrewing to reveal some sort of almond-coated treat. Chocolate, I presumed. He offered it to me, and of course, it felt enormous in my hands. I devoured it.

"Mao, you eat like a boar piglet..." A chuckle rumbled from his chest.

A blush crept across my face. Why was this man constantly comparing me to a piglet? It was the second time now!

"I do not!" I protested, perhaps a little too vehemently. I hadn't even realized I'd finished the treat so quickly. He offered me another. I also didn't realize how ridiculous I looked.

"You do. Though, I suppose it makes sense, in a way." Cyno seemed to be thinking aloud, more to himself than to me.

"The Traveler has a floating companion, bigger than you but smaller than a child, who possesses an enormous appetite. Perhaps it's your size, coupled with your intelligence, that drives you to eat more..."

The realization dawned on me. He was talking about Paimon. He offered me another almond, and I froze as his large finger gently patted the top of my head. A wave of conflicting emotions washed over me: embarrassment, anger, a strange sense of humility, a flicker of… pleasure? And underlying it all, a distinct anxiety. It hit me like a bolt of lightning: did he see me as another Paimon? Another almond, another head pat. Oh, I was a Paimon to him—a cute, adorable, albeit slightly annoying companion with an insatiable appetite. I glared at him, my annoyance palpable. I could practically see the thought bubble forming above his head: "Adorable, like a piglet."

High up on Cyno's shoulder, I felt like some strange, miniature parrot—a Paimon-esque creature under observation. I was doll-sized, perched upon the shoulder of my favorite character, being hand-fed almonds. It struck me then: did others yearn for their own Paimon? After all, the Traveler had journeyed to the farthest reaches of Teyvat, accompanied by the tiny companion. Perhaps that was the driving force behind the booming "Mini Human" market. But such thoughts were far from my mind as Cyno strode down the hall, my attention consumed by the almonds I munched on.

A confession: my pride stung a little. I was, by all accounts, average. In my daydreams of being Isekai'd, I always envisioned myself as the female lead, the center of attention. Back on Earth, I often felt like a background character in my own life. And now, here in Teyvat, the world of my beloved game, I was merely a tag-along. Not the heroine, not even a significant player—just a tiny sidekick.

As we delved further into the Akademiya, the familiar sight of the House of Daena came into view. A wave of awe replaced my earlier apprehension. This was the place where I had spent countless hours in the game, getting lost in the intricate library and longing to experience it in person. And now, here I was, although my current situation as a miniature version of myself clinging to Cyno's shoulder was difficult to overlook.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Cyno's deep voice rumbled, interrupting my thoughts. He gently patted my head, his finger feeling enormous.

"I am not! Stop petting my head!" My high-pitched, indignant voice echoed in the vast space. I clutched his cloak even tighter with my injured hand.

"Hmm?" He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Mao, you seem to be enjoying it," Cyno repeated, his face stoic and serious. Was he really that oblivious? Another almond appeared, an offering as if food could buy my cooperation. Sadly, it often did. With a resigned sigh, I raised the comically large almond to my mouth.

"I am not..." I mumbled, taking a bite of the almond. "Stupid giant Cyno, stupid almond, stupid head pat," I thought to myself.

"Why are you pouting, Mao?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"I'm not!" I retorted, probably sounding just like Paimon.

The earlier integration with Cyno had been intense, and Dori's name inevitably came up. I couldn't help but throw her under the bus, exposing her "Mini humans" operation—the one dealing with humans from Earth, like my friends and I. But that was then, and this is now.

We found ourselves in the House of Daena. I sat on Cyno's shoulder, feeling like a tiny, inquisitive parrot.

"What brings us here?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"I need to wait for something..." He eventually set me down on a table. Being so small was incredibly frustrating; a mountain of books towered over me. Why the secrecy? Couldn't he just tell me what was going on? I glared at him, only to receive another head pat in return.

I held back my questions. What were we waiting for, exactly? Just then, I saw him retrieving what I assumed were his Caskets of Tomes. In the game's lore, these card boxes were created by Sumeru Akademiya researchers and had a special mechanism for detecting others nearby who also possessed Caskets of Tomes.

I enjoyed the Genius Invokation TCG in Genshin Impact, but I was quickly learning that reality didn't perfectly reflect the game. The cards were half my size!

"Do you know how to play Genius Invokation TCG, Mao?"

Now I was completely baffled.

"In theory..."

He started explaining the game to me, but it was obvious he was multitasking; his attention was divided. He was watching someone, or something, else.

Perched on a thick volume, I felt utterly insignificant amidst the towering stacks of books that surrounded me. Before me, spread across the table, were the Genius Invokation TCG cards. They seemed larger than life, each one a miniature portal into the game's sprawling world. The characters depicted on the cards appeared almost holographic, shimmering like ethereal projections above the playing surface.

The selection of characters immortalized on these cards was a curious one, primarily reserved for figures of historical significance and those actively shaping society. It was why Cyno, Kaveh, and Tighnari had their own cards, their images gleaming under the soft light, while Sethos, Alhaitham, Dehya, and Collei remained absent. It was a stark contrast to the game I knew.

Cyno seemed to be juggling a multitude of tasks within the confines of his mind, his expression an unreadable mask. Even when the event he'd clearly been anticipating finally unfolded, he remained seated, betraying no outward sign of surprise or satisfaction. Once our game reached its conclusion, he abruptly scooped me up, depositing me unceremoniously into the depths of his cloak pocket.

Cyno conversation with Mao proved to be a treasure trove of information, particularly regarding her earlier circumstances. She recounted detailed observations of various individuals, painting vivid pictures with her words. One person, in particular, caught my attention: Cyno's observation of a scholar near the Akademiya. According Cyno had witnessed this scholar exchanging what appeared to be a coded note with another, hinting at Dori's network of informants embedded within the very walls of the Akademiya. Cyno's actions were so subtle, so expertly masked, that many believed he was too engrossed in our Genius Invokation TCG match to notice the clandestine exchange. But of course, nothing escapes Cyno's watchful gaze. Shortly after relaying this information, Mao, too, found herself scooped up and deposited into Cyno's pocket.

Once more, I was desperately clinging to the inside of Cyno's pocket. The constant bumping was almost unbearable. Was he engaged in another fight?

"Ugh!" The abrupt movements made my stomach churn. I was thrown around like a rag doll, screaming and struggling to hold on.

Through the thick material, I could hear his voice, loud and muffled.

"What information do you have regarding the black market for mini-humans? I am aware of who your superior is..." His voice was cold, leaving no room for argument or excuses. "There's no point in lying."

He sounded absolutely frightening. Then, in one fluid motion, he pulled me out of his pocket. By this point, I was almost used to being held up like this. The sudden exposure to the bright sunlight was nearly blinding.

I blinked, trying to adjust my vision as I realized Cyno had some unfortunate person pinned against a wall with one hand, while I dangled precariously from the other.

"Do you recognize her?" Cyno's firm grip was the only thing preventing me from falling, but I trusted him completely not to drop me.

"Take a close look..." He held me up, presenting me to the scholar's face.

"It's a mini; they all appear the same..." the scholar stuttered, although I noticed a hint of recognition in his eyes.

"That's rude..." I gave him a look that clearly said, "I'm so over this." I didn't expect his reaction; he screamed.

"It's talking! It's talking..." the scholar yelled, clearly bewildered. Apparently, according to the Akademiya, earthlings – their creative name for "mini-humans" or "minis" – weren't supposed to be able to speak and only had the intelligence of a cat or dog.

"What's wrong with it? Is this an abnormal...?"

"No, she isn't..." Cyno's presence alone was enough to easily intimidate the scholar. I was simply there for the ride, a prop in his interrogation. Before long, Cyno had gotten the information he needed and placed the scholar under arrest.

Once more, I found myself perched on Cyno's broad shoulder, feeling like a brightly colored parrot. He released the scholar he'd been holding to the waiting Matra, his expression hardening.

"We have much to do, Mao..." His voice, usually so measured, now carried a weight that made my non-existent stomach clench. I hated this diminutive form, this feeling of being a mere doll. I was not a child, despite the way he treated me. Another head pat, delivered with the force of his massive finger, only amplified my frustration.

"Can you please explain to me what's going on?" I demanded, glaring up at him with all the ferocity I could muster.

"We are going to get to the bottom of this," he declared, his gaze fixed on some distant point. "Clearly, you are the normal one in this equation. There is something deeply amiss when others of your kind arrive in this world... We are going to hold those responsible accountable. It simply isn't right to enslave an entire group of people for the sake of companionship... Especially when they are rendered unable to speak for themselves."

The realization washed over me then: I was now an unwitting participant in Cyno's personal quest for justice. Another head pat landed, and I could see he genuinely believed I enjoyed them. I didn't have the heart to correct him. A weary part of me screamed that I'd had enough adventure, that I just wanted to wake up from this bizarre nightmare. But deep down, I knew I no longer had a choice in the matter. My fate was intertwined with his.

"So, what now?" I asked, the question hanging in the air.

"We'll go undercover..." Cyno stated, a glint of determination in his eyes as if he had a fully formed plan already brewing. Undercover? That didn't seem like his usual style. He looked incredibly resolute, a man on a mission.

Character A:"You need to start embracing your mistakes."

Character B immediately hugs Character A.

Okay sooo I need me some cuteness. Here is my CynoXEmiko![my OC named Emiko by the way.]

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Emiko was just finishing up the laundry, feeling she had forgotten something. Her memory always gets the better of her then realised she had forgotten to tell Cyno something about her accidentally getting water all over his latest reports. She internally screamed at the thought of him getting angry with her. They had only known each other for at least 5 months afterall, she is still learning more about him every day.

Suddenly she sensed someone was at the doorway of the laundry room,"Ah Emiko. I finally found you."

Those words from him made her panic and whirled around and noted him actually looking relaxed?.

Emiko Sighs in relief making him raise a brow,"Is there something you're not telling me?." He queried her, earning a literal squeak from her and she had gone pale.

Now he has his arms folded, giving her that look until she told him what happened. Though he was not in the least bit bothered about the few ruined reports.

It was now Cynos turn to sigh,"You will need to start embracing your mistakes."

However what happened next even stunned him, the former General Mahamatra. Emiko hugged him, and her height difference just made him actually blush, her face only reached his abdomen. She was always a bit self conscious of her height. However he was not bothered, this moment though when he tried telling her to embrace her mistakes and hugs him has left him a flustered mess.

Emiko has forever broken the former General Mahamatra by hugging him in a serious moment. He was trying so hard to show her that he was not mad, but the situation did a whole 180 and he forgot completely about what actually happened up until now.

"Uh...well...lets discuss this later. For now you are no longer under my judgement." Cyno told her. The absolute Innocent look she gave him was his undoing. He picks her up and draped her over his shoulder.

He was going to cuddle her and not let her go for the rest of the night, for been so cute.

@androidships007

@leosgirl82

A one-shot sequel to "Small World." If you'd like more of this, I might write more. I honestly owe this to the creator of the AU, @arn9tails .

Okay, here's the little disclaimer and a heads-up: I don't own Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact, or anything related to them.

And a big thank you to @arn9tails for letting me use their Genshin size difference AU as the basis for this fanfic. The idea that Teyvat isn't scaled to Earth but is actually much, much larger.

Also, just a quick heads-up: this story touches on some serious and sensitive subjects. It's inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai themes, different isekai worlds, creation myths, and fanfiction in general.

Lightning doesn't strike twice

It's been months since I returned to Earth, carrying a secret no one suspects: my journey to Teyvat. No one knows about the day I, my closest friends, and countless others were abducted, finding ourselves auctioned off in a bizarre market catering to giants, where we were deemed "minis." Teyvat, a realm ripped straight from the Genshin Impact universe, became my prison, and a character from the game, Cyno, became my unlikely savior. It wasn't Earth-sized; it was a world built for titans.

That was six months ago. I was attempting a normal evening, watching an action-comedy with my elderly parents, when the impossible began again. A subtle ripple disturbed the water in the pitcher, a fleeting anomaly I dismissed.

But the ripples escalated into violent quakes, sending my parents into terrified screams that echoed the cries of our neighbors.

"Earthquakes..." my dad shrieked, his voice barely audible above the chaos.

Instinct took over. I hauled them both beneath the sturdy dining table, seeking a fragile sanctuary. The tremors intensified, plunging the house into darkness. Then, a flash of electro purple illuminated the world outside. The others thought it was thunder, but I knew better. That wasn't thunder; it was the sound of something... grunting.

The tremors finally subsided, but the silence that followed was quickly shattered by a chorus of shouts and cries. Our neighborhood, usually so peaceful, was now a scene of utter chaos as people poured out of their homes, a frantic wave of bewildered faces.

The internet was down, power lines were severed, and a strange sense of isolation descended. But we were a close-knit community, and instinctively, everyone sought solace in one another, emerging from their houses in search of answers and reassurance.

"What is that?" Mrs. Henderson, our elderly neighbor, asked, her voice trembling as she pointed towards the street. Massive, scorched cavities marred the asphalt, as if some colossal force had pressed down upon it.

"It looks like something melted it..." someone muttered, their voice laced with disbelief. But as I gazed at the strange depressions, a chilling thought crept into my mind. They resembled enormous footprints, and my heart began to race with a primal fear.

Suddenly, a woman screamed, clutching her infant tightly. "I saw it! A giant..." she shrieked, her eyes wide with terror. "It was immense, colossal..."

At first, her words were met with skepticism, dismissed as hysteria. But something in her voice, in the raw terror etched on her face, made me suspect otherwise. And then, someone noticed it – a trail of blood, glistening ominously on the cars and trees, lending a horrifying credence to her story.

The older men, their faces grim, began to organize. Armed with whatever they could find – rakes, shovels, even pitchforks – they formed a makeshift posse, their determination masking a palpable uncertainty. They ventured off in the direction of the blood trail, a motley crew driven by a mixture of fear and a primal need to protect their own. I watched in stunned disbelief, already witnessing the terrifying emergence of a mob mentality.

My sigh broke the evening's silence as I muttered, "Monster due on April street, huh?" The trail of blood, a scarlet serpent leading towards the highway, defied all reason. My eyes shifted to the forest's border, where a strange sight caught my attention – several trees were bent at impossible angles, as if a tremendous power had passed through.

"Huh?" Curiosity, or perhaps reckless courage, prevailed. Ignoring my intuition, I told my parents I was going to inspect the neighborhood transformers, grabbed a flashlight, and set off. A crowd of frightened neighbors hurried in the opposite direction, their faces lit by the unsteady glow of cellphones and flashlights. I plunged into the woods, the beam of my flashlight slicing through the darkness. I'm not one for nature, but I had a strong sense of direction, a skill that had proven useful many times before. The deeper I went, the more trees I discovered, bent and broken, their branches contorted into disturbing forms. At last, I arrived at a clearing, and there, illuminated by the faint moonlight, I found a large figure. I recognized him with a surge of fear. It was Cyno, lying still on the forest floor, bleeding profusely, either unconscious or, may the gods forbid, dead. Cyno wasn't like me; he was a literal giant, though a kind one. I could almost fit entirely within his huge hands.

"Cyno!" I clambered onto his chest, frantically patting his face, trying to wake him. He didn't respond, lost in the depths of unconsciousness. Just then, the distant roar of the angry mob grew louder, closer. This is just great, I thought.

A wave of relief washed over me as the mob, by some stroke of unbelievable luck, surged in the opposite direction. I couldn't believe my eyes. What were the odds that Cyno, of all people, would end up here, in my little corner of the world? The thought of bringing him home was laughable; he was literally taller than my house. Once the commotion died down, I cautiously made my way back, only to find the neighborhood transformers completely fried, spitting sparks and smelling of ozone.

Knowing I had to act fast, I grabbed the truck and sped into town, heading straight for the twenty-four-hour Walgreens. The sales clerk gave me a bewildered look as I approached the counter with three carts overflowing with antibacterial ointment, linens, and other supplies I hoped would be useful. Thankfully, there was a road near the clearing where he lay, but hauling everything up the incline and deep into the forest proved to be an exhausting ordeal. Finally, I reached him and began tending to his wounds, a difficult task given his immense size. I was quickly drenched in crimson as I cleaned him up, the metallic scent filling the air. Using the bedsheets I had brought, I fashioned makeshift bandages for his arm, hoping they would hold.

Cyno hadn't planned a trip to Earth. Nor had he foreseen tumbling through a shimmering portal, the unexpected consequence of a clash with a Fatui agent wielding a Pyro Delusion.

He landed with a thud, dust motes dancing in the air around him. His eyes struggled to reconcile the scene before him: miniature houses, like something from a child's dollhouse collection, stretched into the distance. Confusion warred with the lingering adrenaline of battle. Naturally, the Fatui agent, ever the opportunist, was already upon him, Pyro crackling menacingly.

It was then, amidst the clash of steel and fire, that Cyno heard them: tiny screams, high-pitched and filled with terror. The realization crashed over him – he was on Earth, and these were its inhabitants. Fighting with such minuscule creatures underfoot was a perilous situation. Each strike had to be measured, each parry carefully executed. Both he and the Fatui agent sustained injuries, the landscape itself becoming a hazard.

Driven by a need to protect the tiny populace, Cyno sought refuge, concealing himself from their wide, frightened eyes. He found a clearing what he thought was a forest, and exhaustion claimed him. He didn't expect to find Mao there when he awoke, her small hands, face, clothed stained with what he hoped was mud, tending to wounds far too big for her.

"Mao?" His voice was a low rumble, barely audible. He gently, cautiously, grasped the fabric of her shirt back. She whipped around, her tiny face a mask of fury.

"Stop it! I don't like being manhandled!" she exclaimed, her voice surprisingly strong for her size. A chuckle rumbled in Cyno's chest, a sound of genuine amusement amidst the strangeness of it all. Carefully, he scooped her up, placing her gently on his chest, close to the steady beat of his heart.

Mao had once been a delightful surprise. Now, however, the feeling was quite the opposite, a disquieting unease settling in his stomach. He found himself inexplicably transported, a giant in her miniature world, and a chuckle escaped him at the sheer absurdity of it all. He, Cyno, a game character, yet towering over the earthlings like some benevolent, if bewildered, god.

He began to sit up, the movement surprisingly sluggish, and Mao clung to him.

"Hey, not so fast..." she scolded, her voice a tiny, yet firm, reprimand that was almost comical given her diminutive stature. "Are you trying to make yourself dizzy? And another thing, why are you here?!" Her expression was a furious storm, brewing in a face a little bigger than his thumb.

"People are already forming an angry mob," she continued, her voice rising in pitch. "You took down the lights and the internet with whatever the heck you were doing..."

In Cyno's defense, he had tried to be discreet during the fight with the Fatui agent. He truly had. However, the task had proven far more difficult than he had anticipated, a chaotic dance of elemental power in a world not built to contain it.

My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. It was Cyno, no doubt about it, standing right here on Earth. But there was a problem, a colossal one, quite literally. He was a giant! How on earth was I supposed to hide someone of his…stature? The thought of abandoning him here was unbearable, though.

"I wasn't trying to make a scene," Cyno began, his voice a low rumble. "I didn't even use all my strength. He's the one who dragged the fight into the neighborhood." I listened intently as he recounted the bizarre series of events that had led him here. Apparently, he had been in hot pursuit of a Fatui agent when, quite unexpectedly, he'd stumbled into a portal.

His gaze shifted to the makeshift bandage on his arm. "Where did you even find the cloth to mend my arm?" he inquired.

"Um…," I stammered, a bit embarrassed. "That's actually a few bedsheets. I, uh, tied them together..." I explained sheepishly. I could see the exhaustion etched on his face, the clear desire to just collapse.

"Rest for a bit," I urged, placing a hand on his massive arm. "I have to go home and check on my parents. I'll be back as soon as I can."

The drive home was a welcome escape, a chance to check on my parents. A long, hot shower washed away the stress of the day, and I finally succumbed to sleep's embrace.

Earlier, the morning had been a puzzle for my neighbors. A power outage had plunged the street into darkness, severing their connection to the digital world. But even then, the wheels of progress were turning, solutions already in motion. I busied myself, restoring order to my parents' home, before finally commandeering the truck.

Cyno, no doubt, was feeling the hungry. But a simple trip to IHOP or McDonald's was out of the question for a being of his immense size. Instead, I steered towards a local farm, a haven of fresh produce. With a swipe of my credit card, I acquired their entire stock of apples and veggies, loading the bounty onto the truck, a feast fit for a giant.

How did my life take such a bizarre turn? Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd be providing food and shelter for the towering General Mahamatra. My initial plan was to carry the food to the clearing myself, but time was of the essence. My trusty red Ford truck, a seasoned companion on countless adventures, navigated the forest paths with the agility of a mountain bike. It successfully delivered a feast fit for my colossal friend.

"Cyno..." I called out from the truck window. He was seated, his massive hands shuffling his TCG cards, a testament to his sharp intellect.

"I'm here..."

I stepped out of the truck, presenting the overflowing basket of vegetables. His arm was still bandaged, a stark reminder of his recent ordeal.

"Sorry... I'd offer you a burger, but it wouldn't even begin to satisfy your large appetite..." I remarked to the giant. Cyno immediately began devouring the basket of fruits and veggies. Watching him eat was a humbling experience. This was only breakfast, and I was already grappling with the daunting task of keeping him fed. Lunch and dinner loomed, and I had a sinking feeling my credit cards were about to face their greatest challenge; debt was surely on the horizon.

I felt a sudden, unexpected force lifting me skyward. It was Cyno, of course, his fingers clamped firmly on the back of my shirt, hoisting me into the air like a wayward puppet. Again.

"Hey!" I protested, glaring up at him. "I told you to warn me before you go all grabby!" A low chuckle rumbled from his chest, utterly devoid of humor. Honestly, it was starting to grate on my nerves.

"Not funny... You're like King Kong!" I exclaimed, trying to maintain a semblance of stoicism despite my undignified position.

Cyno's brow furrowed slightly. "Is King Kong a King in this world?"

I groaned inwardly, resisting the urge to facepalm. Instead, I settled for a dramatic slap to my forehead.

"No... he's a giant ape... Who climbed the Empire State Building with Fay Wray in his hand..." The words tumbled out, a testament to my childhood spent immersed in classic cinema. My father, a lover of old movies, had ensured I was well-versed in their lore.

Cyno's curiosity was piqued. "Is it based on facts? Did such an event occur in this world?"

"No, it's completely made up. And remember, magic doesn't exist in my world..this world." I reminded him, reiterating a point I'd made countless times before.

"So your people wrote the story to compensate for the lack of such things?" Cyno mused. I shrugged, a gesture lost on him since I was still dangling.

"I suppose so..." I conceded, the absurdity of the situation finally sinking in.

Cyno's massive hands gently lowered me to the ground, and I couldn't help but sigh. The situation had spiraled from strange to utterly bizarre. A giant, ripped straight from the fantastical world of Teyvat—a place I'd only known as a video game until a few months ago—now stood beside me.

"So, can I ask..." The question died in my throat. My eyes flicked back to Cyno, who hadn't moved an inch. I'd expected him to immediately give chase to the fleeing Fatui giant. Why the hesitation? Was he worried about being seen? It wouldn't surprise me, considering his colossal size. The thought of my neighbors spotting him sent a shiver down my spine. The fallout would be catastrophic—the local army base swarming the area, or worse, the government getting involved. It would be a scene straight out of Gulliver's Travels.

"Hmm?" He tilted his head, his gaze sweeping down to meet mine.

"Why haven't you gone after the Fatui?" I asked, already suspecting the answer.

"It isn't oblivious; if your people saw me, it would cause a panic..." he rumbled, his voice a low tremor in the air.

"I figured as much..." I sighed, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. It wasn't like I could just tuck him away under a blanket. He was, quite literally, a giant.

The question hung in the air, a heavy weight: how does one conceal a giant? I'd barely managed to hide Cyno, and now, a far more colossal problem loomed – a massive, dangerous Fatui agent was loose, leaving a trail of destruction. I sighed, the weight of the situation settling heavily on my shoulders. My expertise lay in the intricate mechanics of video games and knowing the best places to grab a bite; not in hiding giants or dealing with rogue Fatui agents.

I glanced up at my towering friend, Cyno, a silent plea for assistance in my eyes, just as my phone buzzed insistently. I pulled it out, my heart sinking as I read the notification.

"Strange craters found on Highway 67..." The attached image zoomed in, the resolution sharp enough to confirm my worst suspicions. Those weren't craters; they were giant footprints.

I looked back at Cyno, a nervous smile playing on my lips. "I think I found your buddy..." I said, gesturing to the picture on my phone. "He's on the other side of town. Any slim chance you can turn invisible or something?"

Cyno's expression remained stoic, unmoved by my flippant remark. "Mao, Magic doesn't work like that," he replied, his voice a low rumble. "Besides, he's using a Delusion for that..."

The weight of the situation pressed down on me once more. "What to do?" I groaned, running a hand through my hair. The task ahead seemed insurmountable, a David-and-Goliath scenario where I was woefully unprepared to play David.

"You don't happen to have a slingshot?" I asked. Cyno raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding the reference.

Lost in my own thoughts, I watched as Cyno nonchalantly picked up my truck, cradling it as if it were a child's plaything. My eyes widened.

"Woah, hey!" I blurted out, my voice laced with a protective edge. I was particular about my truck. Very particular. And to see Cyno, with his Herculean strength, handling it with such carefree abandon… it rubbed me the wrong way. Of course, I understood his fascination. Earth's modern technology was practically non-existent in Teyvat. It must have been like discovering magic for him. He twirled the truck in his hands, a childlike wonder in his eyes.

"Don't mes-" I started to say, but the words died in my throat. My face paled, and my eyes widened in horror. It happened so fast. A sickening crack echoed in the air. He had unintentionally broken the hood of my truck.

"Sorry..." he mumbled, setting the now-hoodless vehicle down with a thud. He had actually broken the metal. Snapped it like a twig.

I was speechless, shock rippling through me. My truck. All the blood, sweat, and tears I had poured into buying that ridiculous, standard red truck. Gone. Reduced to a hoodless, broken mess in the hands of an apologetic, yet incredibly giant, General Mahamatra.

"It's fine..." I managed to choke out, the words feeling like a lie even as they left my lips. It was far from fine.

The problem of how to move the giant in secret occupied my thoughts for mintunes. Finally, a plan began to coalesce in my mind, and I drove toward town, hope warring with anxiety. The recent "earthquake," as the locals called it, had conveniently masked the truth: giants from another dimension were the real culprits.

I arrived to find a meeting of my neighborhood community leaders in full swing.

"People are shaken up by the monster and giant reports. It's mass hysteria..." someone lamented. I bit back the urge to reveal the truth; I was the only one in the room who knew what was really going on.

An idea sparked in my mind. "I have an idea. What about a party at the high school...just to take their minds off things?" I proposed. The high school, safely distanced from the heart of town, seemed the perfect venue. The suggestion was met with immediate enthusiasm. Within hours, the town was buzzing with anticipation.

As I helped with the preparations, my best friend Lottie approached me, a concerned look on her face. "What happened to your truck?" she asked, her eyes narrowed.

I couldn't tell her the truth—that I was currently harboring a giant in the woods, and he'd inadvertently totaled my truck. The words caught in my throat.

"I ran over a bear..." I blurted out, struggling to maintain a semblance of composure.

"Oh my god, are you okay?" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.

"I'm totally fine..." I replied, hoping she wouldn't notice the sweat beading on my forehead.

The gymnasium buzzed with the frenetic energy of a high school party in the making. After a few hours of helping with the decorations, I attempted a stealthy retreat, hoping to vanish before the forced socializing commenced. But fate, or rather, Lottie, had other plans.

"(Name), there you are! Where are you going?" she called out, her voice laced with playful suspicion.

"Um... I-I forgot something at the house..." I stammered, the lie feeling clumsy and transparent even to my own ears. Deceiving Lottie was never my forte. She's my best friend, an anchor in the increasingly bizarre landscape of my life, and her husband, Jamie, is the other.

"It can wait, can't it? You're not even dressed for the party..." Jamie chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. I could practically see the wheels turning in his head, plotting my imminent transformation courtesy of the school drama department's costume collection.

"I really need to go-" I began, but Lottie, ever the determined force of nature, cut me off. She looped her arm through mine, effectively shackling me to my fate, and began dragging me towards a makeshift makeup station. It was a familiar routine, a far cry from the events of six months prior.

Six months ago, Lottie, Jamie, and I had been at an anime convention, a weekend of cosplay and camaraderie. Then, everything went sideways. We were kidnapped, whisked away to the world of Teyvat – yes, the world from Genshin Impact, only this one was Earth-sized, a realm of colossal landscapes and even more colossal beings. Thanks to some magical mishap involving Nahida, earthlings who were brought to Teyvat became like animals. I have no idea why I was immune. The whole ordeal was eventually rectified, and we were all sent back home. Lottie and Jamie remember nothing of it, a blessing, I think. It was, to put it mildly, a bit traumatic.

But that's how I met Cyno. He saved me from a rather unsavory trio of scholars in a crumbling desert ruin. Now, Cyno is here, in my world, a fish out of water and, unfortunately for him, a literal giant. As if that weren't enough, there's also a giant Fatui agent lurking around somewhere. Yep, my life has become exceptionally weird.

I threw my hands up, the silk of my simple purple dress swirling around my legs. "Why are we dressed for prom?!" I exclaimed, the question echoing with perhaps a touch too much drama for a Tuesday afternoon. My exasperation was directed at Lottie, who simply beamed back at me.

"It's fun!" she chirped, waving a perfectly manicured finger in the air. "We didn't get to go to our prom, remember?" She and her husband, James, were a matching set in their dapper suits, a stark contrast to my own semi-formal attire—heels, the aforementioned dress, and my hair pulled back in a neat bun, punctuated only by dangling earrings. A pang of memory struck me. She was right. We hadn't gone to prom. A plague of some sort had swept through our little trio that weekend, leaving us huddled together, mainlining movies and misery.

I couldn't help but feel a familiar twinge of… something. It wasn't quite jealousy, but perhaps a wistful awareness of my place in our dynamic. I always felt more like River Song in our little Doctor Who-esque relationship, flitting in and out, a chaotic element, rather than the steadfast Amy or the dependable Rory.

"Thank you..." I sighed, the word laced with a mixture of affection and resignation. But the truth was, I really had to leave. Duty called—or rather, the giant in town that might destroy the peace. No pressure.

"I gotta go..." I announced. "Save me cake?"

"Sure thing!" Lottie called after me, her voice bright and unwavering. "Be back as soon as you can?" I offered a quick wave goodbye, already halfway out the door.

Cyno wrestled with a frustration he dared not voice. Here he was, on Earth, a planet dwarfed by his size. He found himself concealed behind a forest of trees, the setting sun casting long shadows as he waited for Mao. Beside him, she seemed almost doll-like in her stature.

"Hey!" A strange sound, emanating from her "truck" as she called it, announced her arrival. She stepped out, the purple dress only enhancing her doll-like appearance.

"Hey... if you're planning to confront the Fatui agent, now's the time! Most of the town is at the high school for a party..." Mao informed him, her voice tinged with urgency.

"That explains the dress. What took you so long?" Cyno questioned, before sweeping her into his arms.

"Thank you..."

"Stop picking me up without warning!" she hissed, a blush rising on her cheeks. "For what it's worth, I'll do my best to help you."

"You've done enough..." Cyno replied, his voice softening as he gently patted her head.

"Hey, stop that!" Mao exclaimed, shaking her head free of his touch. He set her down, and Cyno felt a surge of readiness, eager to conclude this mission and, more importantly, relieved that he wouldn't have to worry about harming the inhabitants of this fragile planet.

"Whoa, where are you going?!" Mao called out, hurrying to keep pace with his long strides.

I trailed closely behind Cyno, my pace proving insufficient as he once again resorted to hoisting me up by the back of my dress. A sigh escaped him, thick with exasperation.

"You'll get hurt..."

"This is my home... Let me help!" The words tumbled out, fueled by my frustration at feeling so utterly useless. A soft chuckle rumbled from him before he settled me securely on his shoulder. From this new vantage point, the town spread out before me, offering a clear view and, more importantly, a good sense of where the Fatui agent was likely concealed, thanks to the subtle commotion he was causing. My suspicions were confirmed; he lurked in the wooded area bordering Main Street. Thankfully, the streets were deserted. If there was one thing I knew about my town, it was their unwavering dedication to celebration, which is where almost everyone was at that moment.

It wasn't long before the Fatui agent revealed himself, emerging from the trees like a looming shadow. Cyno was already an imposing figure, but this man towered over even the General Mahamatra by at least two heads. I felt Cyno gently set me down on the rooftop of a nearby building. From there, I was granted a front-row seat to a battle of giants. Explosions of fire ripped through the air, punctuated by the crackling discharge of Cyno's electric power. I was, unfortunately, relegated to the role of a mere bystander as the town trembled beneath the weight of their conflict. Each heavy footstep sent vibrations through the building, bouncing me around like a ragdoll.

I watched, helpless, as the mighty Cyno battled the colossal Fatui Agent. It was a brutal fight, and regret twisted in my gut as I saw Cyno taking a severe beating. "Cyno! Get up!" I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation, but I was trapped, confined within the cold, unyielding walls of a nearby building.

Driven by a surge of adrenaline, I bolted down the fire escape, my mind racing. An idea, reckless and improbable, sparked within me. I commandeered a nearby car, my hands trembling as I hot-wired the ignition, a skill from countless action movies. Cyno lay prone on the ground, and in a moment of temporary insanity, I slammed the gas pedal, driving the car directly into the Fatui Agent's leg. The behemoth crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. Miraculously, I emerged with only minor injuries, a few bruises the price of my impulsive heroism.

"What the hell?!" The towering Fatui Agent loomed over me, his voice a thunderous roar. I knew I was in deep trouble. Abandoning the mangled car, I kicked off my heels and ran, the absurdity of my situation not lost on me. There I was, fleeing for my life in a ridiculous purple prom dress. He pursued me relentlessly, forcing me to seek refuge behind a nearby building.

"Come out, come out wherever you are!" His voice echoed, laced with menace. I was paralyzed with fear as he leaned over the building, his shadow engulfing me. But then, a sudden, powerful force yanked him backward. Cyno had awakened, or rather, he had risen, fueled by a primal rage.

"Don't touch her..." I couldn't see him, but his voice, low and guttural, vibrated with palpable anger, an anger that honestly frightened me just a little. The Fatui Agent was formidable, but Cyno was a force of nature. I knew I had to help. Spotting a firehose, I grabbed it and, with a surge of adrenaline, ran behind the giant Fatui Agent. I unleashed the full force of the water, sending him sprawling backwards. I watched, breathless, as Cyno relentlessly beat him, a whirlwind of controlled fury, before finally binding him. I gasped for breath, my dress ruined, my hair a mess, a complete and utter wreck. But I was alive.

Deep within the woods, a sanctuary far removed from the prying eyes of the town, I stood as a silent observer. Before me, the towering figure of Cyno hauled a bound and struggling Fatui agent, his captive squirming in vain.

"So, this is it?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. He offered a curt nod, a silent acknowledgment of the inevitable farewell that hung heavy in the air. Goodbyes were a constant companion in my life, but this one… this one would leave a void. I knew I would miss him, the stoic giant from another world.

"I'm returning to Teyvat…" Cyno stated, his voice as serious as ever. "We've caused enough trouble in your world. And I must take him to Sumeru for his trial."

A sudden impulse seized me, a desire to offer a piece of myself before he vanished once more. "Hey… I wanted you to know my real name. I don't mind you calling me Mao…" I confessed, the words tumbling out in a rush. Mao wasn't my true name, not really. It was a placeholder, a name I'd adopted from a time when my name was lost in Teyvat.

Taking a deep breath, I revealed the truth. "My real name is (Name)."

"(Name)?" he repeated, the sound barely audible. He didn't turn, didn't break his stride as he continued his departure. But I distinctly heard him murmur, a soft whisper carried on the wind, "(Name)… That's a beautiful name."

With a heavy heart, I turned my back on the woods and made my way back to the high school party, a chaotic scene of music and laughter that felt jarringly out of sync with the events I'd just witnessed. Lottie and Jamie, ever the concerned friends, fussed over my appearance – the torn dress, the disheveled hair, the bare feet that had carried me through the forest. My elderly parents, their faces etched with worry, were frantic with concern. No one suspected the truth, the extraordinary reality that giants from another world had clashed in our quiet town, their battleground hidden just beyond the edge of normalcy. I reassured them, offering a smile and a simple, "I'm fine." To them, everyone was safe, oblivious to the tremors that continued to shake the ground, the echoes of a battle fought in a realm beyond their comprehension.

They say lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, but in my case, it had. I had met Cyno twice, our paths crossing in this strange, unexpected way. And perhaps, just perhaps, fate would conspire to bring us together a third time, our destinies intertwined in ways I couldn't yet imagine.

The character in this story is someone I came up with, an OC who's in their mid-twenties. They're a total fangirl at heart, can be a bit of a crybaby, and sometimes struggle with self-doubt. They actually have a name, but they can't quite remember it—there's a reason for that, which you'll discover later on when they get a new one.

I'm a huge Cyno fan and proudly main him in the game, so of course, he's going to be a part of this story! I absolutely love Sumeru, and I feel like there aren't enough fanfics set there, especially ones that focus on Cyno. I'm still deciding whether to make this a series, so please let me know what you think!

Okay, here's the little disclaimer and a heads-up: I don't own Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact, or anything related to them.

And a big thank you to @arn9tails for letting me use their Genshin size difference AU as the basis for this fanfic. The idea that Teyvat isn't scaled to Earth but is actually much, much larger really fascinated me—it's a pretty scary thought, isn't it? I also really liked the idea that people from Earth aren't resistant to it, which is what sparked this whole thing.

Also, just a quick heads-up: this story touches on some serious and sensitive subjects. It's inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai themes, different isekai worlds, creation myths, and fanfiction in general.

Chapter1- Attack on Genshin:

"I find beauty in the way hair turns grey, how nervous feet sway, and eyes full of dust still stare at the day, still happy in the rain."

Grasping the microphone, I poured my heart out, butchering "Sweet Taste" by Smol Fish. Lottie, my best friend since high school, cheered me on with wild enthusiasm.

"You go girl!" she yelled, her voice a familiar comfort. Just then, the drinks and appetizers arrived, a welcome distraction from my off-key rendition.

"It's been a while since we've had a 'us' night, huh?" I said, sinking back into my seat and stuffing a chip in my mouth. Time had flown by, carrying us in different directions.

"Married...I still can't believe you're married..." I mused. I wasn't even thirty yet, but in my mid-twenties, half of my closest friends were either married and pregnant or chasing their dream jobs. Meanwhile, I was still at the same job I'd had since graduating high school. College hadn't worked out; my parents had fallen ill, and even though I wasn't the eldest, I was the only one who stayed to care for them.

"I know..." Lottie smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. "You deserve a break, [Name]." I couldn't argue with that.

"Oh! The anime convention is in two weeks! Let's go...and cosplay Bleach like old times?" I suggested, a spark of excitement igniting within me. I'd be Rukia, and she'd be my Orihime, my sister from another mister.

"Sisters..." she echoed, a nostalgic smile gracing her lips.

"Sisters..." I repeated, oblivious to the fact that this simple suggestion would soon unravel into a nightmare. As we stepped out of the karaoke room, our phones buzzed in unison. A new alert flashed across the screen.

"Scientists claim to have found a portal to your favorite games, anime.." the reporter announced, his tone laced with skepticism. We dismissed it as a joke, laughing at the absurdity of the notion. If only we had taken it seriously then.

"Really? Maybe we can travel the stars..." she laughed, nudging my shoulder.

"Oh yeah, I can finally become Jing Yuan's wife..." I declared proudly. He was, of course, my beloved main from Honkai Star Rail.

"I wanna be Jing Yuan's wife..." she countered, a playful glint in her eyes.

"I called it first..." I retorted, laughing. Lottie pouted, feigning disappointment.

"How about we form a harem? We could be sister wives..." Lottie added.

A moment of silence hung in the air, followed by a burst of maniacal laughter.

"Aren't you married?!" I shouted, clutching my stomach.

"Okay, but Jamie loves him too...we can all share..."

We continued to laugh at the ridiculousness of the joke.

"Fine, I get Sunday and Tuesday..you Fridays and Saturday." I conceded, shaking my head in amusement.

Lottie's suggestion hung in the air, innocent enough: "What about Genshin?" Little did I know that those simple words would unravel into a nightmare two weeks from now, especially cruel considering Genshin Impact held a special place in my heart. If only I, Lottie, or anyone, had heeded the warning signs... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

"Well, you know there's only one man for me in Genshin..." I declared, brandishing my car keys like a scepter, emphasizing my unwavering devotion to Sumeru's stoic General Mahamatra, the Cyno Key chain.

Lottie just rolled her eyes, a familiar gesture. "Of course, Cyno..."

"He's been my main since Dvalin, my husbando..." I laughed, a sound that usually bubbled with genuine affection.

Lottie sighed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "At least he's a protector..."

I couldn't resist a playful jab.

"Zhongli and Neuvillette..." Lottie answered, her choices.

"Old men... you gold digger..." I teased, knowing exactly how to get a rise out of her.

"Jamie likes them too..." she retorted, referencing her husband, Jamie, who often mirrored her taste in fictional characters.

It started as a joke, a silly, late-night murmur. That evening, I found myself driving Lottie home, the city lights blurring past the windshield. Earlier, the day had taken a sharp, unwelcome turn when my dad fell ill. Four missed voicemails screamed from my phone, each a tiny hammer blow to my already frayed nerves. My aunt needed help, of course she did, and naturally, I stepped up, the ever-reliable daughter. I cleaned up the mess, the acrid smell of vomit clinging to the air, and coaxed him into taking his medicine.

"You're a good daughter; God will bless you..." my father had rasped, his voice weak. But between you and me, in that moment, I felt anything but good. I felt like I was failing. I should have been there, present, not juggling a million responsibilities. A wave of longing washed over me, a desperate yearning for my mother's familiar, comforting hug.

"We're fine..." I repeated the mantra, a fragile shield against the encroaching darkness.

Later, the house was quiet, the only sound my own stifled sobs. My parents were asleep, oblivious to the storm raging inside me. I sat hunched over my computer, mindlessly moving the Cyno avatar around on the screen, the vibrant colors a stark contrast to the grayness of my mood. I think back to how utterly pathetic I felt then, a prisoner in my own life.

"I wish Genshin was real..." The words slipped out, a whispered plea into the silent room. I hated my life at that moment, the weight of it crushing me. I was in my mid-twenties, stuck in a frustrating limbo, neither pretty nor ugly, just…average. Tan skin, dark feathered hair that always seemed to fall in my face, and ordinary brown eyes hidden behind big, thick glasses because the thought of contacts terrified me. On the plus side, I suppose, the older I got, the younger I looked. I was a size large or extra-large—a husky, plump woman, as my grandmother used to say.

Lost in the game, my fingers danced across the screen, skillfully guiding Cyno through a difficult fight. A soft, wistful thought, like a gentle breeze from Sumeru, drifted into my mind: "If only Teyvat were real..."

A wave of regret washed over me, a familiar ache gripping my heart. "If only my life was different..." This lament echoed in my mind, a constant reminder of the past's unchangeable nature. I felt powerless, a mere observer in my own story. "If only you were real..."

Sumeru held a special, almost sacred, place in my heart. It was my favorite region in Teyvat, a vibrant land full of mystery and wonder. And the characters! Cyno was my absolute favorite, followed closely by Tighnari, Alhaitham, and Kaveh—the core four. Beyond them, many other beloved characters shone brightly: Sethos, Wanderer, Faruzan, Nilou, Layla, Dehya, Nahida, and even Dori. I fiercely defended Dori, a lone supporter convinced that I alone truly understood her motives. A belief, I would soon learn, based on complete and utter delusion.

I devoured countless Isekai fanfics, losing myself in their fantastical worlds. I even explored Sagau and similar genres, my hunger for the extraordinary seemingly endless. Arrogantly, and foolishly, I thought I had a deeper, more sophisticated understanding than all those authors. I told myself that if I were ever transported to an Isekai world, I wouldn't just survive; I would thrive. I would easily become friends with the Sumeru group, becoming an essential part of their lives.

This was pure hubris, a dangerous mix of arrogance and naiveté. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared me for what was about to happen.

The day of the anime convention dawned. I remember the thrill as we stepped into that kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. I'd meticulously assembled my Rukia cosplay, while Lottie had blossomed into the gentle Orihime. Jamie, Lottie's husband, completed our Bleach trio as Ichigo. He was partly there to meet his favorite voice actor, but more importantly, to bask in Lottie's infectious enthusiasm. Ever the supportive friend, Jamie also volunteered to carry our bags, a kindness I would soon recognize as indispensable. Never once did Jamie or Lottie make me feel like a tag-along; their friendship embraced me as one of their own.

"Genshin Merch ohhh!!!" Jamie's voice boomed, laced with playful zeal, as he tugged us toward a booth overflowing with treasures. A mischievous grin danced across his face.

"Look, babe, we can share..." he said, brandishing a Zhongli body pillow with a wink that could charm the stars. Lottie erupted in laughter, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Look, (Name)," Jamie called, now gesturing towards a rather distinguished Genshin Impact Resplendent Feast Series Cyno figure in a suit—elegant without being overtly suggestive. Little did I know that this would be one of the last times I'd hear my actual name spoken. I wish I could claim to be the responsible adult my parents believed me to be, but alas, that was not the case. Without a moment's hesitation, I slapped down eighty dollars.

"Sold..." I declared, a mischievous glint mirroring Jamie's own.

The convention, enjoyable as it was, felt strangely intimate, the crowd thinner than usual. An odd unease hung in the air, a subtle disquiet fueled by whispers of a bizarre phenomenon. Missing person reports had spiked, but most dismissed it as media hype, sensationalism amplified by the echo chambers of the internet. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube—all were awash with videos: colossal hands emerging from tunnels, looming over bridges, even descending from the sky. Like many, I'd initially scoffed, attributing it to AI trickery, deepfakes, or some elaborate political stunt. A decision I now deeply regret.

Fragments of conversations drifted back to me now, snippets about a scientist, a name I couldn't quite grasp. I wish I'd paid closer attention. He'd been ranting about portals, gateways to fictional realms, dismissed as the ramblings of a madman. Some hailed him as a whistleblower, especially after his untimely death just days after a television report detailing his outlandish claims.

I distinctly remember a vendor's offhand remark: "A portal to an anime world... imagine being in Dragon Ball, dating Android 18 or Bulma!"

"Sebastian from Black Butler, I adore him..." another had sighed dreamily. We'd all chuckled, treating it as a harmless fantasy, a shared joke about escaping into idealized romances.

Around midday, Jamie, Lottie, and I decided to brave the outside world and explore the vendor booths. A surprisingly large crowd had congregated, their chatter a low hum of excitement and anticipation.

"Hey, what's that?" Lottie's voice cut through the noise, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. She was pointing towards something towering over the nearby buildings.

"A new art installation?" Jamie mused, nonchalantly sipping his boba tea. He seemed unfazed, attributing the spectacle to some quirky artistic endeavor.

"Hmmm?" I squinted, my mind still half-lost in the virtual world. "I've been playing too much Genshin; that looks like a treasure hoarder. See the insignia..." I pointed at the colossal figure, tilting my head, trying to make sense of it. It was then that I noticed it. The "statue" was breathing. A slow, deliberate rise and fall of its massive chest. "Wait a minute...."

If only I had noticed sooner, perhaps things would have turned out differently.

The earth began to tremble, a low rumble that quickly escalated into a violent shaking. Then, the unthinkable happened: the statue moved. It walked. A gaping portal ripped open the fabric of reality, and from it emerged giants, each burdened with bulging bags that strained at their seams. Jamie gasped, but Lottie could only manage a piercing scream. I, on the other hand, simply froze, my mind unable to process the scene unfolding before me. It felt as though I had been thrust into the world of Attack on Titan, witnessing the Colossal Titan peering over the wall. But I was no Levi, no Mikasa Ackerman, just a terrified bystander.

"(Name!!)" Lottie's voice cut through my fear-induced paralysis. I felt her soft hand grab mine, pulling me forward. Jamie, ever pointed towards a potential escape route. In that moment, our purses, our shopping bags, all the newly purchased merchandise became utterly insignificant. Survival was the only thing that mattered. But our desperate sprint was short-lived. The giant treasure hoarders, as I now thought of them, surrounded us, their massive forms penning us in like chickens in a henhouse. We were confronted by a forest of legs, impossibly long legs that seemed to stretch for miles into the sky. Lottie was grabbed first, a small squeak escaping her lips as she was lifted into the air. Jamie followed soon after, his face a mask of terror. Then, it was my turn. I was plucked from the ground with surprising ease, and without ceremony, we were all tossed into one of the bulging bags, landing on top of each other in a tangled heap.

The bag was completely full, its contents pressing uncomfortably against my back. Lottie, Jamie, and I were being jostled around, crammed so tightly with others that breathing was a struggle. Abruptly, the world flipped, and we were unceremoniously dumped onto a bed of rough hay. I blinked, trying to adjust to the poor lighting. We were in what appeared to be a chicken coop.

"Where are my new Mora makers..." The voice cut through the air, sending a shiver down my spine. I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. I recognized that voice. Looking up, my eyes widened in disbelief. It was Dori, Dori Sangemah Bay directly from my favorite game, Genshin Impact. Dori Sangemah Bay, the very same playable Electro character who owned The Palace of Alcazarzaray and was famous as a merchant who could acquire anything for the right price. "Lord Sangemah Bay," as she was known. And there she was.

Dori seemed gigantic before me, towering over the pen. Her pale skin glowed in the dim light, her golden-brown eyes gleaming with shrewdness. Her short, pink hair framed her face, and perched on her nose were those unmistakable small glasses with reddish lenses and gold diamond-shaped frames. I knew them so well from countless hours playing the game. She wasn't looking at me specifically, but at all of us in the pen, regarding us as... well, as her little Mora makers.

"This is such a cute bunch..." Her gaze swept over us, eventually stopping on Jamie. Poor Jamie, Lottie's kind husband and a close friend, looked like he was about to pass out.

"You're perfect to send to Lady Furina..."

My mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. This was Dori. Which meant... this had to be Teyvat. And if Dori was planning to send Jamie to Fontaine... Lottie stood beside me, her face a blank slate of confusion, mirroring my own. Teyvat wasn't real. These characters weren't supposed to be giants.

What on earth was happening? Before either of us could speak, before we could even begin to comprehend the impossible reality unfolding around us, we were separated. I was grabbed and tossed, along with ten others, into another pen. I had no idea where Jamie or Lottie had gone. The new pen reeked of a sharp, chemical odor. I could tell these were Dori's servants or workers. They marched in, faces covered by gas masks, carrying spray canisters of some kind. A noxious cloud filled the pen, and the last thing I saw was the swirling mist before everything faded to black.

I awoke to a world swimming in confusion, the rough wood of a crate pressing against my skin. Disorientation clung to me like a shroud; memories, like frightened birds, had flown from their roost. Where was I? How had I gotten here? It seemed I'd been hurled into the unforgiving present. My fellow prisoners were an odd bunch. One was purring. The others were lost in a daze, their eyes vacant. Had I been kidnapped? Was this Teyvat? Sold, perhaps, by the sly Dori? A throbbing ache pulsed behind my eyes, a painful counterpoint to the unsettling silence.

"Hey..." I croaked, my voice raspy. I snapped my fingers, trying to pierce their stupor, but they remained unresponsive. A wave of my hand before their faces yielded nothing. They were lost, adrift in some inner sea.

"Huh?" I muttered, frustration bubbling within me.

I turned my attention to the crate, my fingers tracing the outline of a loose wooden bar. Hope flickered. I might be weak, a victim of noodle arms and perpetually skipped leg days, but I wasn't helpless. I began to fidget with the bar, pulling, tugging, wrestling with the unyielding wood. Time stretched, each moment an eternity of strained muscles and muttered curses.

"It's loose..." I grumbled, despair threatening to engulf me. My luck, as always, was abysmal. But then, the world lurched. Whatever beast was carrying our prison hit a bump, and the crate bucked. I tumbled out, the rough sand and gravel offering a meager cushion against the fall. Pain exploded in my arm, a throbbing reminder of my predicament. I wanted to scream, to unleash the torrent of fear and frustration, but the massive underside of a Sumpter Beast loomed above, its heavy hooves threatening to crush me. I swallowed the sound, forcing it down with a shudder. The earth trembled, a relentless, bone-jarring vibration that seemed to last an eternity. Long after the caravan, an hour-long procession of monstrous beasts and rattling carts, had passed, I lay there, stunned, the taste of dust and fear clinging to the back of my throat.

I desperately wished I could wake up, that this was all just a horrible, realistic nightmare. But when I looked up, my heart jumped into my throat. A massive, ravenous, flying serpent was swooping down towards me. My arm throbbed with a sharp, insistent pain that suggested it might be broken.

In the game, I routinely hunted these creatures, turning them into a readily available food source without a second thought. Now, it seemed the universe, in a cruel twist of fate, had decided I should face the consequences of my actions. I ran, fleeing in my absurd cosplay robe, flip-flops slapping against the sand, socks bunching uncomfortably. It was coming for me, a scene straight out of one of those old nature documentaries where the predator always catches its prey. Suddenly, something larger, a blur of golden, reddish-brown fur, leaped out and snatched the serpent from the sand. It was one of those adorable desert foxes that fans always raved about. But now, covered in blood, it looked both cute and terrifying.

The desert wind whipped at my back. Tears blurred my vision as I ran, a desperate flight fueled by fear and adrenaline. I stumbled, my legs heavy, until a crumbling structure loomed in the distance – a ruin that offered a sliver of hope, a promise of sanctuary. But the hope was a mirage. As I drew closer, the ruin opened into a hidden chamber, revealing two figures cloaked in the unmistakable garb of Akademiya scholars. My heart plummeted. I knew those uniforms; I had spent countless hours immersed in this world, in this game. But this was no game. Their eyes, devoid of warmth or recognition, fixed on me not as a fellow human, but as some strange, unknown creature.

"Shhh!" a voice hissed, cutting through the silence. "You'll scare it away..."

"Careful," another voice followed, laced with a predatory anticipation. "If we want to catch it..."

Panic seized me, cold and sharp. Slowly, I began to back away, my mind reeling. What were they doing here, in this forgotten place? I didn't want to know. Everything felt wrong, twisted. Teyvat, the world of Genshin Impact, had been my escape, my comfort. Now, it was a terrifying reality, a land of giants and monsters. My best friends had taken to who-knows-where. And now, I was being hunted, pursued by the scholars of the Akademiya, in a world that had become a nightmare.

I ran, my breath catching in my throat, the relentless desert wind whipping at my face. Behind me, the pursuing scholars were gaining ground, their angry shouts echoing through the ancient ruin. Each grain of sand felt like an accusation, the oppressive heat a physical weight pressing down on me. I silently begged for salvation, for anyone to intervene and pull me from this nightmare. Then, without warning, I slammed into something as unyielding as a brick wall. A jolt of pain shot up my arm, and a cry escaped my lips as I stumbled backward, landing hard on the unforgiving ground.

Before me, two enormous feet stood planted in the sand. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to deny the reality of what I was about to see. But curiosity, or perhaps a morbid sense of self-preservation, forced me to look up. And there he was. Cyno. My favorite character, the one I had painstakingly saved Primogems for, the one I had cheered for when he finally appeared on the banner. But this wasn't the Cyno I knew. This Cyno was larger than life, a towering figure of imposing power. His sunset-red eyes, usually so captivating, now burned with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. The jackal headdress seemed less like a symbol of authority and more like a mask of terrifying judgment.

The scholars finally caught up, their triumphant expressions fading as they took in the scene before them. I, however, was paralyzed, trapped in a vortex of disbelief and fear. This had to be a dream, a twisted nightmare conjured from the depths of my subconscious. A giant Cyno? It was absurd. A desperate part of me clung to the hope that my water had been spiked, that I was hallucinating, that this bizarre version of Teyvat was nothing more than a figment of my overactive imagination.

"Crap!" one of the scholars exclaimed, his voice laced with panic.

"It's the General Mahamatra..."

It was clear these scholars were involved in something illicit, and Cyno had arrived to deliver justice. I, a mere genshin player, fan girl lost in this distorted reality, had no business being caught in the crossfire. Yet, I remained frozen, unable to break free from the spell of terror that held me captive. Like King Kong seizing Fay Wray in the classic movie, I watched in horror as his massive hand reached for me. My mind screamed, "Run! Run, you idiot!" But my legs refused to obey, my brain overloaded with a mixture of fear and disbelief. And then, in a moment that defied all logic, I found myself scooped up and unceremoniously deposited inside a large sack, slung over his broad shoulder.

It was the second time I'd been unceremoniously tossed into a bag. I couldn't quite recall how long I'd been in there, jostled amidst their belongings like a forgotten trinket. A muffled series of thuds and whacks suggested he was fighting someone, somewhere. Had I not been the size of a doll or a cat, I might have been a fan girl, caught up in the drama. But my brain short-circuited, going straight into autopilot. My thoughts drifted to my parents; if I wasn't there, who would help them with everything? Yes, I complained, a lot, but beneath the surface, I loved them dearly. And what about Lottie and Jamie? They'd been taken, just like me. Who knew where they were now, or if they were even safe? The air in the bag was thick, dark, and humid, and I was on the verge of passing out when, suddenly, a bright light sliced through the darkness. The bag was open, and the hot, dry desert air rushed in. A hand snaked in and grabbed the back of my robe, pulling me towards the unknown.

Terror washed over me as I stared up at the gigantic figure towering above. Cyno was an absolute giant, making me feel as small as a kitten. Under normal circumstances, I might have admired him, perhaps even drooled or grinned like an idiot. But destiny had other plans. I was trapped, held tightly in Cyno's grasp—my favorite Genshin character—like a rat caught in a trap.

I looked down at the ground, which now seemed impossibly far away. Only Cyno's tight grip on my robe kept me from plummeting to my death. My arms and legs flailed uselessly, like a broken puppet. I wished I could faint, to escape this horrible situation, but instead, I was overcome with pure panic.

"Wahhhhhhh!!" I screamed, but the sound was a weak squeak, lost in the enormity of my fear.

"Please, sir! Have mercy! I don't want to die!" My voice, strained and high-pitched, sounded completely desperate, even to my own ears. I was begging, trying to reason with a power far beyond my own.

"Please, I have a family! A sick father, a sick mother! I'm still a virgin; I haven't even gotten married yet..." Each scream, each desperate plea, only highlighted how pathetic I was, painting a picture of complete helplessness. In that moment, I found myself confessing all my sins and pleading for forgiveness.

Cyno, his mind a whirlwind of calculations and strategic assessments, found his gloved hand gripping the peculiar fabric of the small human's clothing. His mission was clear: apprehend the three scholars who had dared to dabble in forbidden knowledge. He certainly hadn't factored in the discovery of a "mini human," as they were often called. His initial thought, as always, was to adhere to protocol and deliver the creature to the hallowed halls of the Akademiya.

The Akademiya, in its collective wisdom (or perhaps, Cyno mused, its collective prejudice), generally regarded these diminutive beings as inferior. This stemmed from the unfortunate reality that most rescued individuals, hailing from the depths of Sumeru's forests and other untamed regions, exhibited disconcerting animalistic tendencies, often mimicking the behaviors of canines or felines. But this one… this one was different. It spoke in coherent sentences, albeit punctuated by a pathetic whimper that tugged at something deep within Cyno's stoic exterior.

He knew, of course, that owning "mini humans" was a practice outlawed in Mondstadt, Sumeru, and Natlan. Yet, in the bustling ports of Liyue, the electric streets of Inazuma, the elegant courts of Fontaine, and the frozen wastes of Snezhnaya, ownership was permitted, even encouraged, creating a thriving, albeit morally questionable, market. Cyno's brow furrowed, not in judgment, but in curiosity. He noticed the unnatural angle of the human's arm, a clear indication of a fracture. A visit to Tighnari, the expert on all things biological and botanical, was undoubtedly necessary. But that would have to wait. The scholars were his priority. With a gentle hand, he carefully nestled the small human into the depths of his cloak pocket.

I'm a huge Cyno fan and proudly main him in the game, so of course, he's going to be a part of this story!

Okay, here's the little disclaimer and a heads-up: I don't own Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact, or anything related to them.

And a big thank you to @arn9tails for letting me use their Genshin size difference AU as the basis for this fanfic. The idea that Teyvat isn't scaled to Earth but is actually much, much larger really fascinated me—it's a pretty scary thought, isn't it? I also really liked the idea that people from Earth aren't resistant to it, which is what sparked this whole thing.

Also, just a quick heads-up: this story touches on some serious and sensitive subjects. It's inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai themes, different isekai worlds, creation myths, and fanfiction in general.

Alright, let's dive into chapter 4 and see what adventures await our dear Oc! Sadly our last chapter....

Chapter 4 - The Marketplace

I watched, anticipation bubbling in my chest, as Cyno prepared his disguise. When he finally emerged, the transformation was uncanny. He could have passed for a seasoned Eremite. A flicker of admiration sparked within me if I were a different situation, I might have been swooning.

"Where are we going?" I asked, my arms crossed, a knot of worry tightening in my stomach. Lottie and Jamie… where were they? Had they been brought to? Were they, like me, simply trying to survive? I had a sinking feeling I would find out soon enough.

Cyno's voice, grave and unwavering, cut through my thoughts. "You're not going to like this, Mao…"

"With words like that… you're right," I muttered, my gaze fixed on his. He held out something that made my blood run cold a collar, complete with a jingling bell.

"No," I said, the word a sharp, instinctive rejection.

"It's necessary for this investigation, Mao… We're going somewhere where you might need to… act like a pet, or an animal…" Cyno's bluntness stung. "I need to scope this place out. I need your assistance, and your cooperation, Mao."

"No! This whole week, these days, these hours… I don't even know how long it's been… it's all been so degrading!" I shouted, my voice echoing slightly in the space between us. Being so small, so powerless, only amplified my frustration.

"I will not wear a collar!" I hissed, stubbornly crossing my arms.

But, despite my defiance, I knew I was fighting a losing battle. Cyno's expression was so earnest, so utterly devoid of guile, that a wave of reluctant pity washed over me. How could I refuse him when he looked so… lost?

"Okay, fine…" I snatched the collar from his hand, my fingers curling around the cold leather. "I hate this. I hate this and everything it stands for."

The journey back was mostly spent safely in Cyno's pocket. I could sense when he paused, engaging in hushed conversations, presumably using the password gleaned from the scholar. Then, he carefully extracted me, settling me on his shoulder before descending a narrow, winding staircase.

"Where are we?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Under the Grand Bazaar..." he replied, a hint of uncertainty coloring his tone. It was a new place to him as well; an area not present in the game.

Nothing could have prepared us for the sight that unfolded before our eyes. It was reminiscent of the Grand Bazaar above, yet bathed in a dim, muted light, casting long, eerie shadows.

Here, a clandestine market thrived, filled with vendors peddling contraband. Goods from faraway lands were on display: saurians from Natlan, Bake-danuki from Inazuma. But it was the sight of miniature humans, earthlings like myself, trapped in cages that truly chilled me. They resembled those I had seen in the crate, their eyes vacant and strangely serene, a state that hinted at something deeply amiss. Was this the "nonverbal" state Cyno had alluded to earlier?

One whimpered softly, like a lost dog, while another pathetically begged for treats. A wave of nausea washed over me. Why were they behaving this way? I remained silent, but I'm sure the horror and disgust I felt were plain on my face.

Balanced precariously on Cyno's shoulders, I murmured, "What's wrong with them?" My question was a fragile whisper, barely audible. Cyno maintained his unwavering pace, a silent protector guiding us through the dangerous terrain. He walked for what seemed like an age, carefully considering his response, ensuring his words wouldn't attract unwanted attention.

At last, he spoke, his tone somber and low. "That's simply their nature now. It's why many scholars consider them indistinguishable from animals. But you... you're different. I refuse to accept that you're abnormal. Something occurred to your people upon their arrival here... it robbed them of their humanity, reducing them to the level of a cat or dog..."

The injustice of his statement threatened to explode within me, a furious eruption of denial. However, I suppressed the scream that fought to escape my throat, forcing myself to remain quiet. We continued deeper into the heart of the chaos, and with each step, the scene became more disturbing. We came across what appeared to be a food court, a frenzied center of brightly lit stalls and deafening noise. Earthlings were dancing wildly, their movements erratic and unnatural. It was a horrifying sight, reminiscent of that unsettling scene from Disney's Pinocchio, where he dances on stage, a puppet manipulated by unseen forces. Then, I spotted her. Lottie—no, Jamie with her.

Her eyes were blank, lacking the intelligence and individuality I knew so well. She was wearing a gaudy outfit resembling a ballet costume, a grotesque parody of grace and artistry.

"Oh my God..." I gasped, my hand instinctively covering my mouth to stifle the rising wave of horror. The sound, however faint, was enough to attract attention. A head turned in my direction, its eyes glazed and vacant. Cyno, ever watchful, remained concealed in the shadows, a silent guardian in a world consumed by madness.

"Sorry... that's my friend Lottie..." I managed to stammer, the words laden with sorrow and disbelief.

Cyno's reply was a simple, "I see." From my perch atop his broad shoulder, I risked a glance around, the swirling chaos of the desert encampment a dizzying sight.

"I need to speak with her..." The words tumbled out, laced with a desperate urgency. "She'll recognize me, won't she? We've been best friends since high school..." The last part trailed off, a silent acknowledgment that the concept of "high school" would be utterly foreign to him.

Hope, fragile yet persistent, fluttered within me. "I'm sure if she sees me, she'll return to normal..."

"Please, let me try..." I pleaded, my voice barely a whisper. Cyno sighed, the sound heavy with unspoken reservations.

"I will try to get you close enough," he conceded, his voice a low rumble. A surge of determination coursed through me. "I'm coming, Lottie," I vowed silently, the promise echoing in the chambers of my heart.

Lottie is, and always will be, my best friend. Our story began during our freshman year of high school. There was no grand introduction, no orchestrated meeting. I was just a somewhat intelligent, mostly geeky kid, and Lottie, with her beautiful hair, was, unfortunately, also on the geeky side. Our paths converged in the hallowed halls of the school library during lunch, where we both sought refuge in the vibrant pages of comic books and manga. Initially, silence reigned between us. Not a single word was exchanged. Then, my stomach betrayed me with a loud rumble, and Lottie, in an act of unexpected kindness, offered to share half of her sandwich. It was a simple gesture, but from that moment on, we were inseparable, bound together as best friends.

Now, my current reality was grim, a stark contrast to the comforting memories of my friendship with Lottie. I was trapped inside my favorite video game, a predicament made infinitely worse by the fact that I was doll-sized. Cyno, a character from the game, held me in his arms. I clung to his forearm, desperately trying not to fall as he walked toward a seated man. Cyno was surprisingly good at acting; his voice was completely different, a nuance I didn't recall from the game. He sat down with a man who was also dressed in the garb of an Eremite.

"Hmmm, what an adorable miniature you have there," the Eremite said, immediately reaching out to pat my head as if I were some kind of animal. I think I played my part well, maintaining my silence, though I'm sure my face conveyed my true thoughts.

"Are you looking for a companion for it?"

Cyno seemed taken aback by the question.

"A companion?" Cyno asked, his voice laced with surprise.

"Yes, it's a good thing they only have one at a time..." the Eremite continued, talking about me as if I were a dog. Was there some sort of puppy mill, but for humans? Cyno, perhaps sensing my discomfort, set me down as he continued his conversation with the man. I seized the opportunity, slipping away to embark on my own quest: to find Lottie.

I moved like a shadow, a tiny spy navigating a treacherous landscape of towering tables, looming chairs, and a sea of oblivious people. My heart hammered against my ribs with each furtive step, until finally, I reached the stage. There it was: the pen. Inside, they were kept, the earthlings. But it wasn't the enclosure itself that sent a shiver down my spine; it was their eyes. Vacant, empty, devoid of any spark.

"Lottie..." I whispered, my voice barely audible above a whisper. Lottie was there, her gaze fixed on some unseen point, her eyes mirroring the same unsettling emptiness as the others.

"Lottie," I repeated, my hand trembling as I reached through the bars, desperate to make a connection. My fingers closed around her arm. She didn't speak, didn't acknowledge me with a word or a glance. Instead, her gaze flickered towards something behind me: the large cube of sugar. Understanding dawned, cold and sharp. I snapped off a piece from the pen's bar, and she snatched it from my hand with a desperate eagerness that chilled me to the bone. In that moment, I felt like I was trapped in that haunting scene from Planet of the Apes, the one where Commander Taylor finds Dodge, only to discover he'd been lobotomized, his humanity stolen.

"Lottie, it's me...." The words caught in my throat. I couldn't even remember my real name, not anymore. But Lottie didn't respond, her vacant eyes offering no flicker of recognition, no hint of the person I once knew.

Traumatized, I stumbled back towards Cyno. Whether he noticed my distress or not, he didn't comment, but he did scoop me up into his arms. Enfolded there, I felt acutely aware of my own smallness, a fragile thing amidst something vast and terrible. I remained silent, clinging to him as we finally left that bizarre, suffocating place behind.

"Mao, are you okay?" Cyno asked, his voice cutting through the fog in my mind, once we'd put some distance between ourselves and the underground market.

"No, I'm not, no..." I exclaimed, the words tumbling out in a rush.

"This is crazy... what the hell did I just witness..." I muttered, more to myself than to him, the images still flashing behind my eyelids.

His voice, when he responded, was grave, a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through me. "Crime of the underworld..."

Exhaustion clung to my face as I stared at him, the weight of sleepless nights pressing down. Was he truly serious? Did the man ever think about anything beyond the relentless pursuit of justice? I watched him, a chilling certainty creeping into my mind: he was contemplating it. He was actually considering deploying what amounted to a Matra SWAT team to shut down this illicit underground market. The thought hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.

His voice, laced with a gentle curiosity, cut through my swirling thoughts. "Were you able to reach your friend?" he inquired, his embrace still a comforting anchor as I clung to his forearm.

"No..." The word escaped me, a whisper haunted by the memory of Lottie's vacant stare. "It's as if she's lost all sense of her humanity."

A flicker of understanding, tinged with concern, softened his usually stern features. He simply said, "I understand." Back in what I assumed were his personal quarters, he asked me to wait while he assembled a team to dismantle the market. Left alone in the quiet of his room, I found myself drawn to the window, my gaze lost in the distance. My mind, a whirlwind of anxieties, conjured images of my parents, my friends, and the uncertain path that lay before me. I couldn't help but recall a time when I yearned for the world of Genshin to be real, a fantastical escape. Now, it was more real than life itself, a stark and unsettling reality.

Sleep overtook me swiftly, the exact moment of surrender lost within the recesses of my thoughts. I didn't even register Cyno's arrival back. The persistent Sumeru sun, however, was far more insistent, its rays slicing through the window and pulling me back to wakefulness.

"Mao, you're awake..." Cyno's voice, a deep murmur, cut through the mental haze. A wave of mortification washed over me as I realized I was drooling – an embarrassing side effect of sleep I'd hoped to avoid. My only desire was to disappear from this humiliating situation.

"I'm awake..." I mumbled, surreptitiously wiping away the trace of my slumber. I must have looked awful. How long had it been since I'd been thrown into this larger-than-life version of Teyvat? Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I finally managed to focus on Cyno.

"What is it?" I asked, suppressing a yawn.

The morning routine complete, I was met with a breakfast spread fit for a king – a surprising contrast to Cyno's usual stoicism. With a full stomach and a sigh, we embarked on our journey once more. Cyno, true to form, remained a man of few words, and before I knew it, I was hoisted onto his shoulder, feeling rather like a disgruntled parrot.

"Hey!" I finally exclaimed, the novelty of this mode of transport wearing thin. "Where are we going, anyway? I told you I don't appreciate being manhandled–"

My complaints were cut short by another one of his infuriating head pats. I swatted his enormous finger away, earning a low chuckle from the General Mahamatra.

"To see Lord Kusanali," he stated, his voice unusually grave. "I've been telling her everything... and she expressed a desire to meet you."

The weight of his words crashed down on me. He looked so serious, so… official. I wanted to strangle him, to curse the sheer scale of this world and my place within it. Meeting any kind of ruler, a deity no less, was a monumental event, a terrifying prospect I hadn't signed up for.

The Sanctuary of Surasthana. Even back when this was just a game, I'd always loved exploring its hidden corners. Now, it was the stage for my meeting with Nahida, who sat perched upon Cyno's broad shoulder.

She reminded me of the Childlike Empress from "The NeverEnding Story," a figure of immense power cloaked in innocence. A strange mix of excitement and dread churned within me.

"Lord Kusanali, this is Mao..." Cyno's voice, usually so stern, held a hint of formality as he presented me. Of course, I recognized her. Nahida's features were unforgettable: fair skin that seemed to glow, delicately pointed ears, large, intelligent green eyes, and white hair tipped with the vibrant green of Dendro.

"Your Highness, or Queen..." I stammered, feeling like a complete idiot for not knowing the proper form of address. My tongue felt thick and clumsy.

"Hmm, how interesting, you're different?" she observed, her gaze intense. Before I could process her words, Cyno gently set me down on some sort of intricate console.

"May I take a look?" the childlike goddess asked, her voice soft but laced with an undeniable authority. Before I could answer, a wave of energy washed over me, and darkness claimed my consciousness.

When I finally awoke, a sound pierced through the fog in my mind. Crying. Nahida was weeping, her small frame shaking with each sob.

"It's my fault..." she repeated, over and over, her voice thick with anguish. Cyno, standing stiffly beside her, clearly wasn't equipped to handle such raw emotion. And I, well, I've always hated seeing children cry.

"Look, sweetie, it's not your fault..." I managed to say, my voice still thick with sleep and a lingering disorientation.

Nahida's youthful gaze met mine. "Yes it is" she replied, her voice carrying the weight of her ancient responsibility.

"After the Traveler and I faced the corruption together, I put safeguards in place, measures to shield Irminsul from future problems. My intention was to prevent external forces, beings not native to Teyvat, from tainting it with forbidden knowledge. Never did I imagine," she confessed, a hint of regret in her tone, "that those precautions would extend to you… to your people."

I had always suspected Irminsul was akin to a vast, intricate computer. The game's lore painted Nahida's consciousness as inextricably linked to it, the very source of Dendro's power. It wasn't a stretch to see her as a programmer, safeguarding the world's very code.

The realization struck me like a physical blow. "So, if I'm understanding this correctly…" I began, my voice barely a whisper, "the reason people from Earth, myself included, are acting…like animals is is because you're inadvertently using Irminsul to block the spread of forbidden knowledge?" The implications were terrifying.

Nahida's voice, though calm, carried the weight of a grim reality. "It rids them of the forbidden knowledge that's leaking," she explained, her gaze distant, "essentially reverting them to a primal state."

My heart clenched. The humans, these earthlings, like myself, had been hauled here against their will. And now? They were being rebooted, their minds wiped clean, their very essence stripped away.

A wave of fury washed over me, choking the air from my lungs. "Can you fix it?!" I screamed, the question ripped from my throat, far louder than I intended.

Nahida nodded, her expression confirming what felt like an eternity—three weeks, to be exact. Scholars from every corner of the Akademiya were lending their expertise, a flurry of activity that both reassured and frustrated me. Frankly, it astonished me that it had taken them this long to pinpoint the flaw in the earthing process. Then again, I mused, most of them had been blissfully unaware of Nahida's five-century-long confinement, a secret only Alhaitham had pierced through during the archon quest.

Lottie and James were safe, for now, a fragile comfort in the grand scheme of things. Cyno, ever the unwavering General Mahamatra, had finally apprehended Dori. Yet, even with these victories, a shadow lingered. The demand for "mini-Humans," or earthlings, persisted throughout Teyvat, a chilling reminder that this nightmare could easily repeat itself.

"Ready to go home, Mao?" Cyno's voice cut through my thoughts. I was perched on his shoulder, a tiny parrot seeking solace in his presence.

"Yes...more than anything..." I replied, the longing for Earth a physical ache. I yearned to leave this chapter behind, to erase the horrors I had witnessed. Nahida had explained that the return journey would involve a portal, a gateway that would gently erase our memories of Teyvat, if we even retained them. Lottie and Jamie, poor things, were still trapped in that vacant, unresponsive state.

I wished I could have shared a deeper connection with Cyno, a heartfelt goodbye that truly conveyed my gratitude. He was, without a doubt, a good person, someone I genuinely respected.

"Thanks for everything..." I managed, the words feeling inadequate. The idealized image I once held of him had faded, replaced by a more grounded appreciation.

"You're welcome, Mao," he replied, his large hand gently patting my head. I sighed, a wave of frustration washing over me. I desperately wanted to tell him my real name, to leave him with a piece of my true self, but the memory remained elusive, lost in the chaos of my experiences.

The moment to leave arrived, and I didn't dare glance back, hoping that oblivion would claim the memories. Two months had passed since Lottie, James, I, and a handful of others vanished from the anime convention. Then, as abruptly as it began, we reappeared outside the mall. They were… themselves again.

The news spread like wildfire, yet a collective amnesia seemed to grip everyone regarding our whereabouts during that time. Everyone except me. I remained silent. How could I possibly articulate the truth? How could I explain that we had been abducted, essentially sold as pets to giants in a world ripped straight from a popular video game? Perhaps the most crucial thing was that everyone had returned to their normal lives.

I write this now, a record of my account, my experience. Despite the sheer terror of it all, I refuse to let the memories fade. A voice calls out, my dad asking if I'd like to join them for a movie.

"Sure..." I replied.

I closed my laptop, the screen fading to black. I still play Genshin Impact, but most of my merchandise has been packed away, relegated to a box in the attic. However, a Cyno plushie remains on my desk, a constant reminder to appreciate the life I have now. It's not perfect, and there's no magic, but I don't need that anymore. I've had enough adventure to last a lifetime.

As I descended the stairs, I found only my parents on the couch, bathed in the soft glow of the television. It was then that I noticed it – the water pitcher on the coffee table. The water within vibrated, tiny ripples dancing across its surface.

The end?????

The character in this story is someone I came up with, an OC who's in their mid-twenties. They're a total fangirl at heart, can be a bit of a crybaby, and sometimes struggle with self-doubt. They actually have a name, but they can't quite remember it—there's a reason for that, which you'll discover later on when they get a new one.

I'm a huge Cyno fan and proudly main him in the game, so of course, he's going to be a part of this story! I absolutely love Sumeru, and I feel like there aren't enough fanfics set there, especially ones that focus on Cyno. I'm still deciding whether to make this a series, so please let me know what you think!

Okay, here's the little disclaimer and a heads-up: I don't own Hoyoverse, Genshin Impact, or anything related to them.

And a big thank you to @arn9tails letting me use their Genshin size difference AU as the basis for this fanfic. The idea that Teyvat isn't scaled to Earth but is actually much, much larger really fascinated me—it's a pretty scary thought, isn't it? I also really liked the idea that people from Earth aren't resistant to it, which is what sparked this whole thing.

Also, just a quick heads-up: this story touches on some serious and sensitive subjects. It's inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai themes, different isekai worlds, creation myths, and fanfiction in general.

Alright, let's dive into chapter 2 and see what adventures await our dear Oc!

Chapter 2 Mao:

The air inside Dori's counting house was dense, saturated with the aroma of mora. Surrounded by imposing stacks of chests, she meticulously calculated her earnings. Each rhythmic clink of gold coins served as a victorious anthem to her prosperity. Despite her small size, Dori commanded significant influence in the world of trade, her mind constantly devising plans for even greater wealth.

Her most recent endeavor involved the trade of "Mini Humans." These beings, barely a third the size of a typical Teyvatian maybe less, they had a unique susceptibility that Dori readily took advantage of. She quickly discovered that Teyvat's natural magic overwhelmed them. Upon entering this world, their minds became clouded, making them easily manipulated. Clearly originating from beyond Teyvat, their inability to resist made them... versatile. A particular chemical compound guaranteed the compliance of even the strongest among them. After all, they were undeniably attractive companions, and the temptation to profit from their unique qualities was too strong to resist.

As expected, Dori's business practices were not always entirely above board. Her involvement in the black market had drawn unwanted attention from the Matra. To minimize the risk, she implemented strict screening protocols, protecting herself, her staff, and her customers from potential consequences.

While owning "Mini Humans" was technically against the law in Sumeru, it posed a relatively small problem. However, transporting them presented a different issue. As long as the paperwork was in order, the transportation remained perfectly legal.

A knock on the door interrupted her concentration. "Ma'am..." It was one of her servants, his voice tinged with worry.

"The bulk of the merchandise has been successfully delivered to Liyue. However, one of the Mini Humans seems to have been lost somewhere in the desert..."

Dori sighed, a brief flash of irritation crossing her face. "What a shame," she muttered, more to herself than to her servant. "It wouldn't last long out there... Oh well, there's no point in worrying about it..." After all, they were expendable.

Elsewhere in Teyvat.............

I poked his ridiculous, giant iron-clad abs with my uninjured arm. "Hey!" I yelled, but he didn't even react.

Here I was, completely stuck. Trapped in my own private Cyno-pocket prison, nestled within the folds of his absurd jackal cloak. It was a situation I never could have conceived of, not even in my most outlandish fantasies.

"Let me out..." I kicked him, a feeble attempt to free myself, but he remained unresponsive. From what I could gather, he had been walking for miles, completely oblivious to my predicament. A knot of panic began to form in my stomach. It felt like only a short while ago I was at an anime convention with my two best friends, laughing and having a great time. Then, in an instant, we were transported to Teyvat, a fictional world brought to life, where everyone was a giant. I recalled the disorienting fall, being essentially abandoned, and then the unexpected rescue by Cyno, which had only led to this – being stuck, utterly and completely stuck, in his pocket.

"Let me out!!!!!!" I screamed, my voice echoing faintly within the confines of the cloak.

I thrashed, a desperate attempt to escape the confines of Cyno's pocket, freedom seeming so close. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought I'd made it, tumbling down the folds of his cloak. But then, his hand, quick and sure, caught me.

"Behave..." The word rumbled from him, a deep, resonant sound that sent a shiver down my spine. I swallowed hard, my gaze drawn to his face. The anger etched there was unmistakable, a silent warning. All I could manage was a quick, submissive nod.

The predicament was absurd, utterly unbelievable. Yet, there I was, inexplicably trapped. Hours crawled by, each one a testament to my bizarre reality: I was stuck inside the pocket of my fictional husbando. But this wasn't the Cyno of my imagination, the one I had jokingly vowed to marry should the opportunity ever arise. No, this was a nightmare version, and my carefully constructed dreams were now crumbling around me like ancient ruins.

Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I fought it back, clinging to the fragile thread of hope that this was all a dream. It had to be, right? I could hear Cyno's voice, muffled and distant, as he spoke to someone. The sound was strangely comforting, yet it did little to alleviate the growing dread that gnawed at my insides. My mind, however, was a million miles away, lost in a desperate search for an explanation, an escape, anything to break free from this surreal prison..

Without warning, the world tilted on its axis. One moment I was standing, the next I was being hoisted into the air by the back of my ridiculous Soul Society cosplay robe.

"Yes, this is exactly what I need you to look at," Cyno's voice boomed, a deep rumble that seemed to shake the very air around us.

"I think its arm is badly broken..."

A new voice, laced with curiosity, broke in. "A miniature human? I've never seen one before. Why didn't you bring it to the Akademiya?"

I recognized that voice. It was Tighnari.

Tighnari. Even hanging upside down, swaying like a pendulum, I couldn't help but appreciate his striking appearance. His pale skin, the chin-length dark green hair with black roots and light green streaks framing his face, and those light eyes that seemed to shift between shades of brown and green. And, of course, the large, pointed black ears and the fluffy tail with its two-toned dark green. Under different circumstances, I might have been completely mesmerized, but dangling between the Matra's fingers wasn't the best way to show my appreciation.

"Hey! A little warning next time would be nice..." I managed to croak out, my voice strained as I stared down at the table, which seemed miles away.

"This one speaks?" Tighnari commented, his tone more clinical observation than actual surprise, as if I were some newly discovered insect.

"Hey!" I snapped, the word sharper than I intended. I was tired, hungry, and now, thoroughly annoyed.

"Look at me! I'm not some creature. I'm a human being, and I demand to be treated like one..." My voice, though small, held a surprising amount of anger.

My remark, sharp as it was, did little to dissuade Cyno. He simply deposited me into the waiting hands of Tighnari.

"It's not mimicking? Hmmm," Tighnari muttered, his brow furrowed in thought as he examined me. "I was under the impression that mini-humans aren't intelligent enough to be self-aware or possess abstract or conscious thought." I found myself unceremoniously placed on a table, becoming the subject of their detached scientific discussion, as if I were some fascinating, albeit inanimate, specimen. A rather undignified position, to say the least.

"Hey!!!!" I screamed, my voice a tiny rebellion against their clinical observation.

Tighnari, his voice a soft melody of apology, gently set me down on the table. "Sorry, I didn't mean to offend..." he murmured, his words doing little to soothe the raw feeling of exposure that washed over me. I felt like an object, placed on display for all to see, and resentment began to simmer within. I clung desperately to the tattered remnants of my dignity as Cyno stood nearby, a silent sentinel with arms crossed, his gaze scrutinizing me with unnerving intensity.

"Look! What the hell is going on?!" I screamed, the sound echoing in the suddenly cavernous space. I was inexplicably transported into the vibrant world of my favorite game, a world now distorted by the fact that everyone, for some unfathomable reason, towered over me like giants. The dread was a cold hand squeezing my heart. I felt possibly sold, commodified, and now taken by my favorite characters, who seemed to be regarding me first as an animal, then as a person.

Tighnari, the playable Dendro character, was every bit as capable as his in-game persona suggested. He carried himself with the stern authority of the Chief Officer of the Forest Rangers, the same authority he used as Collei's mentor. Despite his sharp intellect, he always preferred the solitude of Avidya Forest to the stuffy academic circles of Sumeru Akademiya. Now, he exchanged a knowing glance with Cyno, a silent communication passing between them.

"Hello," Tighnari finally said, his tone softening, becoming almost gentle. "I'm Tighnari, Forest Watcher of Avidya Forest. My duty is to protect the rainforest's ecosystem and ensure the safety of its visitors and the animals that live here. I assure you, I meant no offense. You clearly have a story to tell. Perhaps you could start with your name? What is your name?"

I opened my mouth to answer, to offer some explanation for this bizarre predicament, but the words caught in my throat. A chilling realization washed over me, cold and paralyzing. I couldn't remember my name. The memories of my past were intact, vivid and clear, but the simple identifier, the word that defined me, had vanished into the ether.

"I can't remember..." I stammered, the words barely a whisper, panic clawing its way up my throat.

Tighnari's emerald gaze locked onto mine, his magnificent, verdant tail swaying gently behind him, its size holding me spellbound. "Hmm?" he inquired, finally breaking the heavy silence. "You've lost your name? That is indeed a precarious predicament."

He reached out a gloved hand, presumably to assess me for injuries. Yet, despite his benevolent intentions, the gesture triggered a surge of anxiety within me. I flinched, instinctively swatting his hand away in a fit of panic.

"Don't touch me..." I mumbled, my patience wearing thin. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Cyno, ever stoic, seemingly plotting something, though his intentions remained unclear. I scrambled backward, desperate to put distance between myself and Tighnari, only to stumble over a wet cloth. Before I could regain my balance, Cyno swiftly and unsettlingly restrained me, pressing the large cloth firmly over my nose. The world began to spin, the edges blurring as darkness consumed me. Their escalating argument was the last thing I registered before succumbing to unconsciousness.

"What the hell, Cyno?" Tighnari's voice, laced with sharp disapproval, cut through the haze.

"It was being difficult," Cyno retorted, his tone suggesting a genuine, albeit misguided, belief that he was being helpful.

"It's obvious this person is distressed. That's not how you approach the situation..." Tighnari sighed, his frustration palpable.

A wave of grogginess washed over me as I surfaced from sleep, the unpleasant sensation compounded by the realization that I was drooling. A familiar throbbing had taken root in my head. As my eyes fluttered open, I noticed something else amiss: my clothes. They had been changed. Looking down, I found myself adorned in a distinctly Sumerian style. It seemed I was still trapped in this bizarre, giant-sized version of Teyvat. A glance at my left arm revealed it was swathed in bandages and encased in a cast. Looking at nearby hand mirror which seem huge to me, I examined my reflection. "Great," I muttered, my voice laced with sarcasm, "I look like Sumeru Barbie."

From nearby, the murmur of voices drew my attention. Cyno and Tighnari were deep in conversation.

"You want to open an investigation? I agree; I've found the trade of these 'Mini Humans' to be quite strange. This one is either in its normal state or is abnormal..." Tighnari's voice echoed, each word a hammer blow to my fraying sanity.

"I'm not abnormal!" I exclaimed, the words bursting from my lips before I could stop them, feeling completely overwhelmed. The full weight of the situation crashed down upon me: just hours, or perhaps days, ago, I had been attending an anime convention, blissfully unaware that I was about to be kidnapped and brought to this giant version of Teyvat.

"You're abnormal!" I retorted, the accusation perhaps lacking force given the circumstances, but born of pure, unadulterated panic.

Tighnari wasn't angry, not exactly. He prided himself on his patience, but the crossed arms suggested it was dwindling as he assessed the scene before him. "I realize you're frightened and upset," he said, his tone conciliatory as he gestured calmly, hoping to ease the mounting tension.

"You're damn right I am!" I shot back, consumed by fury. I likely resembled an irate kitten, flushed and puffed up, one hand balled into a tight fist. All I wanted were answers, but my threats were proving useless, especially with Cyno standing nearby like a silent, gathering storm. He seized the back of my collar and lifted me as if I were a misbehaving feline. I didn't dare meet his gaze, paralyzed by the deep resonance of his voice.

"Finished?"

Fear washed over me, and my body went completely still, the fight completely gone.

Tighnari's ears twitched, a telltale sign of his annoyance. "Cyno, really..." He looked utterly weary. "You can't simply intimidate her into compliance."

Cyno appeared genuinely perplexed, cocking his head slightly. I honestly don't believe he understood how frightening he seemed. "Oh? Am I?" he questioned, his voice still a low rumble.

I stared at him, wondering if he was truly this unaware. Before I could answer, he released me, the unexpected drop sending me tumbling onto the table with a loud crash. I screamed, more startled than hurt.

"Oww..." I yelped, clutching my injury arm where it had struck the table.

"Sorry..." Cyno mumbled, his voice still lacking inflection, although I thought I glimpsed a hint of something in his eyes. Tighnari, however, looked as though he'd reached his limit, as if he were imagining a long escape to a distant land too.

A sharp pain flared through my arm as I gripped it, my eyes lifting to meet the towering figures before me. "I'm alright..." I managed to croak, the words sounding weak even to myself. Cyno and Tighnari, characters ripped straight from the screen of my favorite game, stood before me like immense statues.

Summoning what little bravery I could muster, I stood my ground and demanded, "I want some answers."

"Why are you both so huge? And why are you talking about me as if I can't understand you? I'm not stupid," I pressed, my voice wavering slightly despite my attempts to remain composed.

Tighnari hummed softly, his hands coming together thoughtfully as he frowned. Then, Cyno's serious voice broke the silence.

"We are not large; you are simply small. According to Tighnari's analysis, you don't seem to be under any magical influence, nor is there any sign that you have been altered in any way," he declared, his red eyes fixed on me.

Tighnari nodded, his pointed ears flicking. "That's right. Based on the data I've gathered, I can only deduce that this is your normal height," he confirmed, his gaze intense.

I wouldn't consider myself a genius, but I had always assumed that if Teyvat were real, it would be similar to Earth—the same size, a planet in space within the habitable zone. Clearly, I was dead wrong. I hadn't been shrunk or anything like that. I was still me; it was just that Teyvat was a much larger planet, a land of literal giants.

"Huhhh!" I gasped, the sound escaping my lips in stunned disbelief. The sheer magnitude of it all was overwhelming, my mind struggling to grasp the implications.

I squeezed my eyes shut, a knot tightening in my stomach. "Wait!" I blurted, my voice barely audible. "Are you saying this is your normal size?"

I pinched myself again, desperately hoping it was all a strange dream. The sharp sting, however, only confirmed the unbelievable truth: I was awake. Earth, and apparently Teyvat—the world from my favorite game weren't to scale. The realization hit me with alarming clarity: all the Genshin playable characters, the NPCs, even the creatures, were enormous. I was the size of a doll in their world.

A fresh wave of questions washed over me. "Wait," I stammered, my voice trembling slightly. "Earlier, you seemed surprised that I could talk. Why?" I was genuinely afraid to ask, but Cyno, his towering form looming above me, answered regardless.

"From my understanding," he said, his voice deep and resonant, "your kind is nonverbal. You're more akin to animals than people."

His words sent my mind reeling. The giant treasure hoarders at the anime convention, being herded into a pen, Dori's unnerving examination... A horrifying truth began to dawn on me. Humans from my reality were being abducted from Earth and brought here as... I didn't want to consider it, but the implication was clear. As pets. The thought sickened me, a wave of nausea rising within me.

The wave of nausea preceded the onslaught of memories, threatening to overwhelm me. It had been barely two weeks since my impulsive wish to bring Teyvat to life, driven by a longing to see Cyno and my other favorite characters in reality. But, as often happens with wishes, the outcome was distorted. I found myself reduced to the size of a doll, a mere plaything in a world of giants, with Cyno and Tighnari towering over me like ancient deities.

My voice, a faint squeak, trembled as I managed to ask, "How… how are people of… my size typically regarded here?"

Tighnari and Cyno exchanged a look, a silent exchange I couldn't interpret.

"They're treated no differently than a cat or dog… supposedly easier to manage. At least, that's what I've heard from merchants traveling from outside Sumeru," Tighnari finally replied, his gaze unwavering and unsettling. "I've also observed that you possess some, though minimal, resistance to the mana of this world."

My face flushed with embarrassment, and not of the romantic kind. He examined me. Had he done so while I was unconscious? The thought was invasive. I could only assume Tighnari was also responsible for the pristine green cast on my fractured left arm. It was even possible he had dressed me, like a child with a new toy. I teetered on the brink of a panic attack, not because I was infatuated with Tighnari, but because he had, however unintentionally, treated me like an animal. This was not the comforting game world I remembered, the one I had so carelessly wished into existence. The reality of Teyvat was far from idyllic. Mondstadt was understaffed, Liyue struggled with poverty, Inazuma was technologically backward, Sumeru dealt with racism, and Fontaine… Fontaine seemed to have a human trafficking problem, judging by Lyney and Lynette's stories. Natlan was built upon the bones of dragons, and Snezhnaya was becoming increasingly militaristic, if the Fatui were any indication. I was small, insignificant, and powerless. Even knowing Tighnari meant no harm, I felt utterly vulnerable.

"Woah…" He noticed my distress, his brow furrowing. "Relax… Are you alright?"

But I wasn't alright. I was hyperventilating, the fear and terror I had been desperately suppressing now crashing over me. All my guilt, all my regrets, came flooding back in that instant. I was drowning in a full-blown panic attack.

Tighnari never meant to cause distress, but the words seemed to lodge in his throat. He now understood that this "Mini Human" had been affected long before her encounter with Cyno at the ruins. He had inadvertently upset her.

"Just breathe," Tighnari said softly, extending his hands with caution. However, she flinched, her small face contorted with fear. Tighnari had always been perplexed by the "Mini Humans." They materialized out of nowhere, sold by merchants, their backgrounds shrouded in mystery. Sumeru had outlawed their ownership and trade within the Dendro nation, a law he strongly advocated.

Cyno, ever perceptive, sensed that something was wrong. He lacked leads in his current investigation, and this encounter seemed like a valuable opportunity. Clearly, a grave injustice was occurring.

Panic still gripped me as Cyno's hand closed around me, lifting me into the air. I stiffened, new sobs escaping my chest.

"You can cry," he said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion, "or you can take action..."

For some unknown reason, his blunt words jolted me into action. Enough was enough.

"Stop manhandling me! I don't like it," I cried, struggling to get out of his grip. To my surprise, he released me, placing me on the table.

"I know you don't mean any harm," I said, wiping away my tears. "This is terrifying. I was with my friends when a group of huge Treasure Hoarders showed up and literally threw us into sacks. Then, I was in some kind of enclosure, sprayed with who-knows-what. I fell out of a crate in the desert, was chased by scholars, patched up, and dressed up like a doll. I'm not okay," I finished, breathless, the words spilling out in a torrent.

"I apologize; I crossed a line," Tighnari said, his expression of sincere remorse causing me to feel a twinge of sympathy for him.

The words caught in my throat, but I forced them out. "I'm sorry," I managed to say, desperate to make it clear that Tighnari wasn't to blame.

His ears drooped slightly. "No, no, you have every right to be upset. I've only made things worse..."

Cyno, ever stoic, fixed me with an unwavering gaze. "Question: where do you come from?" I told him about my origins, a world called Earth, a city far removed from the verdant forests of Sumeru.

His brow furrowed, a rare display of contemplation. "Is that so? Why are you... how should I put this... sane? As I stated before, all the Mini Humans I've encountered are nothing like you."

"I don't know..." The truth felt like a hollow echo within me. I wasn't special. A flimsy theory flitted through my mind – a brief stint as a beta tester for some unreleased feature, or perhaps just countless hours spent in this digital world. But it was nothing concrete.

"Hmm, either way, this is something I can't overlook..." Cyno's words hung in the air, heavy with implication. I knew his fight against the criminal underworld was a never-ending battle, a hydra where each victory only spawned new challenges.

Little did I know, standing there in the dim light of the forest watcher hut, that I was about to be swept away on an adventure unlike any I could have imagined.

"For now," Cyno said, his gaze piercing and sending a shiver down my spine, "you're my only lead."

The reality of the situation struck me with such force that I was left reeling. "Huh?!" I exclaimed, glancing down at myself, feeling utterly ridiculous.

The thought lingered, a heavy burden weighing me down. "How am I your lead in this...?" The brief thrill of adventure had vanished, replaced by an overwhelming desire to wake up. I longed to escape this bizarre nightmare and return home. My parents needed me. Trapped between the imposing figures of Cyno and Tighnari, I felt utterly helpless, as if I was suffocating.

Cyno's voice broke through my panic. "You're the only small human capable of coherent speech, and the only one who knows their origin..." His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was a vital piece of evidence, a crucial element in his investigation. The stark realization washed over me: escape was impossible.

I wish I could say the case was simple: I went home, saved Lottie and Jamie, and that was that. But no, life rarely offers such straightforward resolutions. It was far from easy.

"Mmm, we can't keep calling you the mini-human. It's a pity you can't remember your name," Tighnari said, his tone a delicate balance of sweetness, kindness, and underlying sternness. If I wasn't currently the size of a doll and reeling from a recent trauma, I might have found myself swooning. Honestly, though, I couldn't bring myself to care what they called me. Deep down, I knew I wasn't going home. I had failed my parents, failed Lottie, and failed Jamie.

"Oh, I know..." Tighnari's voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. He held up a book, comically large in comparison to my diminutive form. "Pick a name..."

I couldn't muster any enthusiasm. The letters swam before my eyes, meaningless symbols on a foreign page. With apathetic resignation, I pointed to the first set of words my finger landed on.

"Mao... does that seem okay with you?" he asked, his gaze searching mine. I simply nodded, the weight of my failures heavy on my tiny shoulders.

"Yeah..." I whispered, the sound barely audible.

That day, whether I was ready for it or not, a new identity was thrust upon me, reshaping my very being. It was as if the threads of my past were severed, leaving behind only a blank canvas for a new life to be painted upon.

The name I had carried since birth, the one I had never truly embraced, seemed to fade into the mists of time, lost forever since I first arrived in this world. It was a shedding of skin, a metamorphosis into something unknown.

And now, I am Mao...

Prepare for your heartstrings to get yanked!

This is in my Au of Genshin Impact!

My lovely OC for this is Emiko. She is a courier for the famous express of Inazuma and is a nekomata that looks much like Kirara.

~•~❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️•~

Its a really busy season for Teyvat, since the war was finally over. Inazumas Komaniya Express was extra busy and enlisted a few extra couriers, Emiko was one of the few.

To say the job was not stressful is a lie, since she takes the further destinations that have more danger zones.

Emiko was eventually confronted about a few mistakes with her deliveries she made, even though she had sorted them out ages ago. Everyones stress levels were up and Emiko was no exception, however the only small light at the end of the day was she would get to see her boyfriend in Sumeru Cyno.

She was beyond exhausted by the time she arrived home, he was still out on duty so she decided to try and get some sleep.

The only issue was, her stress levels were still sky high that it was just too much for her. Covering herself with the blanket so that he wouldn't see her in this state, she had started silently crying.

After a few more hours, he comes home and the first thing he does is go to his room sensing something wasn't right. He finds Emiko under the covers and he hears her silent sobs, he instantly takes his accessories and his helmet off and slips into bed with her. He pulls her closer to his body, her face instantly buries into his chest sensing his warmth and calming aura.

Cyno made sure she was fully covered under the covers as he rubbed her back to comfort her.

Eventually she fell asleep completely, and shortly after Cyno fell asleep as well. Emiko was snuggled close to him like he was her lifeline, Cyno would not have it any other way though.

~•❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️•~

Sorry its short. Hope everyone enjoys it though.

@thelaundrybitch

@leosgirl82