#reverse sdrgau

So basically, @arn9tails came up with another banger, and I had to write about it. So please sit back and enjoy.

Warnings: OCness, cringe.

Zhongli

It all started with an earthquake.

It shook all of Liyue Harbour, hell, maybe even the whole nation! No one had no clue what was happening. Some thought it was Rex Lapis's anger from the grave, but Zhongli wasn't angry. He was just as confused as everyone else.

But then it happens. Another earthquake hits, but this one was bigger, and right in the center of Liyue Harbour, in a busy street filled with people... a large, glowing crack forms.

No one was prepared, so everyone in that area fell in... including Zhongli.

And before anyone could react, the crack closes, leaving chaos and panic behind them as demands for the Adepti to be called was heard being screamed...

...Meanwhile, on earth, MC was walking home after a short walk.

She was mostly trying to clear her head, still in disbelief of what had happened to her.

Not even a week ago, she suddenly found herself in possession of a new house (This and this) and large inheritance from a now deceased relative.

MC wasn't even that close to her. Just a distance aunt from somewhere on her mom's side of the family, but apparently, she made a good enough impression for the older woman to leave everything to her.

It was definitely an upgrade from her old apartment, but maybe a bit too big for just one person...

She sighs, picking up the pace as she sees it was starting to get dark... only to come to a stop when she hears a dog snarling down a nearby alley way and something else?

It almost sounded like... screaming?!

Rushing towards the noise, MC skids around the corner to look down the alley way to see a large dog snarling and snapping at something small- wait. Huh?! Were those people?! Small, doll size people?!

Small, doll size people dressed in very familiar clothing. Clothing you recognized being worn by NPCs from Liyue! And at the front was an even more familiar figure!

Armed with his polearm, a clearly weary but angry Zhongli looked ready to protect his people.

Then the dog lunges, and MC lunges as well.

"HEY!" Her yelling thankfully scares off the feral canine, leaving her and the tiny people alone in awkward silence.

Nervously, MC looks down and sees terrified looks being thrown up at her from the misplaced Liyuian citizens, and a tense, suspicious look from Zhongli who was still holding his polearm.

MC was trying to understand how this situation happened. How did these people get here in her world?!

She knew she couldn't leave them here. That one dog nearly got them, and even with Zhongli there, it was clear something was wrong... so with a shaky breath, MC kneels down to speak to them...

...And that's how MC acquired temporary housemates from another world.

The bonding process between MC and the misplaced Liyuians was a slow but trust eventually grows.

With MC's endless patience, and many other reasons, the misplaced citizens of Liyue grew to like her, TRUST her even.

She made beds for them, she feed them food, she kept them inside her large home where it was safe from both the elements and predatory creatures.

She even let the children play with her things. Children that were once afraid and crying were now playing with large, soft plush toys that make toys from Teyvat seem pathetic.

Like it wasn't uncommon to find the kids, or even the adults, sleeping on some of her Squishmallows, especially the bigger ones.

Zhongli, however, was a more difficult case.

He didn't trust MC, not at all, and he made this very apparent.

MC of course was somewhat hurt, as Zhongli was her favorite character in all of Genshin Impact, but she didn't hold it against him.

He had every right not to trust her. She was a stranger after all, and even more, he and some of his people were now stuck in a strange land they had no clue about.

But this distrustfulness does change after while... nothing says that one is more trustworthy when one nearly gets crushed under a heavy dresser to protect a small child without prompting.

In this case, MC nearly gets smushed while trying to stop an old dresser from falling over on a few Liyuian children does the trick.

Bruised, but otherwise fine, MC smiles, waving off any concern for her near-death experience, saying it was worth it since she saved a life.

This only makes everyone fuss over her more. Old Liyuian grannies were giving her smack for not worrying about herself more as she was now someone important to them.

And to her surprise, Zhongli joins in as well... and even apologizes for how rude he's been to her.

MC blinks a few times, confusion clearly on her face as Zhongli walked closer, placing a hand on her larger one, takes a deep breath, and thanks her for everything she's done so far.

He even says it was a blessing that she of all giants (what Zhongli refers to earth humans as) found them and saved them.

MC just blushes, smiling all bashfully, only endearing her more to her guests, especially Zhongli.

After that incident, MC's guests started helping out more, or at least as much as they could with their small forms.

Zhongli definitely took the job as MC's handler or caretaker, making sure she didn't lose herself while working, or reminding her that she needs eat as well when she's feeding them.

Besides that, MC had the pleasure of showing the more curious of the misplaced Teyvatians her movie collection when one child happened upon her movie shelf full of DVDs.

All her otherworldly house guests were in awe. It's like plays, but you can pause it, and it was flat-

Studio Ghibi was definite favorite among the crowd.

MC swears she saw one or two of the tiny scribbling down the plot of several of the movies that were shown. It made her wonder if when they return to Liyue, they'll copied the movies into a book.

But then it got really interesting when you brought out your game systems! Sypro the Dragon, Legend of Zelda, and Pokemon, MC had fun replaying old classics with the hyper fixated audience around her.

But then it hits MC one night after a long session of Okami.

Genshin Impact. She still hasn't told Zhongli or anyone about it yet.

On one hand, MC could keep quiet, as it would no doubt be an awkward conversation and there was a high chance she could lose whatever trust she got from Zhongli recently.

...But trust goes both ways. She didn't want to keep quiet about something so big. Like what if he accidentally finds out and demands why she hid it from him.

MC had to tell him. Tell him about Genshin Impact.

So, when everyone else was asleep, MC slips back into the living room, knowing Zhongli was still up, messing with his Adepti magic as a way to find a way back to Teyvat, and quietly asks to talk to him...

The two of them end up back in MC's room, with she curls up in a corner of her bed, nearly hiding in a pile of her Pokemon and Squishmallow plushies on the bed.

Zhongli sits before her, patiently waiting for her to speak.

And seeing how he was being so patient with her, she takes a deep breath and shakily tells him about a certain game called Genshin Impact...

...In the end, MC was sniffling, shakily apologizing for not saying anything earlier as everyone was so stressed out, but she knew it wasn't right for her not to say anything after he gave her his trust...

MC sniffles, whipping her tears away as she hugged one of her Pikachu plushies, mumbling, "I-I didn't know what to do. I was scared how you'd react. How in my world you, Liyue, and Teyvat were nothing more than part of a game…"

She buries her face into the plush, scared to see his expression. "It's feels so wrong. I k-know things I shouldn't know and I'm sorry, p-please don't be mad-"

"...Gemheart."

MC jerks at the unexpected pet name, timidly peeking over the plush in her arms to look at Zhongli in confusion. What did he just call her? Gemheart? And his tone... it wasn't angry? He... He didn't look mad either...

Yes, the Geo Archon didn't look mad, he seemed more concern with MC's near panic attack than about the earth-shattering news of him and his world being nothing more than a game in this odd world.

The tiny God hops up your mountain of plushies, getting close to MC's face where he uses his hands to carefully wipe away her tears, gently hushing her as he helps her calm down.

Eventually she calms down enough for Zhongli to speak. He was cool, calm, and collected as he asks her certain questions. Like what exactly did she know about him and Teyvat as a whole, did she have knowledge about the abyss, or even Celestia, and even about the Traveler...

In the end, both Zhongli and MC decided it was best not to say anything about Genshin Impact to any one of the misplaced Teyvatians.

It would bring too much stress and questions that Zhongli rather not be asked...

But besides that, MC was just relieved that Zhongli wasn't angry at her, or disgusted, really.

In fact, after settling down after asking his questions, Zhongli asked if she could show him her Genshin account. He was curious about it.

This leads to MC also explaining the Gacha system, which she awkwardly looks away with a blush when he asks her how much money she spent on it.

"...I-I may have whaled a little... b-but you- I mean your game self, refused to come home and I needed your weapon-"

Zhongli does scold MC for her spending money so callously, but also, seeing how strong his game self was, AND with his weapon at that, he couldn't help but feel internally pleased.

He could clearly see who MC's favorite was.

And just like that, the two of them became even closer.

Like now it wasn't uncommon for Zhongli to find himself in MC's room after a tiring night of trying to create a way back to Teyvat.

Letting Mc pick him up off the floor and plopping him down on one of her pillows. MC curls up beside him, laying her head on the pillow besides his, and the two of them easily falls asleep.

Sometimes MC even wakes up with little braids in her hair in the morning, Zhongli humming a soft, Liyuian tune as he completes another braid.

Or sometimes he even tells her tales of his time as Morax. Tales that Hoyo hadn't said anything about yet.

In the privacy of her room, once all the other otherworldly guests are asleep, MC would curl up in bed, holding a pillow to her chest as listens to Zhongli recount tale after tale, easily making her fall asleep to the sound of his voice.

It was nice. It was peaceful. It made MC feel a little less lonely... but all nice things come to an end eventually.

It finally happens. Zhongli manages to connect a way back to Teyvat. Seemingly getting into contact with the other Adepti and creating a portal back to Liyue.

The misplaced Liyuian were of course elated with the news. Crying and cheering with relief. They were going HOME!!!

And MC... she just smiles, hiding the fact that she was sad to them Zhongli go. But she couldn't be selfish. Even if it hurts that she was going to be alone again-

Sitting before the small portal in her living room, MC finally lets some tears fall when everyone starts to say goodbye to her.

The children all rushed to give her hugs, the grannies and mothers ask her not to overwork herself, and so on. MC felt so loved then...

Soon it was just Zhongli and MC left, everyone else having walked through the portal. The Geo Archon stood silent for a moment, before gesturing for her to come closer.

MC confused, listens. she leans further down to his level, and... he hugs her, wrapping his arms as much as he could around her neck.

And this triggers MC to just bawl like a baby then. She didn't want him to go! She didn't want to be alone! She got so used to him and the others in her too big of a house, but she knew she couldn't be selfish-

"Gemheart... I can never thank you enough for everything. For me, and my people... And despite how it all happened, I have no regrets in meeting you, my Gemheart. May that heart of Gold of yours always shine..."

MC sniffles as he pulls away, watching sadly as he walks through the portal. As soon as Zhongli steps through, it flickers, and then disappears completely, leaving MC all alone in her dark living room.

And in the dark, lonely room... MC broke down completely.

She was all alone...

A few weeks pass, and MC still was deep in her misery. Her home felt too big. Too quiet.

She missed having Zhongli's company alone with the other misplaced Liyuians.

It was even to a point where she hadn't touched Genshin Impact since the misplaced tiny people returned to their home dimension.

But just when MC thought things were starting to get better, that her sadness had faded away due to her being busy with daily things...

A massive earthquake shakes her city before stopping not a second a later.... and a news report flashes across her TV.

The report being about 7 large land masses suddenly spawning out of thin air.

And all MC could do was sit down on her couch as her legs gave away. Her eyes wide as she stared at the TV.

Could it be...?

Her thoughts drift back to Zhongli, back to late night conversations where he talked about how he and his people arrived in her world.

Something had happened to the lay lines.

So... What's to say it wouldn't get worse and transports all seven nations of Teyvat to MC's world?

In the coming days since this shocking event, MC was anxiously going about her life, trying not to think about how Teyvat had come to life.

Tried not to think about gold eyes and mysterious smiles... Tried not think about Zhongli.

At one point she did consider seeing if it was possible for her to travel to Liyue, but threw that away as she hears how the government was tightening down the borders.

Traveling of any kind out of the country was prohibited at the moment due to the seriousness of the events.

So, there goes that idea... and besides, what was she even thinking. Why would Zhongli even want to see her again, anyhow...

And just like that, she was back to being sad again...

But then, one late night a few days later, MC hears someone knocking at her door.

She paused the movie she was watching, glancing towards her front door with a confused expression.

Who on earth would be knocking at her door this late?

Carefully, she pads over, peeking through the peep hole, and nearly has a heart attack.

Someone was standing at her doorstep, dressed in a dark cloak. Was this some sort of cultist or someone worse?!

She goes to yell for them to leave or she'd call the police when she notices something.

Under the glow of her door light, she sees a bouquet of flowers in the person's hands.

It was a bouquet of Glaze Lilies. Flowers you could only get in Liyue, and-

MC rips open the door then. "Z-Zhongli?"

The hood falls back, and MC is staring into the face of a normal size and very real Zhongli.

He smiles, holding out the Glaze Lilies for her.

This work is inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai tropes, various isekai settings, creation myths, and fanfiction in general. Consider this my standard warning.

Many thanks to @quietplace26 for allowing me to write a story inspired by their work, and to @arn9tails for creating the Genshin size difference AU. This story is part of the Inverse AU, meaning the people of Teyvat are one-third the size of Earthlings.

Terminology for reader

(MC) Main Character

(LC) Little Character

This may be crackpot fanfic. Sumeru is forever on in my brain.

Doll Size part one:

Currently in Sumeru:

It began at Lambad's Tavern. Kaveh, Tighnari, and Cyno were engrossed in a card game, drinks in hand, while they waited for Alhaitham. Their conversation centered on a debate: who possessed greater strength, Cyno or Alhaitham? Cyno, naturally, argued in favor of himself.

"Alhaitham? A feeble scholar? That's a blatant lie," Kaveh declared, taking a sip of wine.

"Told you," Cyno nodded towards Tighnari.

"So, his supposed modesty is just a mask to conceal his true power?" Tighnari's ears twitched.

"Precisely," Cyno affirmed. He, of course, had firsthand experience, having battled Alhaitham in the desert with the Traveler as a witness.

"He prefers to keep his strength hidden," Cyno elaborated.

"Frankly, regardless of how strong he may or may not be…" Kaveh gestured emphatically, oblivious to Alhaitham's arrival and seating himself at the table. "You really don't want to cross him."

"I'd hoped you'd have learned to think before speaking by now," Alhaitham remarked with a smirk, signaling for a drink.

"We were only saying positive things, actually," Kaveh groaned.

"Oh really? And you didn't drag me out here to play cards?" Alhaitham sighed.

"Heh, we hadn't gotten that far yet," Tighnari admitted, adding, "We were just discussing your potential in a fight."

"You play your cards close to your chest, then?" Cyno inquired.

"Not at all," Alhaitham replied.

"So, you don't fight often?" Tighnari pressed.

"Yeah, right, with his temper?" Kaveh scoffed.

"I don't fight of-" Alhaitham's words were cut short. The ground trembled.

Strangely, only the four of them seemed to notice the tremor, or perhaps, only they felt it. And then, a loud, feminine voice echoed within their minds.

"Curse you, stupid computer! Don't fail me during my summons… Noooooooo!"

In an instant, it occurred; none of the four could react in time. They dematerialized, only to rematerialized in a pile atop an enormous desk.

"Hey!" Kaveh protested, ever the dramatist. "You're on my cloak."

The entity before them was colossal. Cyno, instinctively assuming a defensive posture, launched an immediate assault. Without hesitation, he summoned his staff, leaped into the air, and struck the giant squarely in the face. The impact was decisive. Blood erupted, and the giant collapsed, unconscious, to the floor.

Tighnari sighed, mentally cataloging the lacks of his current pack for what was clearly a developing situation. He glanced at the fallen giant, courtesy of Cyno's swift action, then turned his attention to a peculiar, illuminated screen. It displayed an image of Alhaitham.

"You might want to take a look at this," Tighnari stated, his tone suggesting an observation of considerable importance.

"Huh?!" Kaveh exclaimed, ever easily surprised. Alhaitham, on the screen, appeared visibly disturbed.

With our (Reader/(MC) Main Character) moments earlier:

Everyone simply knew her as MC. She was, in most respects, an average young adult, living in a modest two-bedroom apartment. But MC's life was far from typical; she wasn't living alone. She was raising her little sister, LC, a responsibility thrust upon her by tragedy. Their parents had passed away during MC's final year of high school, a devastating blow that forced her to drop out and find a job. She worked tirelessly, juggling her responsibilities while studying for her GED on the side. LC, on the other hand, was a vibrant child with a personality that filled their small apartment with life.

"Dinner ready, LC?" MC called out from the kitchenette, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filling the air.

"Is it chicken nuggets?!" the four-year-old's voice piped up, full of hopeful anticipation.

MC glanced at the pot on the stove. No, it wasn't chicken nuggets. Instead, a heaping bowl of spaghetti sat simmering, accompanied by golden-brown garlic bread.

"You said you wanted spaghetti with garlic bread," MC reminded her gently. She had spent the last hour carefully preparing the meal, trying to recreate the way their dad used to make it, hoping to bring a little bit of comfort and familiarity to their evening.

"I changed my mind! I want chicken nuggets..." LC declared, jumping up and down with unrestrained enthusiasm. How could MC deny such an adorable, albeit demanding, request?

"No, we're eating spaghetti. We don't even have chicken nuggets..." MC replied, trying her best to stand her ground.

"But I want chicken nuggets!!!" LC's voice escalated, a tiny storm brewing.

"Nooo," MC said firmly, but with a hint of playfulness. LC, clearly displeased, shot a glare at MC before retreating behind the sofa, a small, sulking figure.

"Come on, eat it. I will get chicken nuggets tomorrow..." MC promised, sweetening the deal. "And some ice cream, chocolate?"

"Promise?!" LC crawled out from behind the sofa, her eyes wide with renewed hope. "Okay!"

With dinner finished, MC found herself with a precious pocket of free time. Her sister, LC, was happily engrossed in her toys in the living area, their usual play space and the home of the family's aging computer.

"Can I play outside?" LC piped up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Their apartment boasted a small balcony, a space MC had lovingly transformed with potted plants, a safety net, and a collection of LC's favorite outdoor toys.

"Sure, sweetie," MC replied, already turning her attention to the computer. As LC skipped onto the balcony, MC logged into Genshin Impact. From her vantage point, she could easily keep an eye on her sister. A smile touched her lips as the familiar game loaded; the Alhaitham banner was finally rerunning. She had diligently saved enough Primogems and felt a thrill of anticipation as she initiated her wish. But, as fate would have it, the ancient computer chose that exact moment to flicker ominously. "Not now!" MC instinctively smacked the side of the machine.

"Curse you, stupid computer! Don't fail me during my summons… Noooooooo!" she cried out, her voice louder than intended, laced with a mix of frustration and desperation. Suddenly, a brilliant light erupted from the screen, blindingly bright. As her vision cleared, she saw four small figures, each no bigger than a Barbie doll, materialize before her very eyes. Before she could even process the impossible scene, a pint-sized Cyno launched himself forward and WHACK! He struck her squarely in the face. Her eyes rolled back, and she crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

Reality swam into focus, a dizzying mix of indistinct forms and muted noises. Panic surged as MC realized she was gagged and her limbs were tied. Through the window, a poignant scene played out: her younger sister, blissfully absorbed in her games on the balcony, completely oblivious to the peril within.

The faint sound of familiar voices drifted from somewhere close by.

"Since the giant brought us here, it stands to reason that they also possess the ability to return us," Cyno stated, his voice cutting through her fear with its usual logical precision.

A contemplative hum followed. "Hm," Alhaitham acknowledged.

"Furthermore, judging by what this interface appears to be, it sometimes resembles the Akasha Terminal, but for Teyvat... what implications might this have?" Tighnari inquired, his voice marked by scholarly curiosity.

Then Kaveh spoke, his tone bordering on dramatic despair. "I am an architect! My purpose is to build and design! To see this home assembled so haphazardly, without any planning, fills me with profound sorrow. Couldn't they have made an effort, even a small one? Such a magnificent space shouldn't be squandered." His words, an unintentional critique of her apartment's disorganized decor, struck her like a physical blow. She had furnished it on a tight budget, cobbling together items from flea markets and the streets. Yet, Kaveh's offhand contempt stung more sharply than any physical constraint.

MC's head tilted ever so slightly, her gaze settling upon an odd sight. There, on the computer desk, stood four familiar figures: Alhaitham, Kaveh, Tighnari, and Cyno. But these weren't the scholars and general she knew; they were doll-sized, miniature versions of themselves, all fixated on the Genshin Impact character screen.

Taking advantage of their distraction, MC began a slow, deliberate wiggle, her goal the distant kitchenette. Caution was paramount. She remembered all too well the last time, when one of them – she couldn't recall who – had managed to take her out, despite her considerable size advantage. She needed a plan, a strategy. Most importantly, she needed to keep her little sister, LC, safe from harm.

MC, desperate to escape, tried to wiggle towards the kitchenette, but a tiny weight landed on her head. A voice, sharp and commanding, echoed, "Where do you think you are going?" Blocking her path was a Barbie-sized version of Cyno, the General Mahamatra himself. She was still bound and gagged, a prisoner of these miniature Genshin characters. With a flick of his wrist, Cyno summoned his staff, transforming into his formidable Pathsworn Pathclearer form.

"Cyno," Tighnari sighed, jumping down with an air of utter exasperation. "I don't think she's going to hurt us..."

MC shook her head vehemently, trying to convey a silent "no."

"Then she should be able to answer some questions..." Alhaitham stated, joining the peculiar gathering. He emanated an aura that made him the most intimidating of them all.

The interrogation had been relentless. Barbie-sized Cyno and Alhaitham had pried every secret from her, forcing her to reveal everything about the game, about the world of Genshin Impact. Finally, she was free, but the weight of her confession hung heavy. The four miniature men from Sumeru were masters of composure, their faces betraying little. Except for Kaveh. He looked perpetually on the edge, a single push away from a complete mental collapse.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the door swung open, and her little sister, LC, bounded into the room. Panic flared. Acting on instinct, MC swiftly concealed the miniature Sumeru quartet behind her back, hoping against hope that LC wouldn't notice.

"Are those dolls?" LC's eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity.

"Nope," MC stammered, her voice wavering. "No dolls here, none..." She could feel the tiny Genshin characters kicking and squirming in her grip, their protests muffled against her back.

"They are!! I wanna play with them!!" LC jumped excitedly, reaching for the hidden figures.

"I said there are no dolls...run along..." MC made a desperate dash for her room, her mind racing. Her life had taken a bizarre, unexpected turn. Now, she was harboring four Genshin characters, shrunk to the size of Barbies, and desperately trying to hide them from her kid sister.

When he showed up at MC's door she pulled him inside her house, hugging the hell out of him, then the two cuddled on the couch while finishing the movie MC was watching.

It's during this soft moment Zhongli quietly asks if she wanted to come back to Liyue with him.

...MC says yes.

Fast forward a few weeks, and MC's neighbors begin to notice how she hasn't left her home in a while. Someone finally calls the police for a wellness check, but when they finally get inside MC's home... it was vacant. Most of the furniture was gone, making it seemed like no lived there in the first place...

Meanwhile in Liyue, MC was happily settled into her new shared home with Zhongli.

The man apparently had pre bought a whole new house before sneaking into MC's earthling country, already expecting for her to come back with him.

He even brought some special Adepti mechanism that Cloud Retainer made that apparently shrinks things down and place them in a pocket dimension. He brought so MC didn't have to leave anything behind, be it a small plush or her living room couch.

And honestly, he really liked the furniture in MC's house, especially her bed.

This work is inspired by SAGAU (Self-Aware Genshin Impact Alternative Universe), isekai tropes, various isekai settings, creation myths, and fanfiction in general. Consider this my standard warning.

Many thanks to @quietplace26 for allowing me to write a story inspired by their work, and to @arn9tails for creating the Genshin size difference AU. This story is part of the Inverse AU, meaning the people of Teyvat are one-third the size of Earthlings.

Terminology for reader

(MC) Main Character

(LC) Little Character

This might just be some crackpot fanfics, but Sumeru is always on my mind. I'm currently working on Kaveh and Cyno parts. I'm unsure whether I want this to develop into a full series or if I should just write a few short pieces.

Doll Size part Two:

(Reader/(MC) Main Character):

The challenge was undeniable: four Barbie-sized Genshin Impact characters now resided in the main character's (MC) humble two-bedroom apartment. It wasn't a deliberate choice, not at all. The truth was, her little sister, LC, bore the responsibility for this peculiar situation. Every time LC laid eyes on the miniature heroes, her innocent desire bubbled to the surface.

"I wanna play with your dolls, MC..." she'd plead, her voice filled with childlike wonder. LC, was too young to grasp the reality that these weren't mere dolls. They were, in fact, people—tiny people, yes, but people nonetheless—from another world entirely.

MC would always offer the same gentle correction. "I don't have any dolls..." she'd say, hoping one day the message would sink in.

Tighnari:

Tighnari was overwhelmed by a deep longing for Sumeru. While some might dismiss Teyvat as merely a figment of imagination in this world, he held an unshakable belief in its reality. His existence and purpose were intricately linked to that land, the world. This expansive new world felt vastly alien compared to his lush, familiar greenery home, was largely confined to the MC's quarters. Yet, the MC herself was proving to be a fascinating individual, showing politeness and a genuine desire to ensure their comfort, which he found commendable.

At the same time, Alhaitham was absorbed in an enormous book that was comically to large for him, while Kaveh and Cyno animatedly debated the MC's taste in interior design. Seizing the opportunity, Tighnari, now the size of a doll, quietly slipped out of the room. He spotted the MC in the kitchen while LC played on the small balcony—an area clearly designed for a child. The safety net, flourishing plants, and LC's cherished toys outside showcased the MC's thoughtful planning. Despite its charm, the space felt somewhat cramped to him. Granted the Forest Watcher was raised in the forest with wide open spaces and no borders. Climbing onto the kitchen counter to announce his presence, he observed the MC preparing a pre-packaged meal for LC—store-bought chicken nuggets.

"Perhaps a cooking lesson is needed," he thought to himself rather than voicing it to the MC. When Tighnari's sudden appearance startled the MC, he stood next to a nearby Stanley Cup, an unexpected figure in her home. An instinct surged within her, urging her to prevent Tighnari from becoming yet another plaything for LC.

"Excuse me?" MC stammered, momentarily taken aback by his presence. Tighnari's sharp gaze settled on the kitchen counter. Her mind was a bit frazzled by his comment about cooking lessons.

"I see you're preparing a meal. And I notice that you've opted for... pre-processed chicken." His seemingly disapproving look lingered on the bag of frozen nuggets.

"LC likes them; she’s a child. It’s common food for kids..." MC trailed off, feeling the weight of Tighnari's scrutiny. His eyes, shifting from brown to green, seemed to evaluate her choices.

"True, but do you believe such food is genuinely beneficial for LC's growth? Even though it’s labeled as ‘chicken,’ it resembles certain… compounds used in the Akademiya labs..." His Valuka Shuna heritage showed in his subtle vulpine features as he spoke. Though his tone was gentle, it carried the commanding presence of an experienced professor. Taking a moment, he recalibrated himself.

"I apologize; I momentarily lapsed into teaching mode. I find myself addressing you as if you were a novice Forest Ranger. Please forgive my rudeness." MC merely nodded, feeling unexpectedly self-conscious. The frozen nuggets now seemed like a reflection on her parenting skills. A palpable tension filled the air.

"I didn’t mean to offend..." Tiny Tighnari waved a dismissive hand from his perch on the counter, realizing he may have crossed a line in their unusual relationship. He suggested, "I could show you how to prepare a more nutritious meal for LC..."

Feeling both embarrassed and insulted, MC muttered, "Sure," looking away. Tighnari, either oblivious or indifferent to her feelings, appeared pleased with himself. Before she could react, he leaped onto her shoulders, eager to inspect the refrigerator's contents.

"Open the fridge," he instructed softly, "let’s see what we have..." Moments later, he sighed in disappointment. The fridge was filled with pre-made meals and takeout containers, devoid of fresh produce.

"It looks like I have my work cut out for me..." he concluded, indicating a challenging task ahead.

"It’s not that bad..." MC weakly defended her choices. Immovable, Tighnari declared, "There’s no fresh produce here. Tomorrow, we’re going to the market together."

"Wait, what!" MC exclaimed, taken aback.

"To a farmers' market? They can be quite expensive..."

Tighnari sighed, laden with botanical wisdom. "I’ll assist you," implying that their excursion would be lengthy and complex. On their next shopping trip, hiding Tighnari proved challenging as he was too large to fit in a pocket. Refusing to be stowed away in MC’s purse, she resorted to wearing an oversized hoodie, with the miniature forest ranger perched on her shoulder. As they walked, LC innocently questioned their choice of visiting the older market instead of the bunny-themed supermarket.

“Why aren’t we going to the bunny store? I like the bunny store,” she asked. Teasingly, MC replied, “Don’t you want fresh, healthy food?” hinting at the hidden forest ranger on her shoulder. Unbothered, LC continued playing with her doll, next asking about MC’s attire.

“Why are you wearing a hoodie? You’ll melt and smell, and then the zombies will come and eat you,” she joked. MC sighed at her sister’s vivid imagination.

“Zombies aren’t real, sweetie” she groaned. Tighnari chimed in, “That’s quite the scenario,” adding to the lightheartedness.

Amidst laughter and apprehension, MC found shopping with Tighnari—despite his small size—somewhat demanding. As she picked out vegetables, he sniffed and commented, “No, not that one... it smells like chemicals.”

“Hey…” MC felt Tighnari tugging on her ear.

“Ow,” she groaned as he pointed to the fruits and vegetables he preferred. Upon returning home, LC noticed something amiss and couldn't tell.

“What did you buy so much for?” LC asked, eyeing the bags filled with fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits.

“So we can eat healthier…” MC replied, not disclosing it was Tighnari's idea for better eating habits. Or the fact that a tiny fox-eared man bossed her around in doing so.

Cooking alongside Tighnari was a surprising escapade for MC. He had earned his reputation as the stern leader of the forest watchers for good reason. Despite his tiny frame, Tighnari stood proudly atop the countertop, locking eyes with MC.

“Remember to slice them thin, MC…” he commanded, punctuating his words with elaborate hand gestures as MC set about preparing their dish. The meal centered around mushrooms, and the masterful little guide directed her on how to sauté the delicate fungus.

“Not too high with the flames…” Tighnari cautioned, arms crossed, a smirk of satisfaction playing at the corners of his mouth as he observed the process unfold.

As the meal reached its finishing point, MC carefully served the steaming dishes. In her cozy room, the tiny Teyvatians peered out, their eyes lighting up with delight at the sight of the food.

However, little LC scrutinized her plate with a fierce frown, having notably noticed the absence of her favorite chicken nuggets.

“What is this?” she protested, jabbing at the unfamiliar fare with her fork as if trying to identify an alien life form.

“It looks so weird,” she grumbled, jabbing a fork into one of the mushrooms and lifting it to her nose for a closer sniff. Meanwhile, undaunted by her sister's doubts, MC drove her fork into her own plate and took a generous bite.

“It’s delicious!” she exclaimed, pleasantly astonished; the flavor exceeded even her expectations. LC remained unconvinced, however, and reluctantly loaded a piece of the cooked mushroom into her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a quiet, soft murmur.

“I guess it’s better than chicken nuggets...”

Alhaitham:

Tighnari's enthusiasm for maintaining a healthy lifestyle had seamlessly integrated into the daily routines of the Sumeru group. This change was not drastic but rather an appreciated improvement that everyone accepted. The little Sumerians were not particularly fond of MC's cooking; however, they certainly enjoyed it more now that Tighnari was assisting in the kitchen.

Conversely, Alhaitham found himself growing increasingly irritated by MC's choice of reading material. The bookshelves were stocked with a variety of comics, overly sentimental romances, suggestive risqué stories, and a myriad of self-help books that failed to challenge his mind. While he appreciated the enhanced quality of their meals, the repetitiveness of her book collection and the ongoing distractions from the television were exasperating, leaving him yearning for more thought-provoking content.

Being restricted to a single part of the house felt stifling for him, an overwhelming wave of sensations that left Alhaitham on edge. At the same time, MC was resolutely searching for a way to bring them back to their original world, putting forth all her energy to achieve this. He watched as she furiously typed, hit, and smacked at the 'computer,' a gadget that appeared to confuse her. The scene was almost humorous; she struck the keys with a force that verged on hostility.

“Honestly, at this pace, you’re going to end up breaking it,” he quipped with dry humor.

Startled by his remark, MC nearly bumped into the screen if he was animated characters suddenly sprang to life, resulting in an unintentional jump scare. Fortunately for her, her younger sister, LC, was safe in her room, engrossed in her own game and completely oblivious to MC's predicament.

“If you can’t figure out how to fix it, I suggest you just leave it alone. You might only complicate things further. Clearly, you’re out of your depth…” he added, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth as he assessed her.

“Tomorrow, you're taking me to the library,” commanded the tiny Alhaitham, tilting his head while regarding her with wide, sincere eyes.

“But we have so many books right here…” MC quickly retorted, directing her gesture toward her collection, in the room.

“Your collection, yes, but a story about a vampire falling in love with a mermaid doesn’t really grab my attention... I want to go bright and early,” Alhaitham insisted, his small stature overshadowed by his undeniable charm.

“Whoa, I can’t just drop everything to take you whenever…” MC objected, trying to keep her tone civil. She had already promised LC a trip to the petting zoo for some sisterly bonding time.

“Of course you can,” he replied, his captivating green eyes fixed on hers.

“You halt my life and put everything on pause. I deserve that same level of consideration.” MC stood frozen, a mix of fear, guilt, and disbelief washing over her.

“I’m not angry; I’m sure you can understand that I don’t want to be confined to a room all day...” He made it clear there was no room for debate. “Library tomorrow...” Alhaitham said as he crossed his arms. MC nodded almost mechanically. He wasn’t angry, but the situation was becoming exhausting.

The next day, LC was upset about the changed plans. The child sulked, her doll held tightly in her arms as she looked up at MC.

"I thought we were going to the petting zoo..." MC couldn't tell LC about the tiny man tucked away in her tote bag, the reason behind the shift in their plans. Instead, she raised her voice slightly, trying to sound cheerful.

"Libraries are amazing and so cool!!" MC exclaimed, giggling and clapping her hands.

"But only old people and vampires go to the library..." LC complained, kicking her legs in the dirt next to the sidewalk pavement. "And they don’t have a zebra there..."

"I get it.... Just do this for me... please..." MC knelt down in front of little LC. "Okay...." LC gently patted MC's face.

MC nearly forgot about Alhaitham nestled inside her tote bag. Their first mission for the day was to secure a new library card. The town library, with its creaky shelves and flickering lights, felt like a relic from another time. Few folks wandered its dusty aisles anymore, overshadowed by the allure of smartphones and the myriad of apps that offered instant information at a tap. MC's patience began to wane as she engaged in conversation with the elderly woman behind the desk.

"Just a few moments, dearie? Oh, what were we doing again? Ah, yes—getting you a new library card..." MC managed a polite nod, but she could sense her little sister, LC, growing restless. The child tugged insistently at MC's hand.

"Why don’t you go play over there? It’s going to take a while," MC suggested. With a resigned sigh, MC turned her attention back to the desk, not realize that Alhaitham had slipped away.

Alhaitham glided through the vast space with ease, deftly weaving between the towering figures that populated this world. Around him, the few souls scattered throughout the library were fixated on the glowing screens of their devices, oblivious to his presence. He steered his course toward a collection of ancient books nestled in the shadows at the back, their covers worn and frayed with age.

Meanwhile, LC, stricken by boredom, noticed him—a diminutive figure evanescent further down the aisle. Her eyes sparkled with wonder as she took in the sight, momentarily believing she had stumbled upon a fairy.

MC, well aware of her sister's childish imagination, knew, after all, that the child was far too young to fully understand the truth. Unknown to LC, Alhaitham and the three other beings from another world had been transported to this place, each standing only a third of the height of an average human. To the curious child, Alhaitham seemed a fantastic creature, a whimsical spirit come to life amidst the dusty pages. Which is why MC didn't utter a word to her little sister.

MC let out a weary sigh as they glanced at the clock; thirty minutes had already slipped by in obtaining a new library card. With a frustrated mutter and a glare, she couldn't help but curse the Librarian under her breath. Both LC and tiny Alhaitham had vanished, disappeared leaving MC feeling even more exasperated.

Alhaitham had little regard for children; they were simply a part of the background in his life, neither bothering him nor drawing his attention. As he walked, he noticed LC trailing behind him, attempting to conceal herself behind a bookshelf. To her, he must have appeared like a diminutive magical being.

Observing her from the corner of his eye, he recalled what it must be like for the aranara when children spotted them, filled with wonder and curiosity. With a sigh, he resumed his stride, unfazed by the world around him.

After a moment of curiosity, LC finally blurted out, “Are you a fairy?” Alhaitham remained silent, his gaze fixed on a comically oversized book that seemed to dwarf him.

“Where are your wings? Do you eat milk and honey? Do you have magic? Do you have more friends? Can you read? Why are you looking at books without pictures?” The barrage of questions from the giant child flowed incessantly, but Alhaitham didn’t respond right away. After a brief pause, he finally answered, unfazed and in a calm manner.

“No, No wings, no, no, yes, yes, because they are interesting…” Each reply came in order, as if he were simply stating facts rather than engaging in a conversation.

“Do you need some help, Mr. Fairy?” LC inquired, pointing to the book perched high on the top shelf that had captured his attention. He seemed lost in thought for a moment before responding.

“Yes.” With that, he directed the towering child to gather books for him. After some time, LC noticed that he had become consumed in a hefty tome that was long and devoid of illustrations.

“Why are you reading that, Mr Fairy? It has no pictures!” LC exclaimed, her face a mix of horror and bewilderment. Tiny Alhaitham stifled a laugh and replied.

“Just because a book lacks beautiful illustrations doesn’t mean it’s boring or uninteresting. Kaveh might share your sentiment.” Perhaps out of his sense of curiosity or a desire to be kind, he began to share a captivating story from one of the many books that surrounded them. Meanwhile, MC dashed through the library, searching frantically for LC and Alhaitham. As LC’s overprotective older sister, she felt responsible for both of them and cursed Alhaitham’s name under her breath. The few patrons in the library cast her odd looks, wondering if she had lost her mind.

After a while, MC finally stumbled upon them. To her surprise, LC had fallen asleep, clutching a book in her tiny hands, while Alhaitham was preoccupied in his reading.

“You!!” MC growled, directing her frustration at the seemingly unaffected Alhaitham, who barely glanced her way. “Shh,” he replied, his voice calm. “You’re in a library, remember? And yes, I’m here; did you really think I’d spend the day tucked away in your tote bag?” Conflicted, MC shifted her gaze to LC, still peacefully asleep.

“What’s she doing here?” she inquired.

“You ought to give your sister a bit more credit. She may be young, but she understands far more than you realize,” he retorted, his tone slightly teasing. Then he abruptly launched into his demands.

“I need you to check out all these books.” “What?! More than forty books?” MC gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief. In the end, she had no choice but to purchase an old wagon from the library, part of their outdated books-on-wheels program.

When LC finally stirred, she noticed the “fairy” had vanished. The two sisters made their way home, with Alhaitham cleverly hidden in MC’s tote bag. That night, as darkness enveloped the world outside, LC piped up, “Can you read me a story?”

“Sure!” MC replied, reaching for a colorful princess book. But LC shook her head vigorously, a bright smile on her face. “No, the book with no pictures. The one Mr. Fairy was reading…”

“Wait, what?” MC wondered, rummaging through the wagon until her hands landed on the library book—a worn hardcover filled with the folklore of Ireland.

“Is this the one?” she asked, holding it up. LC nodded eagerly. It didn’t take long for LC’s eyelids to flutter and finally close as her dreams swept her away. As MC watched her sister drift off, she couldn’t help but ponder whether this strange turn of events was a blessing or a curse.