[EARLY ACCESS] SHRINK IMPACT | GENSHIN IMPACT - Chapter 9

The midday sun cast dappled light through the canopy of trees as Mona strode toward the agreed meeting point on the outskirts of Mondstadt. 

Her mind was occupied with a peculiar request she had received from Fischl, which had been delivered in the form of an overly flowery letter promising ‘great revelations and celestial significance’. Whatever that meant.

But whatever it did mean, maybe it could be helpful for solving the shrinking issue. She’d take anything she could get at this point, as her own attempts hadn’t worked so far.
Though if she was really being honest, and you too…it wasn’t so bad that you were this way. 

While Mona wasn’t entirely thrilled about the detour, and was still shaken by running into Lisa, her curiosity—and her respect for Fischl’s eccentric genius—had drawn her in. She had to know what this was actually about. 

The grove where they planned to meet was serene, the rustling of leaves blending with the distant hum of activity from the city. Beneath Mona’s hat, you stayed hidden and quiet.

You knew Fischl, everyone knew Fischl, but you hadn’t shown up in front of her like this yet. 

“Ah, at last, the great astrologer, Stella Fortuna, graces the halls of the Immernachtreich with her presence!” Fischl’s voice rang out, her tone rich with theatrical gravitas. She stood poised, one hand on her hip and the other raised toward the sky. “The stars themselves must surely have aligned to permit this divine audience!”

Oz, her loyal raven, perched nearby on a low branch. He ruffled his feathers and added smoothly, “Fischl means to say, ‘Thanks for coming, Mona.’”

Mona sighed softly, pinching the bridge of her nose as she tried to compose herself. “Yes, yes, I’m here. What is it you needed?”

“Patience, my esteemed ally,” Fischl intoned, her visible green eye gleaming with excitement. “All shall be revealed anon. But first, I must inquire…” Her gaze narrowed suddenly, sharp with intrigue. “Do you have with you what I asked for?”

Mona nodded, and produced a Starconch, Luminiferous Aether and some Astrolabe Fragments from her satchel.
“All you said was ‘bring me a vessel of the stars’ glow’ so…I just picked up anything sparkly or shiny I had laying around my lab.”

Oz cocked his head suddenly, his golden eyes glinting. “Hmm…there is an odd fluttering beneath the brim of her hat. Mein Fräulein, it would appear our esteemed guest has brought a companion. A bug or a bird, perhaps?”
Fischl gasped, stepping forward with a dramatic flourish. “Bug? Bird? A companion, you say? Speak, Mona! Reveal this secret unto thy loyal retinue!”

“There’s no companion,” Mona insisted, her voice firm but laced with unease. “It’s not what you think.”

Before Fischl could respond, a soft, hesitant voice interrupted the exchange. Someone else had approached their meeting spot.
“Um… e-excuse me,” came Sucrose, clutching a small bundle of herbs as she approached timidly. “I didn’t mean to intrude…”

Fischl turned sharply toward Sucrose, her demeanor instantly shifting to one of regal benevolence. “Ah, Sucrose, alchemist of Mondstadt! Thou art most welcome in the hallowed halls of this gathering. Pray, join us in unveiling this grand mystery!”

Sucrose’s cheeks flushed as she fidgeted with her bundle of herbs. “I-I really just came to deliver these to you, Fischl,” she said, glancing nervously at Mona and Fischl. “I didn’t mean to interrupt anything important…”

Mona groaned softly, her shoulders slumping. “This is getting out of hand.”

Fischl leaned closer, her green eye sparkling with curiosity as she tilted her head toward Mona’s hat. “Come now, Stargazer. If thou harborest some celestial secret, let it be known. The Prinzessin der Verurteilung shall guard it with the utmost fidelity!”

Oz, ever the diplomat, added, “What she means is, ‘You can trust us.’”

The mounting pressure became too much. Mona’s hand lingered protectively near her hat, but you could feel her resolve wavering. Finally, you took a deep breath and whispered to her, “It’s okay. I’ll explain.”

Mona’s eyes widened, and she hesitated for a moment before nodding subtly. Carefully, you pushed the brim up and slipped out from beneath it through the tight gap, causing everyone to gasp and stare in shock. They hadn’t been expecting a tiny person, that was for sure.

You began your descent, climbing down the curve of her shoulder until you reached the neckline of her outfit. The fabric of her dress provided some stability, and you settled cautiously on the gentle curve of her cleavage.

Fischl’s gasp was audible. “Behold!” she exclaimed, pointing dramatically. “What diminutive being is this? A sprite? A celestial envoy?”
Oz flapped closer and you flinched back as his sharp gaze fixed on you. “Well, this is… unusual.”

Sucrose’s eyes widened behind her glasses, her hands clutching her herbs tightly. “Oh my goodness,” she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. “That’s…incredible. But also, um…a little alarming. Isn’t that…?”

Mona’s face burned a deep red as she adjusted her posture to keep you steady, her arms folding slightly across her chest. “This,” she began, her tone a mixture of exasperation and embarrassment, “is the Traveler. There was…an accident during one of my experiments, and they’ve been this size ever since.”

Fischl knelt slightly, bringing her face closer to you. Her expression, though dramatic, was filled with genuine curiosity and concern. “Verily, thou art most fortunate to have been taken under Mona’s care. But tell me, O traveler of realms—how came thou to be thus diminished?”

You hesitated, glancing up at Mona, who offered a small nod. “It’s exactly as she said,” you replied. “It was an accident. Mona’s been taking care of me ever since.”

Fischl placed a hand to her chest, her expression solemn. “Then thou art safe within the domain of the Immernachtreich. Fear not, for I shall pledge my royal protection!”

Sucrose, still flustered but intrigued, stepped closer. “I…I might be able to help too,” she offered shyly. “At least with, um, stabilizing your condition.”

Mona let out a soft sigh, her violet eyes meeting yours briefly as a small, grateful smile crossed her lips. Despite the overwhelming attention, she seemed relieved to have the truth in the open—even if it came with a fair share of theatrics. 

“My…” Fischl leaned in closer again. If anyone had passed by none the wiser they’d have assumed she was leering at Mona’s tits. Her one eye was wide with awe as she gazed at you, “How remarkable really, I’ve never seen such a thing…”

Beside her, although more hesitant, Sucrose also leaned in, peering at you from behind her glasses, your tiny form reflected in them. She blushed softly, blinking as she looked at you.
“C…cute.”

Flushing a little yourself, you gazed around at the giants and Oz.
This was your life now, huh?