FirstWinterLight: I tried to be exceedingly careful with and have him never experience her doing anything that involved a Vision (now watch as it turned out I completely missed a scene). But I've always been interested in this sort of jealousy, because Visions do provide so many benefits~ Regarding Madam Ping, that is really the last thing I'm hazy on how best to include, but I'll definitely try my best.
Spanner: Here's where the 'path' of Genshin Impact has certainly benefitted me. In the Mondstadt and Liyue days, a lot more 'normal' people were getting Visions. But now the characters are typically leaders or hold positions of power or are strong in story, etc. The second half of your comment is what I really aim for when writing the MC, and it's for that reason I left out the more-normal Charlotte from his justification.
UgoWriting: No need to be so violent, I intend to see this through.
Chryseum: How so? I genuinely don't intend for him to be dumb, just very selfish and determined to get what he wants.
sh1rog4n3: Here you go then!
Yeah, holy crap, I am sorry for the delay, the second half of summer has been insane both in terms of work and personal stuff. We're settling down now, so enjoy this chapter- I'd better get working on the next one before anything else goes nuts.
Separately, I've completed an HSR fic and am working on a ZZZ one-shot too.
"You good up there?"
"Y-Yeah, just a few m-more steps…!"
…..
"A-Almost…!"
"Do you need a push?"
"Xiangling…do…not push my butt…!"
"W-why would you say it like that?!"
…
"….M-MADE…..IT!"
"Woo-hoo~! Can you help me up now?"
"…O-oh…! S-sorry!"
I extend my hand- and surprise! Here's Xiangling! Feels like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, though the hat is all of fucking Liyue down below. It's also just a little on the stupid side because we both know that she doesn't need any assistance, as her lack of panting so plainly shows. Gasping out my thanks to her as some bottled water is produced, I take a long heart sip of the stuff while gazing out at the mountain range.
The final stretch to seeing Shenhe- climbing Mt. Aocang thanks to a series of ladders and stopping points- somehow complete, definitely the hardest part. Not to mention the most novel, I had to take the lead. Though that was honestly a great thing, as I very much did not want to look up right at Xiangling's slim ass- and luckily, even she wasn't dense enough to be unaware of that potential dilemma either.
"Ready?" Xiangling asks to an eager nod Of course I'm excited to really meet Shenhe in a non-life threatening situation, thank you! Getting to know her and hopefully getting her alone are the main objectives here- but honestly, I'll take any positive developments~ …Although with that said, the girl right next to me is the biggest wildcard to these plans; is she going to insist on buzzing around like a fly or will she give me an opportunity…?
Come to think of it, wonder what she even wants from Shenhe, doubt it's just a 'thank you for recusing this guy, see ya later~' Well, I do know that we'll (hopefully) be staying overnight, so if all else fails, that is when I can make my move. Until that, best to just stay calm and cool, no matter how hot Shenhe is~
Wait, did I just make a-
"Here we are~"
One final vault over some rocks reveals what I can only describe as nature at its finest.
And…. Wow.
Despite us being who-knows-how high up this mountain and yet it being not the peak, the scenery in from of me just takes me breath away. Should have known based on a waterfall seen earlier, but I was not expecting to see a large body of water this isolated. It's like a giant pool, and the still-morning rays of the sun eagerly reflect off such beauty, resulting in a glorious, yet brief dance of shimmering lights on the watery surface. And not just that, but also-
"This place is amazing! So pretty, right?! It's tough to believe we're so high up- ow!"
"Dolt!" My arm returns to my side, a couple of outstretched fingers as perpetrators. "Come on, let me soak it in and admire this first...! I'm sure you've seen it already, but from an outsider's point of view? Just be quiet for a bit, k?
After rubbing her forehead, Xiangling replies favorably. "O-oh….ok…."
That's more like it. Back on track, every step I take around the pool is done with even more grace and caution than when I approached the hillchurls yesterday- though the light thuds against the ground my feet make still sound horribly out of place…not my fault though, everything's just so quiet and serene, almost like time itself has frozen and will stay this way forever, and I want to respect that! If I didn't know any better, I'd say Xiangling just fucked up and took me to the wrong mountain where there is no life and no Shenhe to be found. Then again she is an idiot.
But after staring long enough, yeah, we aren't the only two beings here. Splashes and the occasional ripple of the pool indicate fish, rustles of nearby branches hidden in trees hint at bugs and birds, and if I look for the right angle…! There! Directly in the center of the pool- is a weirdly shaped platform with one of those thick, curly Liyue-unique trees providing great shade (and an assuredly great place to nap!) But Importantly, in the center of such a platform is a stone table and wooden stools. Someone lives here, or at least, comes here regularly enough.
And who could that be? Well I'm hoping it's someone with white hair, pale skin, a body suit, and a chest I still can't believe is real!- but we don't know yet. However I am pretty sure they are connected to the clearly seen cave on the pool's other side, with a stone staircase leading directly up to it. I suppose when you're on a mountain, there's no real need for privacy….
I take a look back at Xiangling, who's still a bit red in the face, before nodding to grant permission.
"Guess Cloud Retainer isn't here…"
"Cloud Retainer?" That's a rather unique name.
"Yeah, she's Shenhe's Master actually~ And my Master's friend! Believe me, if she was here, we wouldn't be able to take two steps without her thinking we intruded on her territory!"
"How can you claim a mountain as yours?"
"I don't know~!"
With this information that Shenhe even has a Master, and one that knows Xiangling at that makes me wonder, again, just how well connected this dim chef is… and she has no idea how impressive that it is either. Also I won't lie; her saying 'Master' is extremely funny, considering the obvious.
"Is this Cloud Retainer another friend?
"….Umm, sorta…"
"Is she…amicable at least?"
"Hmm….errr….maybe those words aren't the right description for her…. ahh, heheh…"
"So she's difficult?"
"With respect to Shenhe…. A bit…? Oh, but she really likes my cooking though!"
Well duh. But still, this is interesting if even Xiangling isn't exactly gushing about her. Gives me a strong feeling that perhaps I should never want to meet this woman…
"Anyhoo, let's say hi to Shenhe~" Now I can drift back to second as Xiangling paces ahead, walking around to the staircase-
"Halt."
Only to respectfully pause at the sudden voice, somehow coming out loud and clear from the cavern, as if old Aocang itself is the one talking.
"You stand on my Master's domain. State your business now-"
"Hey Shenhe~"
By now, I'm not at all shocked that Xiangling interjected.
"Xiangling. Good morning to you. One moment."
Nor am I surprised that she can just get away with that. I swear this girl must have been born under a lucky star or something, stuff just works out for her.
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Here she comes!
…Oh man, stay calm, stay calm, stay-
"Hello."
"Hehe, mornin' Shenhe~"
Oh no….
Shitshitshit…
C'mon! Keep it in the pants…!
"Oh, another person. Xiangling, is he your friend?"
"Y-Yeah! His name is-"
…It's not going back down, is it…? No…fuck…! I guess I'll just have to deal with this pain…!
"AHEM!"
"Wha-" I catch myself staring right into the eyes of a concerned Xiangling, tinge of worry spread across…boy, thank god her eyes are up here- how the fuck would she react to my weapon of mass destruction.
"C'mon, Introduce yourself…!"
Gulping (and praying my pants don't get a hole run right through them), I snap alert and look towards Shenhe as confidently as I can.
And, oh my Archons. It wasn't just a hallucination of a broken man after all~ Shenhe is….well, freaking too beautiful to not look at. Or stare at. Or worship. She's amazing, gorgeous, an absolute bombshell, fine as fuck, a treat for the eyes, sustenance for the dying man, simply too sexy for this world, a holy figure from the land above, and literal perfection. You name the phrase, she fits. The ground beneath her feet is jealous, the elevated air is blessed beyond words, and Liyue itself has just shot up my future 'Regional Ranking' list… Hiding their true Archon like this…! They just wanted to give the other regions a chance to compete. The way her thin lips move provide a nasty surge of energy right to my waist, and her deep voice fill my imagination with thoughts of that same tone yelling once I get her alone-
"Xiangling. Your friend appears to be damaged. He's just staring at the mountain."
Plush thighs!
Wide womanly hips!
Breasts as big as my fully erect-
Oi Xiangling!? You're intruding my personal space, if you would just-
*CLAP*
Wah!
"Stop spacing out!"
Stunned as she moves away, I have no choice but to clear my throat. Damn I did it again didn't I. "I-I'm sorry, I was distracted. It's nice to meet you again Shenhe."
"Again? Do I know you?" Okay either she's fucking with us - or there's actually two Shenhes, identical twins and each hot as hell oh my god please let that be true.
"Don't you remember?" Xiangling says. "You recused him from a gang of hillichurls."
"…Oh. So I did."
Aw there's only one after all, too bad- imagine sitting on the lap of one while the other dives between my legs and begins sucking on my-
I need to stop doing this now.
"So we felt like we should find and really thank you personally~ Isn't that right?" Yeah yeah, I get the implication Xiangling, no need to tug my arm. There are so many things I wish I could say- including how much I desperately want to break Shenhe over that table and blow past the sound barrier to the utter shrieks of my name- but I'll refrain.
"T-Thank you… very much for stopping the hillichurls. You literally saved my life, and I'm forever grateful. If there's anything I can do for you in return, please don't hesitate to ask." Now what could I offer a woman as strong, beautiful, and Archon-blessed as Shenhe, I don't know. But sincerity is the name of this game, and I mean every word I said.
"Your thanks are unnecessary, the disruptions caused by them was reason enough to act." A moment passes as she appears to do some more thinking. "Nonetheless, the appreciation is welcome."
Naturally I smile at this, silently praying to be blessed with at least a small curl of her oh-so lovely thin lips in reaction- but before the gods can even begin dissecting my words, Xiangling opens her piehole again.
"Excellent~! Now that we've thanked you verbally, it's only right to give something in appreciation!"
Wait, what? "Xiangling! I have nothing…!"
"Relax, I know just what to do!"
"Xiangling." Shenhe speaks slow. "There is no need for this-"
"Heartstring Noodles right?"
"…Yes. Thank you very much." That opposition died quickly huh?
In what I can only describe as a whirlwind, Xiangling sprints off to the side, produces a cooking pot out of the ether, hangs it up, and lights the area underneath using Pyro magic. It isn't long before a steady stream of smoke begins rising like a flare. Against my better judgement, I find myself staring intently at her face while she's doing all this- annoyingly addicting, that's what I would call it. Her huge smile and bright shining eyes are impossible to look at without wanting to return the expression… or I would be, but a certain pit in my gut returns to cackle a 'no', louder and louder the longer I merely watch like an agape dumbass.
On the good news front though, while Xiangling is busy, this is a perfect time to get my plans in motion! And the first step- some good old fashioned flirting! And my opening line… "Hey baby, you come here often?" Brilliant! I can begin to put the moves on this angel and get the key information!
I face Shenhe again- ahem!
"Oh darn it!"
That…wasn't me.
"Shenhe!" Xiangling bounces back into view, fire abruptly put out. "With the three of us, I won't have enough meat to go around- can I hunt out around the area? Will Cloud Retainer get mad?"
Wow, actually asking permission are we? Now my smile is huge, though I refrain from commenting. Meanwhile Shenhe takes a moment to ponder over the request. "It's alright- I'll inform Master about this when she returns."
Excellent- Xiangling speaks for us both there. How incredible- it's too good to be true~ This will leave me alone with Shenhe and by the time she returns, I'll be well on my to having a third person treat me as I deserve-!
"As for you~ Here ya go!"
…Wait, why am I suddenly holding a fucking polearm?
"While I'm gathering our lunch, I want you to get used to wielding that."
"What?!" Shrieking my surprise to another face-to-face confrontation. "Xiangling, what are you doing? I've never used a weapon before!"
"Then you can learn thanks to….tah-dah! Shenhe!"
My jaw drops. "Ms. Shenhe, you wield a polearm?" I kind of thought she just tore the hillichurls apart with her bare hands…
"Just Shenhe please. And yes I do- but this plan was unknown to me as well." She turns back to Xiangling. "You know I am no teacher, unlike Master."
"I know- but if he learns the basics from Cloud Retainer's teachings and also from Master-" Xiangling pauses to quickly meet me. "ah, Madam Ping is my Master-" Turns back. "Then I think that'd be really cool~"
"It sounds like quite the headache." H-hey…!
"C'mon Shenhe, pleeease?" Xiangling clasps her hands together, head bent. "I really don't want to worry again…!"
Whether it's the begging, the potential for bribery with Xiangling withholding food, or the fact that these two are friends, I'm not sure- but Shenhe doesn't reject the idea of training me outright. Honestly a miracle in of itself, we invade her (Master's) place, spring a job on her, and offer just one meal in compensation. If anyone did that to me, I'd-
Wait, didn't I get my job at Wanmin with Xiangling using that same playbook?
….Also….wait a fucking minute…!
"I understand. I will help him."
"Thank you!" It looks like the resident chef is about to hug Shenhe- and god, I would be so jealous of her if she did- but instead she just hops back. "Alright, while you two are busy, I'll be back soon!"
Yeah, I don't think so. "Hold it! Don't I get a say in this?" Neither girl could've expected that, though I'm only privy to Xiangling twisting her head at me.
"Huh? What's up?"
"'What's up' is your idea Xiangling. I'm not doing training with this, are you kidding me?" The practice polearm rolls out of my hands, thudding against the grass underneath.
"Do you want a different weapon? I don't-"
"Stop."
The welcome sound of silence finally gets to run through the area again. I don't know what Shenhe must be thinking about what I'm doing, but I'm sure she must appreciate Xiangling shutting up- you're welcome, love~
"What do you-"
"I think you forgot- in fact, I know you forgot." Word by word, I close the gap between me and her. "I am my own person Xiangling, not a freaking clone…!"
"Uh, of course you are?"
"Then why does it feel like you're trying to make me just like you? We've met your friends, your father, you've gotten me a job - conveniently right where you work- and now you're trying to teach me how to wield a polearm, your weapon of choice, by using your master's other student?"
"You are confused." A mature voice echoes behind me. "I did not learn from Xiangling's master, but rather my Master."
"Semantics, Ms. Shenhe. The point is-" Emphatically, I jab my finger at Xiangling's chest, taking her back a bit. "This can't keep happening. I have plenty of other things to worry about, and they do not include learning how to gather food or fight monsters…!"
It should really said at this point that my "frustration" here is totally forced. As mentioned before, all of the activities that Xiangling has roped me into has provided me with an important benefit, like fucking Mora and exercise. But I need to make her think I'm done with them, I need to get Shenhe alone! There may not be another chance!
Wait, doesn't that mean I should be going along with this training idea….? No, no, it does feel really good to tell her off like this, my stomach agrees with me. Honestly, maybe I am a little frustrated with Xiangling after all. We're in the presence of something legendary- a stunning woman that I had no idea about prior, just exploding my list of desirables - and she would have me waste the day learning crap like 'oh where to grab a polearm' and getting meaningless praise like 'oh you're doing SO good and I'm totally not making that up to placate you!. Absolutely not- I will get the time needed today. And if that means I have to be a bit nasty (and lie), so be it.
"So while I appreciate the concern, if you think I want to waste my time weapon training, you're very misguided Xiangling."
"And if hillichurls attack you again?" Huh, a rare shoot back.
"I-I'd think of something…!"
She rolls her eyes. "That again? Look, as your friend, I just want to-"
"Stop saying that. You're rubbing off on me. We are not that close."
….Ha-ha! Yes, that got her! A clear crack on Xiangling's face, followed a minute quiver of her lips. She's clearly taken aback by the blunt assessment, her mouth opens again but our locale remains blissfully voiceless. Or at least, it does for approximately five more seconds. "W-we're not…?"
"Yup~ How could we be- we've known each other for only a month~! Acquaintances, at best!"
"But you never objected before…!"
"Yeah, because I thought you'd get the hesitation and stop doing it. Ever since you told me your friend count - what was it, seventeen? - I always felt like you're calling anybody a friend if they're at least cordial to you. Didn't expect to be so right~"
She's silent at that, mouth ajar. Maybe that was a bit too strong...?
"Look Xiangling. I don't dislike you or anything- not at all, us hanging out is important. But if you really want me to just follow in all your footsteps-" And gesture to the fallen weapon, good. "I'd say we'd have work to do. Now make yourself useful, do what you love, and find us some meat~ M'kay?" I pat her shoulder twice, just to doubly make sure she gets it…also maybe to preemptively prepare for a sudden punch to the face.
Luckily though, a blow doesn't come! Instead after letting go of her surprisingly-cold shoulder, Xiangling stares at me for a bit, unflinching. Maybe a bit weird, but easy enough to return with a quizzical glance of my own- eventually making the 'shoo shoo' gesture with a hand. It takes far too long, but she ends up muttering something, flashes a fake smile at me- whoops, not me, at Shenhe - and simply turns around, trudging herself to find another path down.
…
Excellent!
Amazing!
Superb!
Thank you Xiangling! My pants pocket is singing now, and it's all because of you! Now we can finally do what I wanted!
"Oh Ms. Shenhe~?"
"I told you, just Shenhe." As I turn back, this new maiden has her lips pressed together in slight disapproval. "More importantly, what did you say to Xiangling? She left with a hardened expression on her face."
"Eh." I shrug. "Just told her the truth, me and her aren't friends."
"You are not? But you said the opposite last time."
"I-I did?" Oh shit.
"Yes I remember it quite vividly. Plus your intrusion would make much more sense."
"What do you mean?"
"Master has mentioned to me that pairs often prove to be companions when they make great sacrifices of time or effort for the other person. I was under the impression that a journey from Liyue to Mt. Aocang would qualify for this classification. Was I mistaken?"
…Alright what the fuck. Has this woman been deceiving me this whole time, is her true nature not 'aloof and sexy' but rather the incredibly annoying 'I know what you're REALLY feeling, even if you can't admit it to yourself' type? Cause if so, and I'm warning you Shenhe, it's gonna lower your charm by a TON- that mindset is for absolute bitches only- no you don't 'know me' and you never fucking will and we're both better off for it-
But then I catch a glimpse of my audience's reaction and the rant halts. Shenhe's lack of a knowing grin- or any kind of lip movement- and similarly calm eye tells me there is no trick here. She's wavering on her idea that me and Xiangling might be pals.
And that feels…
"….Your Master isn't wrong, per se…"
"What do you mean? Are you saying the two of you are friends after all?"
"N-no…I don't think-"
"Are you lovers?"
"WHA- N-NO!" Where the fuck did she get that idea from?! "Absolutely not!"
"Hmm. You are very strange." Shenhe closes her eyes as she speaks. "Flustered despite only requiring a simple rejection… I believe this is what Master described as 'embarrassment'. As for the cure to this..."
….Screw this, I'm getting distracted! I should just start hypnotizing her!
"Ah yes. 'Make them comfortable with relevant questions…'" And her gaze returns, softer now. "I have something to ask of you."
"Uh-huh. What is it." I deadpan a response, hand already slinking down my pocket.
"When Xiangling said she did not wish to worry anymore, what was she referring to?"
And freeze- I certainly do, annoyance at this nonsense aside. "Oh that? Well probably when hillichurls attacked me before you stopped them. Although I guess she could be referring to just yesterday too. Huh, we kind of have recurring problems with them…"
"Yesterday you say? What happened then?"
….Sigh- a beautiful woman wants to know more about me, I have to indulge… And so, I end up quickly telling Shenhe all about what happened before we got to the mountain. Me attracting some hillichurls to test something out (details not given), getting chased, and Xiangling murdering the pair of them. At some point during my tale, Shenhe goes deep into concentration, and when I ask her what she's thinking about when I'm done-
"I now believe I know how my Master would feel about you"
Huh? "O…kay…? How?"
"Master would utterly despise your behavior, with absolute conviction."
…..O-oh…!
"Well, t-that's… not great…."
"It is possible I am wrong however." Shenhe, with how often you talk about this person, I very much have my doubts. Also that's really not what I'm interested in!
"So, um, why do you say that…? Have I done something to your Master?" That's a new one I'll admit.
"Not personally, but Master would label you as…yes, a 'pathetic disgrace of a man'-
…What?!
"-a coward-"
Cowardly?!
"-and 'useless'."
What….the fuck.
"Along with some other, more colorful, descriptions …Actually, would she use 'disgrace' here…? Or-?"
"STOP! STOP!" I shriek, hands up to my ears. "What in the world! Who is this Master and why do they hate me?!"
"Master does not hate you, she does not know you." Shenhe calmly replies. "She would simply find your actions unacceptable."
"Why? And what actions?!"
"You went into hillichurl territory for a vague purpose despite prior history, fled the scene while in danger, only to not involve yourself while an ally defused the conflict."
"Conflict? It was two hillichurls!"
"Master would assume you're ok with it then, pointing out that no matter how small, Xiangling was put in danger due to your ideas."
"…I'm not a Vision-wielder Shenhe."
"And this is why Master would label you a coward. She would find that to be an excuse."
"It's not an excuse if-!" I want to yell 'if it's the fucking truth!', but can't for some reason… "Not everyone is strong like you."
"…Strong like me…" Shenhe whispers, as if tasting my words. "…wron…"
"Hm?"
"No, it is nothing. As I said, this is just how I believe Master would feel about you. I have no thoughts on the matter myself. However- if you would like to surpass Master's expectations, there is something you could do." I can follow her eyes - and her sexy back - enough, and can see she's referring to the forgotten practice polearm, still lying on the ground harmlessly.
Why though? Why should I fry to impress someone I've never met, who I have nn desire to meet, and from Xiangling and Shenhe both, sounds incredibly judgmental at best and an absolute b-i-t-c-h at worst? I'd sooner hypnotize someone like that to be my doormat than want to earn their approval!
I take a step forward.
No, that is not what bothered me. I couldn't care less about this Master.
I lean forward, fingers grazing against stone- and wrapping around something else cool and smooth.
BUT…they would be right about one thing.
…I put someone in danger…. And I just fucking stood by and did nothing.
What if it didn't go so well…?
My stomach unties itself. I look up, and see a certain maiden. If her face is any indication, I think she approves of what's coming next.
Xiangling can barely keep her mouth from watering- or salivating as she would call it. This trip has really become a string of good fortune, and it's not stopping just because she talked to Shenhe again~ The fresh pile of meat and fowl she has hidden away is strong proof of that- at this point, she's convinced; there's no way any food could get away from her! And with her prize comes the inevitable meal….mmm….! She's sliced, boiled, and devoured a thousand Heartstring Noodles before with a thousand more to go, and it never loses its' thrill!
Getting off the peak of Aocang was easy. Getting her future meal was easy. And getting back would be pretty difficult, but this is Xiangling we're talking about~ Without having to worry about anybody else, the chef is free to press against the mountain's side and start climbing.
Right… with no one else… she's alllll alone.
…No, no, no, she decides with a quick shake of her head, nearly whacking against rock! She refuses to think like that; her top priority has to be sharing her harvest with her friends! Shenhe is sure to love it~ And as for him…. Maybe she can cheer him up with this meal, he has looked pretty out of it since they left….
Renewed hope helping to spring up Aocang is halted abruptly as she approaches the top though, strange noises echoing throughout. Grunts of exertion, gasps of breaths, and really very ugly sounds on the whole. Still, it doesn't sound like anybody is in trouble, and she knows that Shenhe is super strong anyway…. Nonetheless she hurries with several quick leaps, all to see something she could've never expected. After all, he told her he wasn't going to do it…
Yet here she stands, witnessing her spare polearm get swung in the air over and over again. Shenhe stands off nearby, watching but not saying anything. A weird training session, but an earnest practice at least. Now, Hu Tao would likely bolt over and begin tormenting the poor boy with snark, and Xingqiu's no slouch either. Even Chongyun can whip out a few zingers. But Xiangling? Her capacity for 'I told you so's are light, and her stomach is even lighter…
"Hey! When you two are done, the noodles will be ready, I promise!"
"Oh…! Um, t-thank you…X-Xiangling… I'm starving already-"
"No. Your form is awful. Another hundred swings."
"Aaargh….are you fucking kidding me…?"
Welp, Xiangling will let them be for now- she's got a meal to cook!
…Also wait, did he just swear?
The day passes, and not a moment too soon… seriously I am so freaking done with this! My body hurts like hell, my arms feel like lead, my legs feel like jelly, my back wants to never move again, Shenhe turned out to be such a dictator, and I swear if I even have to look at another polearm somebody's gonna die. And of course, my pride was damaged both by who was here and who was not. Sooo yeah. …This day has turned into a nightmare in world record time frankly.
The only good things are that Xiangling's Heartstring Noodles were, as expected, delicious. And that it's now nighttime! Glory to the moonlit sky, as it brightens my path forward as clear as day! Although it wasn't immediate- needed to wait for a certain cheery chef to fall asleep on the pool's other side.. no way was I sleeping anywhere near her after Shenhe's 'relationship' comment earlier. And speaking of that freaking insane woman, she's to the south of me, sitting on the edge of the mountain. Honestly she looks completely asleep as well with what little I can see of her- in the exact same position no matter how often I look, but I wouldn't be surprised if she's the type who would instantly snap awake the minute they sense someone approaching.
This would be the time the come up with a plan, a story for how to present my pocket watch, followed by an excuse for why I'm suddenly swinging it in front of her. But no.
Two reasons: I strongly suspect it won't matter- no way she knows or cares about magicians, Fontaine, relaxation, made-up abilities, etc.
And…. After today, after the command and correction hell… I've decided. I'm gonna fuck the shit out of Shenhe. And if I happen to see her Master…I'll fuck her utterly senseless too. With such a primitive voice screaming, I'm done being patient. Sadly that craving won't be obliged today, but I know just what to command instead…!
And with that conviction, I arise from the sleeping mat, stagger a few steps-
"What do you want?"
Knew it.
"I couldn't sleep Shenhe. Today has been… quite intense."
"Impressive. For someone of your skill, I expected the training to be the exact reason you would be resting."
Yeah that's the power of thinking with your cock love~ I'm not sleeping until those lips do what they're made for!
"Well, I'm impressed you can even rest sitting like that. By the way, did your Master ever tell you it's quite rude to have a conversation without eye contact and so far away?"
"Ah, my apologies." Easy~ Eyes, you can thank me later…honestly, no man could resist those thigh windows~
*Rustle*
"What is that?"
"Oh don't worry about it- just a pocketwatch, given from my father. A good luck charm, nothing more."
"Your father, I see…" Disgust flashes on her face for a moment, and her visible eye darts back to me after.
Why? Don't fucking care.
"Yup, he was a real piece of work. But unlike your Master, he didn't teach me the way of a weapon. Kind of wish he did though."
"…Does your father love you?"
"Of course." If I was in a better mood, I would've thought more. "Does your Master?"
"I hope so."
"Speaking of actually-" And…now, start my swings~ "What kind of person is your Master? I think I would like to meet her now."
"Hmm. A moment please… Master is a truly great being. I have never met another human, beast, or adepti like her, and I doubt I ever will. When I was lost and alone, Master showed me the way forward. I am forever grateful to her, both for offering her physical home as well as a 'place' to call my own, I believe that is the right phrase for it."
"Uh-huh. Nice. Is your Master into any hobbies?" C'mon, look at the watch!
"Hobbies? Well, Master has always had an appreciation for machinations of various types. Why do you ask? …Also, what are you doing?"
YES! Got you~! I have to answer fast though, lest she get too suspicious. "Just swinging my watch for luck. But the reason I ask is because Fontaine, where I'm from, actually has amazing machines- ever heard of a mek?"
"A mek? No…"
"Well, you see, hmm, a mek is-" Every word and pause is another swing~ Why not give as slow of a response as I can! "A guard robot in essence. In Fontaine's main city, they serve to protect everybody and capture criminals. One of the most popular models is even equipped with a turret built into their hands- so if they sense any foul play going on, they will immediately begin firing rounds at their target!"
"I…I see…" Pfft, no you fucking didn't. You understand nothing that I just said.
"Would your Master be interested in that, Shenhe?"
"I do not… believe so. Master is more curious about building… machines that improve her daily life… Not testing her skills in random…. Random battles against sentient robots."
"Oh!? Has she built her own devices?"
I feel like I'm using all of my strength just to stop my smile from showing… god damn, this is the best! Seeing Shenhe following the watch is sending waves down there!
"Indeed. She has… built many such contraptions. One such one that…she is particularly proud of is….is the… Supreme Cuisine….Cuisine Machine…" She pauses for a moment, before putting her hand up to her temple. "A-Apologies, but do you think…you could…stop swinging that? I feel…! The onset of a headache…"
"The Supreme Cuisine Machine? Sounds like it could help you cook really well- am I right?"
"Y-Yes…"
"Can it make better meals than Xiangling could?"
"N-no…I do…not believe so…"
"Excellent, I know she'd be happy to hear that~"
"…haaaa….."
"Shenhe?"
"I…asked you to…s-stop…s-swinging…that…."
Annnd, good-bye self control. I can feel my grin spread, and crucially, Shenhe not react in turn.
"W-why won't…you… unh…. listen….?"
"Lower your arms to your sides."
"…!? What…?!"
I'll be careful- Shenhe has shown incredible sense and ridiculous strength. And with her nice pale eye already following, there's no need to issue another command. All she has to do…. Is keep watching~…
My words come out slowly, a hushed whisper at first, victims of anticipation.
"You are getting sleepy…"
Then my voice, along with my heartbeat, settle down. Confidence- and muscle memory- returning
"You are getting… so… very… sleeeepy…."
I could watch the stunned, cautious expression of this Cryo beauty melt away into a dull look of drowsiness all day long. Hell I would even pay good Mora~
"Your eyes are oh-so…very heavy…"
"N-n…o… S…s-stop…."
"Training me…talking with Xiangling… protecting Master's domain… today was simply… exhausting~ You should relax Shenhe, you need to relax~"
"M…a….s….t….e…r…."
The watch goes left, and Shenhe's pale eye follows.
The watch goes right, and Shenhe's hollow eye follows.
The watch gets put back in its' home, and Shenhe stops moving. Her eyes close.
Xiangling's snoring being the only sound for miles.
Ok, so, I have several concerns.
One- I need to make sure it actually fucking worked? Kind of important to answer that, as although Shenhe has her eyes (eye) closed, that's it for signals. She's not slumping, her hair hasn't come undone, and not even her breathing has grown lighter- it was like that before the session. Then again, she was following the watch like everybody always does, soooo….
"Shenhe, can you hear me?"
"Yes. I can."
A-alright, hopefully this is just another quirk of being a recluse. But the second thing is really the focus.
This feels too easy.
Not the actual induction part; that was just as I was expecting. I mean now- this, me sitting across from a hypnotized Shenhe, admiring her juicy thighs- but I'm barely feeling anything from the Cryo beauty…
It's like this. To use a very basic analogy, when I hypnotize someone, it's like I'm a craftsman working with a pot of clay. The more sessions I get with them, the easier it becomes to mold them to my will~ And that matters as I approach the person's 'core', you know, who they really are, their beliefs, values, key relationships, etc.
With Shenhe though… it feels different. Her 'core' is still there, but everything else, it's like water…incredibly easy to direct, to command. What kind of person is this woman? What kind of past has she overcame? And what did it cost her? ….Most importantly though, do I care?
I can answer precisely one of those!
"Sit down."
Back on eye-level, I am once again left stunned by Shenhe's natural beauty. Poor Ganyu~ It looked like we were going to have a situation where all three woman had their thing - Ganyu has the chest, Keqing has the ass, and Shenhe has the thighs - but at this angle, it's easy to confirm once and for all that the bigger treasure actually belongs to a double-dipper. Don't worry, first woman always gets special treatment~ I'll make up to her later. For now, let's get to work shall we? The biggest advantage immediately makes itself known- unlike so many times with Ganyu and Keqing, I have allll the time in the world~ No fear of being caught by a Millelith guard or random citizen on a nighttime stroll!
"Shenhe, say 'I love you'"
"I love you."
Hee~ Alright that was a good first command. I want to know what I can get away with- special mind or no, some limitations will exist.
"Summon your weapon."
…Two for two, a sharp blue polearm appears in her hands.
"Stand up, take your weapon, and move to Xiangling without waking her up.."
"…N….ngghh….no…."
Went too far. She values her friend-
"Alright then. Skewer a fish."
"…."
-but not some animals. Shenhe stands up (glory be!), and begins to walk back to the pool.
"Stop. I've got the limits this session." I follow her back as well, until I'm greeted with a stare at nothing.
"Alright Shenhe. Tell me, does your Master have a name?"
"Cloud Retainer or Xianyun."
"And what does she look like?"
"Her adeptal form is a beautiful white crane, and her human form has jet-black hair, green fabric hanging off, clothes similar to my own, and a pair of red glasses."
Wait, I'm sorry. Transforming into two separate things? Insane….. But Shenhe isn't going to lie either, so...
"How often do you talk to Xinyuan?"
"At least once a week. She does love to dote on people."
Hmmm….
"So Shenhe, if you were to express an interest in wanting to be in Liyue for Lantern Rite, how would Xianyun react?"
"She would be pleased. Master always advises me to make connections, to my hesitation."
"Well, hesitate no more~ After me and Xiangling leave tomorrow, here's what you'll do…"
I take a moment here, make sure I hear nothing from the presumably-asleep chef, and look out in the general direction back to the harbor.
"I want you to begin 'moving' to Liyue Harbor. Every few days, you will relocate to a different mountain closer and closer to the city. When Xianyun asks, you will express that as Lantern Rite approaches, an inexplicable desire to experience it personally grows- in your own delightfully-stilted Shenhe-way of course. Your 'caretaker' known as Master should understand this, hm~ Also whenever I call for you, you will respond. Understand all that?"
"….Why would I…follow your orders…?"
And this is why I'm glad we have so much time~
"Okey-dokey. When I snap my fingers, you will forget everything that we talked about since I approached. You will go back to…sleep I suppose, where you just were."
"…Y-yes…"
SNAP
The two of us go our separate ways, as I dart over back to main area of Aocang, diving on the sleeping mat. Of course I don't accidentally go to sleep though- and a few minutes later!
"What do you want?"
"Couldn't sleep. By the way, did your Master ever tell you it's quite rude to have a conversation without eye contact and so far away?"
"Apologies."
This time around, my smile is impossible to hide.
"Understand all that?"
"Yes. I will begin my preparations to occupy another mountain after you and Xiangling leave."
"Of course you will." Honestly, what I just did is a bit dangerous, multiple hypnosis sessions in quick succession tends to… mess with the brain unnecessarily. But in my defense, what was I gonna do otherwise- I'm here for all of one day, that's just not enough time! So any consequences that arise from this are on Shenhe and Shenhe alone! She's an outcast, I'm sure it'll be easy to dismiss any weird actions~
"We're just about done here, but a parting gift is in order~" I smirk. "Shenhe, make a rip in your outfit right here." I poke at her left thigh, below the 'window' and next to another exposed strip of leg- seriously, what kind of bargain bin clothes are these?!
"Yes." Shenhe complies… before sitting down, summoning her polearm, and slashing at the area.
Ok that is NOT what I intented, but whatever.
"Nom."
"N-nngh…"
Ah what a delicious taste~! A hearty appetizer for what is to come~
"If your Master asks about the mark, say you were training someone and there was a mishap." Worse-case scenario, I suddenly come face-to-bird with this Xianyun- which will only help my 'fucking her senseless' plan.
"And with that, a hearty good night Shenhe. Again, forget what I said at the snap, commands will remain, yadda yadda."
"Yes. Good night."
Hm, it's going to be complicated if I get her and Keqing together… need to come up with some new titles- don't want her calling me 'Master' and getting confused.
Oh well, that's a problem for later. Now it's time to finally - FINALLY - get a good night's sleep~
SNAP