Things were simpler back then. By no means they were less tangled and complicated but surely they weren't as tense. Ayu remembered staring the world in the eyes and learning to look past the sun-tainted irises.

Terra, just picked by her in the forest, was making herself comfortable in the Lookout, running around with Saiyan siblings. Mr. Popo was preparing a bed for her and Dende surely was complimenting his life choices now that not two, but three little kids were going to wreak havoc in this precious temple... And yet she could see a soft smile on his wrinkled face when he was looking at the trio. The solemn and quiet place became lively, full of children's laughter. Perhaps this was the same feeling Ayu felt when Liari and Terra were living with her at their home, sweeping away the loneliness, bringing in cheer and dear company. It was a good change - maybe the wise, old Guardian needed something different after centuries of quiet.

As they were all busy with their things, plays, and responsibilities, Ayu was looking at the World. Standing by the edge of the Lookout, eyes locked on the horizon...

Focusing on this one way or another, wasn't the only way to learn how to see what was unseen to others. Ayu stopped forcing her eyes to stare at every hill and mount, barely glancing at the rivers resembling silver ribbons. Further and further, she just let her gaze soak in what was in front of her, and soon she realized there were no boundaries to force her way through. Why do it with a push when it could work with a flow..? Sitting down on the tilted floor, with her legs by the edge, she gave a content sight. All the people in the world, with smiles welcoming new days and new nights. With fear, she thought that looking through the surface of the planet would force her to face the undeniable truth. That good and evil were entangling everywhere she'd look - and yet... Yes, there were things she would rather not see. Petty crimes, serious cases, smaller and bigger acts of viciousness. Though, it was only one part of the mosaic that this universe presented to her. Loving families. People struggle with a smile because they can do anything for their loved ones, she saw them dirtying their hands so their kids could laugh carefree. Simple acts of goodwill. Remarkable choices of those lion-hearted. Millions of stories happening at once, bigger, smaller, happy, sad, everything.

Ayu was seeing everything.

If she only wished, she could watch sunrises one thousand times a day. See the stars and moon rise above the blackened sky even if the heavy vault above her head was blue and bright. Watch the miracle of birth happening on the other side of the world, mourning someone passing away alone. Everything at once, diving into the tales of other people who were unaware that someone was watching over them from above.

And that was, somewhat, still ironic to her. There was so much good in the world but the scales were in the balance - the unpleasant, evil, bad things were there too. Guardian's work was to watch over everything, yet they only intervened when times were dire. With her power, although Ayu still wasn't so sure about it, she might have been able to solve what was happening. Prevent that robbery she saw. Feed the hungry, help the poor, everything, everything! There were so many things to do that at the thought of just watching them happen her heart was ready to split in half. Yet, Dende kept telling her that it wasn't her responsibility. The Guardians were watching over the planet as a whole, they couldn't involve themselves with every living being on Earth. Even if they would want to. It was a matter of priorities and logic. How could she decide who's case was more important? How could she be the one picking who she was going to help and who was going to be left unattended, in pain and misery..?

The world was made of choices and consequences. Some were bigger. Some were harder. If Ayu, as benevolent Guardian, were to intervene, her work wouldn't end. And people wouldn't be able to learn. They wouldn't have any freedom to make mistakes while looking for their path. And it wasn't her duty to tell them which path they should choose for themselves anyway.

She knew that but Ayu wasn't sure she understood what she needed to comprehend and accept.

Yet she couldn't deny that it was fascinating, watching over the world like that. Mesmerized by what was happening on Earth, Ayu wasn't aware that the sky above her darkened and Mr. Popo took all the kids to bed, reading them a bedtime story.

Dende walked up to her, his eyes looking in the same direction as Ayu's pale golden ones.

"It is overwhelming at first," his gentle voice reminded her that the wise Guardian had an uncanny ability to read her concerns before she could even voice them. "Your heart is warm and cannot stand seeing harm, I understand. It's not pleasant to look at and I take no joy in it either." The click of wooden staff against the floor and careful steps stopped. Older Namekian took a breath of a cool, night air. His eyes softened... After centuries of burden, it was a strength on its own to still be so kind and compassionate. "But I am no teacher, not a guide. I am Earth's Guardian. The role I have to fulfill is more subtle but no less demanding."

There was a long moment of silence between them, while the breeze played with the folds of their clothing. Somewhere out there, in the world, all the things were happening at once in an eternal dance of life and death. Good and evil. Right and wrong - one could not tell which was which. After another moment Dende turned around, ready to leave, and glanced at Ayu still sitting in her spot.

The young woman gave him a small, cordial smile. Maybe, just maybe... She was beginning to understand. She held her hand close to her heart.

"I would like to stay here some more," she declared softly.

"Very well."

Ayu remembered that back then she stayed on the edge of the Lookout until sunrise.

---

Power Level - 315,587
[ST1] Far Seeing Arts - Week 3/3
Word Count - 1,065