Unfortunately for her, the Lookout's library didn't carry much material about the Changeling race. A thought came through Ayu's mind, that perhaps she might find useful information about a weakness, way of bargain, anything really - that's why she was digging through old tomes and scrolls since morning. Still, there was nothing she could present to others to aid in their case. She was able to find basic notes, about their anatomy that were tailor-made for holding immense power and strength. It didn't make her better... And the few bits and pieces about Changeling's history were full of slaughter, conquer, and tyrannical oppression of other planets. That just made her stomach hurt and Ayu caught herself staring through the window, wondering if the situation was really that hopeless... Her body was aching all over from the training that she dedicated herself to go through but her mind was in a darker place right now. There wasn't anything she could do. The only thing she was able to was to burden others, keeping them away from their training or tainting their resolve with hesitation. Maybe, just maybe - if she wasn't around it would be beneficial to all the warriors putting their life on the line. The heart beating in her chest was as good as dead, wasn't it?

Maybe the only way she could aid others was to stay away - for good. Dying... Dying wasn't an option and Ayu realized with a grim feeling that she actually thought about that. However she still would be in the afterlife, she still could come back... And the duties that were bounding her to the Earth, no, she couldn't simply abandon those. So from now on, she had to keep her sentiments and feelings closed off. For good. She can't hesitate because there was a visit or someone smiled, no, no... She cursed her weak heart over and over again.

It was surprising that she managed to doze off while bitterly thinking about herself. Still, with the heavy heart, tired body, and pain knocking inside her skull, looking through the old books... Ayu fell asleep on the chair among the piles of tomes, with a scroll unrolled on her lap.

She didn't dream about anything, simply resting in this way.

And yet the peaceful moment of sleep was disturbed by very loud albeit small footsteps. Ayu frowned a little, barely waking up from this unplanned nap. Her head was still heavy and it wasn't uncommon to hear a commotion here and there, she learned how to sleep through it... But the situation was different today. Two children simply threw themselves into the library's door, opening it with a bang that made her jump in the chair, cruelly pulling her to the waking world from the dream. The place where the handle hit the wall cracked a bit.

"AYU! AYUUU!" Cress and Celric called out as Ayu looked at them confused and worried, stroking her temple to chase away any signs of sleepiness from her mind. She didn't have a chance to open her mouth because they both started talking one after another.

"There's a very tall lady! Mr. Popo said she's a Queen!" the little girl bounced on her heels, both excited, curious, and quite reserved about this visitor. Cress's eyes were shining but Ayu could tell that she was being careful in all this thrill - perhaps something, maybe the powerful presence, made her keep her distance... Otherwise, she would have already started pestering the guest about the details of their visit.

"Yeah, who even is she?" Celric shrugged, trying to be cool about it as if he wasn't the one calling Ayu's name a second ago. She could sense that he was uneasy, and there was a reason why their first reaction was to come looking for her. "What does she want here?" He asked with a slight grimace, avoiding her gaze.

A tall lady and a queen... Ayu knew she felt this energy before. The only reason she was able to sleep through Zaks's arrival was that she wasn't hostile. The Ki she sensed above was uneasy, maybe restless and irked, though there wasn't anything that could hint at threatening or bloodlust aura. Though, to follow Celric's question, why was she here..? Every warrior Ayu could think of was too busy training to pay attention to the Lookout unless there was a pressing matter to attend to. However, that was also up for discussion... Anyway. With the current situation of Vegeta, she could imagine her having different things occupying her mind. Unless... Something happened that only the Guardian of Earth could take care of? That was more than concerning.

"I should greet her too," Ayu said as she rolled the scroll and placed it back on the table. It was simply a matter of courtesy - and if there be a chance, she wanted to ask how May was doing. "Her name is Zaks, she is a Queen of Saiyans. I hope you will be on your best behaviour, alright..?" She got up, smiling a little when the kids pouted their lips as soon as they heard her asking about being polite. Ayu held Cress's hand, though the girl used both arms to glue herself to her - Celric wasn't going to be like that but he was right by her side. They left the library and the siblings started to wonder if the Queen's regime stretched also onto them. While they were brainstorming and Ayu was smiling listening to their conversation, they climbed the stairs to the highest floor of the Lookout. The higher they went, the more pressure she felt... Zaks was clearly upset, her pulsating energy betrayed as much. Did something happen..? No, that was a stupid question. Too much has happened so she didn't even have to ask.

Soon enough they reached the place. Ayu gently bowed her head and her eyes followed to Dende and back to Zaks.

"Good a-afternoon," she smiled a little bashfully, carefully choosing her words. "I apologize, I wasn't aware we have a guest," she added softly. The woman in front of her, mother, warrior, queen... It wasn't surprising that Zaks felt so worn out, so burdened. Although she was standing straight, prideful, and focused, she was still a feeling being. Ayu couldn't even begin to fathom how many things were weighing on her mind, as heavy as the fear of the incoming threat that was growing day by day. First she lost her daughter - she knew that May was back in the living world, but where she was, she had no idea. And even if she was back it couldn't erase the grief and pain she felt after her daughter's death. Now the queen was mourning her own kingdom. The loss of Vegeta was a tragic event but as a ruler, Zaks needed to show resolve, and... Ayu wasn't even sure what she was supposed to do in this situation. She was sure of one thing - that the queen was greatly burdened by circumstances to stay focused while her own feelings were being suppressed for the sake of efficiency.

That... That felt painfully familiar. It might have been a hunch she got from seeing her face and sensing Zaks's conflicted aura, though the feeling wasn't so easy to brush off.

"Your Majesty wishes to speak with you," Dende walked up to Ayu slowly, helping himself with the staff. Since Namek's explosion, he seemed to age quite a bit too. Nothing in his calm demeanor betrayed anything but composure... Though she saw worry in his eyes. There were so many things to fear lately. She knew that there was no ill will towards Zaks, not like she would expect it from the Guardian of Earth, but he was cautious. Alert. Things were tense, a sudden visit of a prominent and powerful figure could put anyone on edge. Mr. Popo tactfully gathered his equipment and returned to the lower levels of the Lookout, nodding to them as he reached the stairs. Dende placed his warm hand on Ayu's shoulder to reassure her and maybe to show how much he trusted her. After all, he was the Guardian, she was only a discipline - but she was the one Zaks was looking for. "We'd be downstairs if you'd need us. Let's go children," older Namekian reached down to hold Cress's hand.

"Go. I will be back soon," Ayu smiled warmly, gently stroking Cress's back. The little girl let go of her hand and grabbed one of Dende's fingers while Celric rolled his eyes. He guided them downstairs and soon enough, the area was empty - except for two people.

Ayu walked up to Zaks, raising her head to look at her. She was way taller than Callion or May, and she felt like she was half her height.

"I'm glad to see you again," she said after a short pause. A soft, sad smile appeared on her face, although a hesitant one as if Ayu wasn't sure if she was allowed to greet Zaks in this manner. But she said so already... "Is t-there anything I can help you with..?"

All this time she thought that she was seeking Dende's help and to learn that she was looking for her... It was baffling, to say the least. How could even Ayu try to aid Zaks in whatever she needed..? Surely there were more competent people out there. Stronger. Better at magic. Braver. So why her? It will be hard to disappoint yet another person... However, something inside her was telling Ayu already that she had dissatisfied Zaks greatly with her presence.

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,601

At first she wasn't so sure how this meeting would go. Ayu knew May and had only briefly met Zaks before. Back then both of them seemed to be focused on their goals of finding their loved ones in Hell - not being able to pay much attention to anything else. The only thing she could remember was that her energy signature was strong, wild, and ferocious. There were many ways this encounter could go... And now, despite Ayu's cautiousness, Zaks used a soft voice and passed on May's regards to her. Her pale yellow eyes looked at the woman slightly taken aback but she wasn't hiding her gratitude. So she made it out of that dreadful place...

"Thank you. I'm glad you two were reunited," she smiled gently and lightly bowed her head. Ayu felt lighter, happy to know that May was able to leave Hell and see her mother again, whom she missed so dearly. It seemed that the Princess was doing alright, as well as one could do in these times and circumstances. "If you'd meet her again, could you please pass along my greetings?" She asked with genuine care and those were the only words Ayu said before she decided to remain silent for the rest of their talk. She didn't want to interrupt as Zaks seemed to be collecting her thoughts, asking about Cress, Zerori, Lookout, and even about Dende's, and Ayu's energy... That one confused her, as it didn't seem that her power for whatever reason could be divine. The Guardian after centuries of meditation and studying magic could have reached this blessed level, but Ayu was far too lacking to be in this category. Maybe after... Five hundred years or so, if she'd be lucky to stay alive.

At one moment her guest turned quiet. She sat down on the Lookout's floor, admitting that she didn't want to scare anyone, with a nervous gesture rubbing the back of her neck. The Queen of Saiyans was, despite their situation, very polite. An imposing, tall, scarred, and yet beautiful woman with the aura of a wild warrior. It wasn't a surprise that people would be scared standing in front of her. Ayu thought that Her Majesty was also quite considerate and her eyes softened.

"Please d-don't worry, I didn't think you were that threatening..." Ayu raised her hands in a calming gesture, wanting to assure Zaks that her presence wasn't causing any issues... Only for her to realize right away that her words might have the opposite effect. Her visitor was part Saiyan. Saying that she wasn't intimidating or ferocious was like admitting that Ayu doesn't find her strong at all. Oh. A nervous blush rushed to her face. "I-I mean... I phrased i-it wrong, I apologize," she took a deep breath and awkwardly tried her best to explain what she meant. "I know... You're a power to be reckoned with and I'm not doubting your standing. If you'd only wished to, you could have shown up here with raw force to demand answers. Instead, Zaks, you asked me calmly." A soft smile bloomed on her lips and Ayu settled down beside her, tucking her legs and placing her joined hands on her lap. It didn't feel right to let her guest sit on her own. "Your appearance could be intimidating but your intentions were not," she summed it up with a gentle voice, only for her tone to turn more somber and quiet. Ayu lightly lowered her head. "With Arctic approaching this planet we all have been on edge lately. Time and options are running out... It's hard. I know." Maybe it was too much to say she understood how she felt but Ayu was aware that they were up to an impossible quest. There was no point holding against anyone how they acted with the tension only growing heavier and more brutal. The clock was ticking, thoughts were scattered and they all were scared. It was natural. Only fools claim they don't feel fear.

It was somewhat of a pleasant surprise but one tainted with bitterness when Ayu heard that Zaks was going to protect the Earth. It might have been also a way of getting back at the enemy for taking away her home planet - but this place? Ayu wasn't there when the conflict with the Saiyans happened. To her knowledge, there was absolutely no reason for Her Majesty to get out of her way and take part in the incoming fight. She lost her daughter here. May wasn't fond of this place either. The number of cordial memories was outweighed by the bitter ones, and yet - that was her plan. Ayu didn't feel like she could ask about the reasoning behind her decisions. The only thing she was able to do, was to give her disappointing news.

"I'm grateful to hear you're taking actions like this, but I'm afraid I won't be of any help." Ayu had to say that, even if her heart was as heavy as an anchor. The feeling she had before proved to be right. Here she was, letting down another person again... Somehow. Heh. "When it comes to Zerori and her friend... I apologize, I d-don't know anything. The range of my sensing and telepathic abilities is quite wide but I cannot feel their presence anywhere near this side of the universe." Brushing a green strand of hair from her face, Ayu looked sincerely troubled. Where they were? Gone far in space or wandering through the realm of the dead? Were they safe and sound? Either way, she couldn't reach the two warriors. In fact, a while ago she had a similar idea, trying to contact anyone she knew that could tilt the scales in their favor. It didn't go so well. "I... I was considering asking them for their help myself, yet I couldn't find them. I'm sorry."

It would be easy to let the panic set in. Or start to worry even more about the danger that was drawing closer with every passing hour... But Ayu wasn't sure if she was getting used to this fear or if was she slowly getting numb to it. Somewhere deep inside her core, a thought long ago emerged and her instincts were getting conflicted over that. One voice was telling her to stay close to people she loved - the other had heartbreakingly opposite plans.

However, that wasn't even close to one of the things that Zaks asked about.

"And about this place..." Ayu's gaze brushed around the surface of the Lookout. She could sense Dende and Mr. Popo downstairs, with Cress and Celric running around happily. She stroked her cheek bashfully and smiled a little. Her home, huh..? "My explanation might be long so I'd like to ask for your patience if you'd like to listen."

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,138
Total Word Count - 2,739

For a while, she stayed quiet again. Ayu understood fully that the emotions that were brought by bad news weren't something to be tampered with. Simply, she nodded when the Queen hissed her remark about Arctic. She tried to reassure her with a smile when she felt her energy getting anxious at the information about Zerori and her friend. Their presence could help them greatly, that was the truth... So many things to worry about, and their future was still uncertain. Everyone was on edge, everyone was worried.

It felt almost weird that the mood changed so much in a flash.

Ayu couldn't help but chuckle seeing Zaks almost dramatically look around as she was already settled down on the floor. She was aware of the joke of course. They said that sometimes the good company is all one needs... But just to make this moment of rest and an honest talk a bit more comfortable, she lightly moved her hand. A thick blanket of soft grass and fluffy moss suddenly grew under them, mantling the circular area around them without damaging the tiles on the surface of the Lookout.

"To be honest... No one asked before. At least n-not me," mentioning that after Zaks accepted listening to the tale of this place, felt just a little weird. Not bad, not wrong, simply slightly out of place. Ayu stroked her cheek a little and her eyes turned to glance at the area around them. "This place is called the Lookout and from what I know, it's ancient," carefully choosing her words, Ayu tried her best to clarify the nature of an antique-like floating temple. "The Namekian you saw before is named Dende, he's someone we call the Guardian of Earth. He's watching over this planet as many did before, but not i-in the same way as warriors or military. It's more like a spiritual..." She closed her eyes for a moment, pondering, before finishing the sentence. "And supporting form, I'd say. We're aiding the fighters like Callion and Gemikai here." And others of course but not everyone was on the same page. Liek and Opherla came here a couple of days ago, clearly wanting to train, while Gemikai was polishing his aura while still meditating in one of the rooms below. Ayu hadn't seen Liari for a long time now but she suspected that Dende wouldn't be keen on letting her in, even if she'd swear she would join their fight against Arctic. She wasn't even sure she could count as Earth's defender. And Callion... Ayu felt something heavy in her chest. Callion dropped by around two days ago and she still couldn't shake off this aching in her chest.

But that wasn't important right now. Joining her hands on her lap, Ayu breathed deeply, looking at the edge of the Lookout. The line of the white floor was bordering the clear blue skies. It was a pleasant and bright day. The danger was drawing near and still, life kept on pulling through.

"... For a long time, I was confused about the Guardian's role," Ayu admitted in a softer, pensive tone, looking at the horizon. "To watch but not take action when people are fighting... Or stay idle when they get hurt." Dende might have lacked the prowess to fight but his skills, knowledge, and experience were priceless... The demise of Namek and energy drainage as he was fixing the Time Chamber's spells were putting an enormous strain on his already frail physique. "And then I realized that, as I am learning to help the Guardian in his duties, I am still one person. Even if a bit stronger than others, I cannot control or foresee events on the whole planet," Ayu looked down at her hands. "I... I cannot prevent every misdeed on Earth and save every last person... Even if I'd want to with all my heart." That thought was still hiding an aftertaste of bitterness within. Maybe it was something Ayu needed to mature and grow to understand. That despite her efforts and tears, she would never be able to save everything. Or everyone. Failure and defeat will always be there. And with all the consequences that will wait for her to bite her back - that was alright. That was the nature of things. Ayu accepted that she won't be able to save everyone but it didn't mean that she won't try. "... I'm still learning what I can do."

She gave her a bashful smile. That must have been the case as to why her energy was in some unusual way feeling divine to Zaks. This place was full of it and Dende has lived way longer than anyone dared to suspect... Constantly staying in his presence, using artifacts, and learning sacred knowledge must have been the reason. Her - still a bit unstable - energy signature was soaked in the brilliant hue of this Ki that was flowing through the Lookout. Perhaps others never were able to spot it, Ayu couldn't herself, but as Zaks said, she was sensitive to magic. She just hoped that knowing that Queen's heritage was of demon blood, this sensation would not irritate her in any way. Obviously, demons and divine beings didn't get along.

"I wanted to get out there and do something good too, even if I'm not a fighter. I don't like fighting." Ayu added genuinely, and chuckled abashed, feeling a blush painting her cheeks dark rose again. "But I'm a bit stronger than others and lately, I've been training - but I'm only good at making plants and creating energy blasts." She looked down at her hands again. The regular visits to Pendulum Room were slowly paying off but it wasn't enough. Every time she thought she could ask someone with more experience for help, Ayu was pushing that idea away. They could not waste their time on her, preparing for Arctic. The look in her eyes grew melancholic. "We all have free will and we choose our actions, we all have to face the consequences. I know it doesn't seem fair at times, in some eyes it's far from being justified but... We guard the well-being of the Earth as a whole." She scratched her cheek. "The role of the Guardian is also to support the Earth's defenders. This is a place where warriors can rest, have their wounds healed, and train. We aid them as much as possible."

That was unusual. Ayu kept her thoughts to herself and when she was talking with people, it was never about her opinions or beliefs. More often she was focusing on the other person fully. Sometimes something more personal would slip out but nothing of considerate amount, she still believed that her concerns shouldn't be priorities. The burdens were all her own. So why during the simple explanation, her words turned right into a bit of a pour-out of her inner thoughts?

Zaks wasn't scary. In fact, something in her presence made Ayu comfortable enough that she spoke without thinking, sharing more things that were on her mind than she ever did. Once she realized that, her face flushed.

"... I a-apologize," she murmured, looking away. "I didn't even realize I started to talk so much. I might have ranted a little about my thoughts, s-sorry..."

She chuckled nervously.

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,217
Total Word Count - 3,956