The longer she gazed at the sky, the passage of time seemed to lay heavier on her shoulders. Duties. Fate. Choices. Everything. The things that Ayu wanted were not the things she needed. What she was instructed to do was something she wasn't capable of, yet... Ah, why nothing in this world was simple anymore? Slowly shaking her head, she tried to gaze further - among the stars. Universe far and wide, with countless numbers of systems, planets, races, living beings... In a way, it was a natural thing. Even the universe could not escape the laws of nature, the cycle of life. There were predators and prey, like in any other place... Just the story behind it was a bit more complex. Ayu couldn't tell how long she stood there in the silence, quietly watching the world.

And in this stillness...

A voice rang out. Or rather, it squealed with the resonance of thousands of cute little animals asking for attention... Maybe that likeness in that comparison wasn't exactly ideal but the affection and enthusiasm that vibrated in a child's tone told her enough. She knew that voice, she knew it well - it was the same one that loved asking her for blueberry muffins or one more bedtime story. Ayu barely turned out to see a smudge of vibrant pink color rushing towards her, and...

"Ter-", she didn't have the time to even get surprised. It caught her so off guard that Ayu didn't put any resistance and before she knew it, they both landed on the ground. A pink little girl tackled her by jumping into her arms with eagerness and love and now they both ended up on the floor. Blinking in confusion Ayu raised her head to look at her niece. She met an innocent, loving, and anxious gaze, then she felt a pair of pink cheeks nuzzling against her chest. Her little niece was here, indeed. Small wet spots marked the places where the tears fell onto her clothing and before she realized it, she was already gently stroking her back. Ayu could do nothing but sigh soundlessly, the corners of her lips curling into a delicate smile.

There were many things that she wanted to ask right now... Why was Terra here? D-Did Liari know that her little girl decided to visit this place? Was she agreeing with that..? That would be confusing but Bluebell wasn't the type to just forbid Terra from doing something. Didn't she mind Ayu's presence here at all..? Maybe. Maybe not. Considering their trips through the universe, a part of her thought that the Lookout, even the Earth might now look too small for Majins. Though, honestly, there was no point in asking. Terra has already answered the most important question of them all. Why was she here - she missed Ayu. She wanted to see her auntie. Of all those people who came across the Lookout lately, she might have been the only one speaking from the heart and telling her honestly that she longed to see her. It wasn't a favor she was looking for. It wasn't an obligatory visit to put on a brave face and say that everything would be alright. She wasn't looking for information or aid or anything in particular...

Terra was here for her and Ayu felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. She was here, she was back... It didn't make her worries melt away, it didn't improve the situation on Earth in the slightest, but... This familiar warmth that she missed spilled from her heart to the inside of her chest. A couple of big, shiny tears rolled down her face, wetting the green hair and her ears a bit. Yes. Terra was here.

"Good evening, Sweet Pea," gently stroking her squishy cheek with her thumb, Ayu smiled with unbound affection in her teary eyes. And as if it was the most natural thing - because it was - she pulled Terra closer. Right, it didn't escape her attention that the little one could use a quick shower, but did it matter now? Ayu embraced her, pressing her lips against the top of her head with a soft kiss. "Oh, how I missed you too..." she sighed, closing her eyes as she wrapped her arms around the little girl. It felt nice, not counting lying on the floor like it was nothing of course, but... Feeling a tiny, warm, and precious weight snuggled to her chest that she could hug and was hugged back in return... It felt so right. So peaceful. It tempted her to hold Terra so close longer, as long as was needed to shield her from whatever might dare to come after this joyful smile. It all was so loving and lovely - and yet beneath that warmth was hidden an ice-cold needle that prickled Ayu's subconsciousness without mercy.

... She kept forgetting. Ayu opened her tearful eyes, looking with melancholy at the sky when Terra was nuzzling her face against her chest. There was no right on her side to call the children she loved so much her own. They were never hers. She adored them. Ayu took care of them and tried to raise them as much as she could. She genuinely cherished them but they all were always waiting for somebody else. Right... She wiped tears from her face. They yearned for someone busy. They missed those who were gone, or even they didn't know who they were waiting for. It... Was to be expected, really. Ayu was only looking after them, that was always clear. A Guardian shouldn't be forming attachments as easily as that, even if they were mostly one-sided... Here she was again, with those selfish thoughts racking her brain from the inside. Pulling herself up with one elbow, she cradled Terra against her now aching heart, holding her close - even if it was just for a moment.

She'd be content as long as all of them were safe, healthy, and happy.

"I love you, Sweetheart," Ayu kissed the top of her head again. "Now, where have you been..?" She smiled softly, though it would be a lie to say there wasn't any melancholy in her voice or gaze. Very gently, she wiped tears from the corners of Terra's eyes, drying her cheeks. "Oh my, did you get taller too?"

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,056
Total Word Count - 2,237

It felt like yesterday Terra and Ayu were inside their old house... Making pancakes for breakfast, folding laundry together, and preparing a surprise for Liari while waiting for her to get back from training. So much has happened and, luckily, it didn't seem that this little girl with a sunny disposition was burdened by what she shouldn't be. They changed homes. She was training, meeting new people, running around the place... Terra even went to space with Liari, visiting a snow and icy planet Frost. Ayu could tell that she had fun. Maybe it would be better to not ask for details about Liari's work... Still, nothing that happened has dulled that smile and that was enough for her.

And Ayu got... A gift. How thoughtful... Ayu took the drawing, smiling and thanking Terra for this amazing piece of art. She had a vague idea about the relationship between Moire and Liari, but if those two were happy together and Terra loved her as much it was all for the best. And, what she noticed - despite Ayu not being around for so long, the little girl still included her in the drawing of the closest family member. She could have left her out or drew her on the side - but she was there, holding hands with everybody.

It was enough to bring tears to her eyes but fate had one more gift for unsuspecting Ayu.

I call you 'Momma' now. That... That was what Terra decided with a genuine and innocent seriousness in her gaze. Ayu couldn't help but open her mouth a little, bewildered and in a way, stunned, as her mind turned blank for a second. Tears in her eyes swelled to the point that the image in front of her was getting blurry and her cheeks turned raspberry-pink.

"... H-Huh?" she mumbled in a weak voice, looking at Terra with confusion in her tearful eyes. The little one declared even further that Ayu from now on wasn't going to be known as her Auntie. She was her mum. One of three, to make things funnier, but Momma nonetheless. "Are... Are y-you sure, Sweet Pea..?" she couldn't help but murmur. There was no blood relation between them. She loved Terra as her own, niece or daughter, it didn't matter - she cared for this small, precious life. To say that Ayu was touched was an underestimated. Her heart was melting with all that love and when Terra kissed her forehead Ayu pulled her closer, embracing her tight and warm. She closed her in her arms, not wanting to let go. All those dark and menacing thoughts inside her head will be damned, she wasn't going to let them dull this moment. As much as she feared what her feelings could do to those children, she was equally aware that they needed her - and she needed them. Overthinking was bad on its own but overfeeling..? It was tiring both her mind and soul. But because she loved her, she loved all of them so dearly, she couldn't let them feel that her affection was fading - just because Ayu's heart was troubled.

Stroking Terra's head, Ayu let go. She was looking at her with a gentle smile, wiping corners of her eyes. Daughter. Maybe this title hasn't yet sunk in but it was warming her from inside out.

"Ah, sorry Sweetie..." she chuckled apologetically, getting rid of the marks left on her cheeks by tears. "I got very touched r-right now, you know... I'm happy to be your Momma." The amount of feelings swirling now in her chest was akin to a whirlpool, with one difference. The light was shining through the violent gale. Pressing the drawing against her heart, Ayu was soaking in this quiet determination, to do what she will have to do... Because the storm was coming and to protect everyone from it was a duty that was lying on her shoulders too. Not only warriors that were preparing to fight with all their might... She might have been Guardian's disciple and her role was to aid them... But perhaps it was time to push the centuries-old boundaries a little. Tilting her head, her gaze softened when she looked into red, sparkling eyes. "I just..." Ayu hesitated and then smiled warmly with just the right tint of melancholy. "I didn't think that there ever would be a person calling me mom. It took me by surprise... But I am truly happy, Terra."

She nuzzled her cheek against the small, pink temple. It was a weird, longing sensation... Was it awakened by taking care of all those children? Or maybe when Ayu's body changed, transforming into a different form, from a late teenager to a young woman? Maybe, she realized that when she was reading all the notes scattered by her grandfather, about the failed project that she was. Finding a record that she was completely sterile didn't seem like a big deal back then. It didn't matter that she couldn't have a child on her own, be it by magic or biology... There were enough kids here for her to love and take care of - and yet, she was simply their guardian. Ayu would never be their parent, she couldn't become a mother to anyone...

That was until Terra rebelled against those dark thoughts and bluntly, sweetly but with an impact of a thousand suns - called her Momma.

"Before we do anything else, I insist that you take a bath," Ayu couldn't allow herself to let her mind wander again. She gazed at Terra, looking at the dusty, sweaty, and, well, a pretty unkempt appearance that this little one was showing. She chuckled and glanced at herself, at the clothing that was now smeared with whatever was making little Majin dirty. "Maybe I should too..." she smiled, dusting her sleeve. And it seemed that doing laundry was in order too.

As they were about to get up, Ayu heard something. On their side, further behind the nearest wall of the temple, someone was standing. A short silhouette was leaning against the frame of the entrance, half-hiding, with head turned away from them.

"Hmpf," a voice mumbled with dissatisfaction.

"Why don't you come here and say hello?" she called out, but the boy was still ignoring her... At the same time, he showed his attitude that he didn't like what he was seeing. Ayu could have sworn that she felt him rolling his eyes. "Acco?"

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,075
Total Word Count - 3,312

Baths were always a slippery matter. Literally. Ayu remembered well that Terra was always a playful kid and Liari trained a lot so they both needed to wash frequently... And that it often made a mess inside their small house. She could understand the little one's hesitation but this time she wanted to take a different approach and try to make it more pleasant. Luckily, the Lookout had a nice big bathtub, not a tiny shower. And Ayu really wanted to give Terra a bubbly bath, at least once - a harmless wish that was going to be fulfilled.

She wasn't aware that Acco was nearby at this time. The boy was keeping his distance in a very odd way, staying somewhere nearby but far enough to make sure he was left alone. Ayu saw this pattern when she was tending to the Lookout, he was following her in a way - but when she would confront him about it, he would glare, say something rude, and leave - only to appear in her sight an hour later. She couldn't tell if Acco was starting to take a liking to her... Or the cause of this routine was completely opposite.

And now Terra spotted him... Ayu didn't stop her. Instead when she gave her that funny look, she smiled softly and gestured with a nod toward the mysterious person. Maybe that contact would be for the best for the little Namekian... Because there was a child, short, with light green skin and dressed in black and dark red clothes, standing next to the entrance. Maybe a soul as radiant and full of joy as Terra would be able to brighten his thoughts, even if just a little... Maybe. She hoped.

Acco glanced to the side, at Terra and narrowed his eyes with a clear suspicion. The look he gave the little girl wasn't hostile yet it wasn't friendly either... One could sum up his entire attitude this way, he didn't have any - or rather many - negative intentions towards anyone here but he wasn't pleasant with his attitude. How or why, Ayu thought she knew the reason behind his behavior, yet knowing a reason wasn't equal to finding a solution. For a second he stared at the beaming, pink face - then turned away with a scowl. Acco bluntly ignored the girl's hand, turned away, and without looking - left.

Or, he was about to leave, but he barely took three steps and from the entrance to the lower levels, two figures ran out with the speed of light, laughing happily. Celric and Cress obviously finished their training because they jumped like there was no tomorrow, messy and dirty and content. Siblings almost bumped into Acco who jumped in place and practically hissed at them with an offended expression.

"Hey, watch it!" he grumbled with a scowl.

"What, you woke up again on the wrong side of the bed?" Celric stopped to stare him down, snorted and they started glaring at each other. Sparks were flying between their eyes.

"Terra!" Cress beamed and jumped towards her friend, hugging her, completely ignoring the two boys behind her. Perhaps she wasn't stopped by Terra's unkept appearance because she was equally disheveled and sweaty. "Aw, I missed you!" she squeezed the little pink Majin with a smile. "I heard you were on Frost! Is it made of ice only, is that true?" Saiyan girl asked curiously, rocking on her heels.

Ayu was looking over the kids with a smile curling on the side of her lips. Acco and Celric were close to another fight and Cress was enthusiastically welcoming Terra... It got lively again. The Lookout was a serene place but she missed the sounds of children's laughter.

"That's enough you two..." Ayu said gently though her tone was softer than usual. She walked to the boys, crouching down and placing her hands on the shoulders of Celric and Acco. After some time on the Lookout, little Saiyan wasn't as brash as before, he didn't mind - though Namekian shook her touch instantly. With a snort, he turned around and walked away while mumbling under his breath.

"What's his problem..?" Celric's tail twitched with irritation.

"Not your DAMN business!" Acco angrily yelled at him from a distance, reminding them all that Namekians have acute hearing.

Ayu watched him disappear after the pillar, knowing that he was most likely going to sit by the one of empty rooms again. Closing her eyes for a moment, she felt a heavy weight on her shoulders but she got up without a sigh. She patted Celric's back and turned her attention towards the siblings and her daughter.

"Was he rude to you?" Worried Cress asked Terra, looking at her face for any traces of sadness or being upset.

"Tch, don't pay him any attentio-"

"That's enough," Ayu stopped the young Saiyan from continuing. Words could be hurtful and kids as innocent as they could be, sometimes were able to use them thoughtlessly. She didn't want Acco to overhear anything that might stick with him for longer, he... He already had enough to mourn. "I told you, please be nice to him." Before any of them could open their mouth or protest, she emphasized. "Please," tilting her head she gave them a careful look and her eyes warmed when Celric rolled his eyes but didn't pick up this subject again. Cress easily turned her attention to Terra and Ayu could rest easy - for a short while. She had now a different matter to think about.

They all were now stinky and sticky.

"Seems we all need to take a bath," Ayu glanced at them and chuckled. Each of them looked like they had to battle through their way to the Lookout, leaving without injuries but with ragged appearances. "Cress, are you going to join us?" The girl nodded enthusiastically, and Ayu turned her head toward her brother. "Ce-"

"I'm going to take a shower alone!" The boy turned around and as fast as he could, left them.

"... I only wanted to tell him that he needs to wash if he wants to get dessert after dinner." Ayu chuckled again, while Cress rolled her eyes, complaining about her brother. "Let's go to the bathroom."

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,038
Total Word Count - 4,350

Managing all the kids wasn't an easy task but given everything, Ayu wouldn't change it for anything else. It might have been troublesome, worrying, and difficult at times but there was nothing more rewarding than listening to their calm breaths, sleeping peacefully by her side. Maybe she won't ever have a child of her own, maybe in her life only Terra would call her Momma, but that was alright with her. In her heart, those kids were hers. She loved them all, even the one that was refusing the affection, hidden tight in the shell of pain in burden.

To help him, they needed patience, indulgence, and care.

Acco wouldn't want to join them anyway, be it bath or dessert, and Ayu wasn't going to push it. He needed time and space and constant reassurance that they were here for him - even if it seemed that he did not appreciate that last thing. She glanced at the little Majin, looking back at where Namekian left and turning to Cress. Terra had a kind and sensitive heart... Maybe Ayu could tell that because she wasn't any different in that regard - she only hoped that unlike her, the girl would be able to manage her empathy better than her. Because in her case, Ayu's sensitivity was too strong for her own good and she felt often so overwhelmed she ended up being... Well, useless. There was no other name for when a person couldn't do anything and that happened to her a lot.

However, it wasn't about her, so she shut down those thoughts. With Celric now taken care of, it was time to clean all three of them. Bath time it was.

"I know you are worried, Sweetheart, but with time, Acco should be fine. We all know that he isn't well right now," she gently patted Cress's and Terra's heads. As they were walking to the bathroom, Ayu raised her finger, shooting a bit of her energy through the air to disturb the soundwaves for a moment. Namekian's hearing was especially good and she knew that the little boy was able to listen to everything they talked about on the Lookout... That's why she wanted to mute the sounds with a bit of buzzing right now. "Sometimes... Sometimes when people are sad and in pain, they get angry to make that anger bigger than their hurting," without fancy words, to make it easy to understand, Ayu tried to gently explain to the girls the cause of Acco's behavior. "They want to block their feelings with rage and after a while, they don't know how to stop it. Acco has been through a lot and he's putting on a brave face..." A sad smile curled in the corner of her lips. She could tell that he was a sweet child, the one who was tormented by things a child should never experience. "He doesn't want to feel sad or hurt, but there's no shame in that. It's alright to cry when we're in pain."

"Yeah, Celric keeps saying he never cries but I know he does, he just wants to be tough!" Cress rolled her eyes with disapproval and winked at Terra. Her older brother wanted to be a mighty warrior, a hero, so, of course - he didn't want to be babied, he did not feel fear or sadness and overall was just the toughest nut to never be cracked!

But there were so many people right now putting on a similar act to not show how scared they were. Some couldn't keep up the facade while others started to use it daily. Callion did so too but mostly for the sake of others, to not worry them with his suspicions. Heh, they had something in common... It didn't feel right, to sweep emotions under the rug. And mocking anyone for expressing their feelings wasn't fair either... Funny how Ayu could be worried for their sake and simultaneously berate herself for feeling too much. Though it wasn't the same thing, no. At least not in her eyes.

"That's why I keep telling everyone to be nice to him. So we could help make his anger smaller," she smiled with tenderness in her gaze, opening the door to the bathroom, and letting them in first. "Now, dirty clothes go to the basket in the corner, and Cress, please don't add anything into the bath just yet."

"Aww..." the girl mumbled, already holding a bottle of bubbly soap, ready to pour the whole content into the tub. "But why? It's so nice with all the bubbles!"

"You'll see," Ayu smiled. The bathroom wasn't that big but the bathtub would be enough for the three of them. Now, she wanted to prepare the bath while the kids were undressing and preparing - Ayu started pouring the water inside, checking its temperature. From the cupboard on the side, she pulled a small bottle, one from the set she was given by Callion. It contained herbal oil from a different planet, sweet and refreshing... The look on Ayu's face betrayed melancholy and worry when she watched light reflected on the smooth glass surface of the bottle. Slowly shaking her head, she turned around to the tub, adding a few drops to the water. A pleasant smell soon filled the room.

But that wasn't all.

Lightly clapping her hands, Ayu made a plant grow between her fingers. Thick stalks with scale-like patterns sprouted white flowers looking like lilies that quickly turned into something... Something that was reminding everyone of elongated red pinecones. But they were upside down and sticky with resin. Their scent was enjoyable and spicey a bit, warming up the air.

"Do you know what is this?" Ayu asked, sitting down on the bathroom's carpet so both Terra and Cress could take a good look at the flora species she just created. "I'll give you a hint, we're going to use it in our bath," she chuckled.

---

Power Level - 326,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 991
Total Word Count - 5,341