It was a busy time - dinner - as any mealtime here on the Lookout. With Saiyan children and their appetite, Ayu was grateful for magic, her chlorokinesis abilities, and Mr. Popo's skills... Otherwise, she had no clue how would they keep up with all the cooking and meal preparation. Now with Terra back, there were three hungry mouths to feed - granted the little Majin didn't eat as much as the Saiyan siblings... But desserts were a different story.

The kitchen often at this time was kind of a battlefield. Dende was sitting in the corner, quietly seeping tea with a smile, in a way enjoying this lively commotion - while the kids were eating their dinner. There were chats and laughing too. The pots were steaming, pans were sizzling, and green vines were grabbing empty plates and putting them into the sink or on the counter for another helping of a hot soup or casserole. Mr. Popo and Ayu were preparing more portions as the food was disappearing as soon as it was placed on the table... The Guardian's attendant never complained that he had to distribute meals over three people and Ayu was always thanking him after the dishes were washed. She usually ate last, first making sure that Terra, Cress, and Celric had their share - so, for now, she was creating vegetables, dicing carrots and potatoes, and stirring stew... For so long she was used to cooking for one person, and then for three, that now just two Saiyan children made her feel like she was making meals for the whole squadron of warriors. Ayu didn't mind though, smiling lightly as she readied another pot of soup. If anything, they were her little warriors and she wanted to make sure they got their every need met.

With a bit of tumult and lots of voices in the kitchen, it was no surprise that the visitor's presence went unnoticed. It seemed that everyone was busy, so no one was here to welcome a sudden guest. And yet...

There was the sound of small steps approaching and someone's head poked out of the entrance, glaring at Athren with uninviting eyes. There was no energy signature, so they were skilled enough to hide it but other than that... Their posture was of a child. The shortest one of all the people staying at the temple who did not need food to survive so they didn't take part in the dinner... Acco. His usually sour-apple face was looking particularly annoyed today and he was frowning and staring at the warrior without any fear.

"WHAT?" The little Namekian asked right away with a pissed tone, craning his head to look at Athren. For a second he was sizing him up, then he snorted, turning his face to the side. "Tch," the grumpy boy rolled his eyes. "You just haaad to hide your energy while they are too busy downstairs to hear you here... Wanted to yell that badly?" He grumbled with a slight offense in his voice, obviously irritated by something and not afraid to irritate another person in return. There was this very defensive streak in his behavior as if this sassy and brash attitude was put up for a reason... Distraction, maybe..? It didn't stop Acco from speaking his mind in his usual way, challenging the patience of everyone around him. "Too bad you couldn't make an entrance, heh? If you want to bother them, go down and turn left to get to the kitchen," the boy shrugged, walking past the warrior. "It's not like they have anything better to do."

"Please, don't be rude," Ayu's voice softly rang just after he finished speaking. She walked up the stairs right after the boy, hearing at least half of his speech.

Acco wasn't hanging out with everyone in the kitchen, staying in the room next to them, listening, and sort of just being there... Dende noticed that he left and the fact that someone appeared above them didn't escape his attention either. Telepathically he asked Ayu to come check on their visitor. It seemed that from a couple of days now it became her unspoken duty to tend to guests, asking them in Guardian's name about their intentions and reason for visiting. So far, everyone has their own specific reasons... But with Arctic's arrival, things got even more complicated and Ayu had her doubts if she'd be even able to help anyone. Was the guest looking for something specific, or... Carrying the burden of an incoming fight on her shoulders, Ayu was acting the same day by day for the sake of the people around her. She was supposed to be Guardian's disciple, the next in line, the unfaltering beacon of stability and hope - though the pressure and the guilt were slowly consuming her from inside.

She didn't know if she could help anybody at this point.

Though she didn't expect to meet a warrior she barely knew in front of her. The first time they met - not exactly, as Ayu saw him only from afar during a heated battle - was in South City. The Saiyan in front of her was also the one who had the blood of her adoptive little sister on his hands. That filled her with strange melancholy. And although she did not blame him for killing Liari, taking some comfort in knowing that there was someone able to stop her deadly rampage... It still was surreal, or rather - a bit awkward. Heavy. Granted, the relationship between her and the blue Majin was probably unknown to most people, but it wouldn't be a reason to stop the fight either. It wasn't a reason good enough for Liari to stop her deeds anyway, so it seemed in a twisted way almost fair. Ayu still mourned her death but back then there was nothing else she could have done... And she was grateful that the warrior was there, to protect the southern side of the Earth from destruction. The one precious to her life was taken away, and for that, she had only herself to blame.

Acco clicked his tongue in annoyance and again, turned his back to them, walking away towards one of the pillars around the outer temple. Lately, he has been passing the time by reading or simply watching the clouds from the edge of the Lookout. Oh, the little Namekian still followed her around but spent equal time pondering about... He never answered about what he was thinking so often when she asked.

Acco left and Ayu turned to the brown-haired Saiyan with an apologetic and bashful smile. It wasn't an ideal situation to greet a guest... The heat on her face told her once more that a gentle blush painted her cheeks pink. She joined her hands together and took a slow breath to compose herself before she started speaking in a gentle and hopefully, clear manner.

"Dende mentioned that someone had arrived. P-Pardon me for not being here sooner, I don't hear as well as Namekians..." she apologized, lightly stroking her cheek with her finger. Ayu's gaze glanced to the side, where the green-skinned boy disappeared a moment ago, and her eyes softened but also gleamed with sadness. "And I apologize for his words as well," she couldn't help but add. "I know it's not a justification... But losing everything so suddenly left a mark," Ayu lowered her voice, knowing that Acco was aware of every word she spoke. He heard a lot on the Lookout, good and bad things and she was carefully picking up her words, hoping that they could convey that she never once blamed him for his attitude. That no matter what he'd do or say, he'd still have a place to stay, right here. "I doubt there is a person who could withstand such loss, so I ask you, to please, don't hold it against him," that was her quiet plead. There was no need to explain what loss she was talking about - they all were aware of what had happened to Namek. To a whole race...

Now that she was seeing him up close, he looked a bit familiar. Did, by any chance, she saw him somewhere before?

"... Athren, right..?" Lightly tilting her head, Ayu smiled gently, hoping that a change of subject would at least help ease the awkwardness on her side. "I'm s-sorry, I believe we never introduced each other and I only heard your name mentioned by others. I never had a chance before but..." It made her feel shy again but there was nothing wrong with showing gratitude, though this one was long overdue. "I wanted to thank you, for what you did in South City. F-For fighting." It felt only right. It would be too much to ask if he was planning to battle with Arctic at this point - Ayu could not depend on others as much as she did before. Perhaps, it was her time to get her own hands dirty and bloody... There will be time for that. Let her first focus on the matter at hand. She looked at Athren with a more serious, yet still melancholic gaze. "I know there must be a reason behind your visit... Is there anything I could help you with?"

Ayu thought she had gotten used to it, yet it still felt a little bitter that people only reached to the Lookout when they needed something - forgetting about the Guardian's existence when times were peaceful.

Though that was her duty and she intended to fulfill it.

---

Power Level - 353,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,590

Many visitors have passed through the Lookout lately and each of them needed something - information, help, aid of any kind... Well, except for her daughter, Terra, who came here simply because she missed Ayu. She was already getting used to her duty to guide others with everything she got, though mixed feelings were lingering around. Which was, if someone as lost and imperfect as her could be of any use to anyone..?

And this visitor, Athren, was different. Listening to him not minding Acco's remarks, and understanding the reason behind his grumpiness, made Ayu smile with gratitude and lightly nod her head. The loss and pain were everywhere, driving people mad. Even if the people she loved were gone once and came back, it didn't lessen the heartache at all. The sole fact that they experienced death was hurting her... And everyone had their own ways of coping. Some were more destructive than others, and with everything that was going on, with the tension, anticipation, with pulsing fear - Athren's composure seemed almost out of place. In fact, he smiled once or twice and was calm with his words, not betraying anything that could be hiding behind the surface of his face. Was he so confident, accepting any fate it was going to be, or was he simply that good of an actor?

In any case, he had a reason why he visited the Lookout and Ayu was here to listen to it. She knew, like everyone, about the Changeling's arrival.

And the enemy was here already. She noticed that too, yeah... Ayu needed to act, and yet, she was here. Was she avoiding her responsibilities... Or simply making sure that before anything could happen children here were kept happy and content? She wasn't the one to lie so Ayu told them about Arctic and that the adults were going to fight him. They accepted it so easily, without questions or a shred of doubt that the warriors from Earth would defeat this threat.

She wished she could have their faith in herself. Maybe that was what she needed but - life wasn't that easy. In fact, everything was so messed up and complicated that she was falling apart, keeping herself together only by the thread of a thought that she still could be useful. That she maybe, could do something...

When Athren spoke the two names, Ayu couldn't help but be caught off guard. Something... Dropped in her stomach. A pensive, troubled look was now adorning her face and by instinct, she lightly raised both of her hands as if she wanted to shield the way down to the kitchen. The fact that she couldn't sense Athren's energy was bothering her, because she wasn't able to understand his emotions. And yet - he was serious, but he wasn't hostile. That much she could tell. The blue eyes were focused, there was nothing indicating dishonesty - though telling the truth wasn't equal to good intentions. Given, that he wasn't asking permission to take Cress and Celric away, he stated it like something undeniable. As if he had every right to pick them up from the Lookout without any questions asked. She didn't like this sensation that was growing in the back of her head, an uneasiness, worry. Catching herself being ready to stop him from going downstairs, Ayu's eyes turned concerned - for him, little Saiyan siblings, herself - as she slowly lowered her arms. If there was a need for it, she was going to fight - but why? What exactly was at play here?

"I s-see..." It took Ayu less time than a heartbeat to compose herself. "I cannot deny that keeping them safe is my priority," she spoke after a pause, her voice gentle as usual but the tone underneath was cautious. Ayu was standing straight, looking at Athren's face. Waiting. "With what could very soon happen on Earth, it sounds like the only way of escaping the fate that could take our lives." That was troubling her for so long now... Fear of what the future would hold, of the enemy plans that could twist this planet beyond recognition. Dread at the thought of what is going to await the people on the planet... And those she loved and cared for so deeply that she was ready to weaken their connection for their sake. A whisper in her ear was telling her that it would be a good thing. The less Cress and Celric are around, the more likely the memory of her will fade. They wouldn't be concerned about making her worried or sad. And the most important, they won't cry if anything were to happen to her. Wouldn't that be better for everyone..?

Ayu took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. She was a shy person, she was getting worried too easily and she always felt everything so strongly... Though she wasn't naive. Not anymore.

"Yet, I am not going to easily hand away the children under my care to a stranger, just because he knows their names," she replied seriously. It might have been a defensive stance but there was no other guardian, she was the only one here for them - with Dende's and Mr. Popo's aid. Athren wasn't someone she knew and if there was a connection between him, Cress and Celric... Ayu could feel if she was being lied to but at the same time this sixth sense could be tricked, she suspected it wasn't a perfect ability. "As much as I wish for the safety of all of them, and I know you are not a bad person, I cannot allow them to go with you or into a spacecraft with people I don't know anything about." What were they like? What were their intentions? Would being shut inside a spacecraft with strangers be safer than uncertain fate here on Earth? The chances were slim and Ayu was lacking any information about the motive for Athren's behaviour to judge what was right or wrong. So she wanted to play it safe.

And about his reasons... As protective as she was of the children, her children, Ayu wasn't confrontational. She was listening and waiting, for what, she wasn't sure, but the feeling in the back of her head was filling her with anticipation. When people were confident about two clashing convictions, could a confrontation be avoided..?

"Lastly..." Her tone softened in a significant matter, now anxious and worried - about him. Ayu tilted her head, gazing at the warrior genuinely concerned now about what was truly going on with the matter at hand. "Please, tell me Athren. Why do you care so much about those two..?" Lowering her voice, she took a step closer, joining her hands on her chest. Celric and Cress were dear to her and she knew what she would be able to do for their sake - perhaps that's why something here spoke volumes about this unexplained offer. She loved those children as if they were her own. "If there isn't any connection it won't make sense for you to come out of your way... For the kids that I believe don't know you, and you shouldn't know them either. Am I right..?"

Ayu asked, uncertain that she would ever hear an answer.

---

Power Level - 353,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,210
Total Word Count - 2,800

Ayu didn't know Athren that well. Aside from him joining the fight with Liari back in South City, she never talked to him before. Dende did mention that he created a village in the mountains where he lived with people who had nowhere to go, giving them shelter and a place to stay. Ayu knew that area, her gaze reached there when she was practicing Far-Seeing Arts. She saw a quiet, serene place, far away from other cities, far away from the troubles of society. If she were anyone else and not Guardian's disciple, that would be a village she would like to settle in. To hide there from the noise and rush of the cities full of metal and glass, that seemed like the perfect spot to be. Instead, she stayed on the Lookout but was glad to see that there were people who found solace in Athren's village.

All this made her think that he was a kind person despite his silent, a bit rough attitude. Still, she didn't expect to see him here, to hear him say things that shook her more than Ayu dared to show. The way Athren was speaking was making her uneasy a little, talking like things were already decided - whether she liked it or not, as he said.

"... That sounds like a threat," she pointed out in a soft voice, her eyes gazing at Athren cautiously. He was most likely stronger than her, with fighting experience as wide as the sea while Ayu's knowledge about real battle could be compared to a puddle. She subconsciously was getting worried about a conflict breaking out - just, how... It felt unreasonable and yet at even the slightest indication that something could happen to the children, she could feel her muscles tensing. She didn't want to believe that the person in front of her had any ill intentions behind those words and yet, his comment cut her like a blade. You've been taking care of them for a short time. That... Hurt. Ayu's eyes widened and she felt tears gathering in their corners, so her head turned away from the warrior, breaking eye contact. Tightening her lips into a thin line, she said nothing. That felt like a slap. Her hands slightly trembled when she curled them into fists.

Athren was now explaining in detail that he knew both Celric and Cress better than her, mentioning all the evidence that she could need to see the connection between the three of them. The Nova names, ship, he even mentioned her first meeting with Cress. It probably wasn't Saiyan's intention to rub salt into the wound but the only thing she could hear right now was - that everything she did wasn't necessary. In the end, it didn't matter at all that Ayu was looking after them for this short time. The fact that she offered her energy, love, and care meant nothing when the biological parent finally appeared. Athren expected her to step aside. Without questions. Without any expectations of her own. Just stand there quietly and let him take his daughter and son... There were no rights that Ayu expected to have when it came to those children. She couldn't have any of her own but it didn't mean that she was desperate enough to prevent Cress and Celric from meeting their father. Actually... If they were to meet Athren right now, would they feel the same way? Would they not turn around as they leave, and expect her to let them go without batting an eye, because he's their blood family and she's not..? Could their time on the Lookout mean so little in the end?

There were no family members by blood that she had and every person that she trusted enough to call her chosen family has left Ayu at some point.

With her heart shaken up by this thought a different voice in her head started to break the silence. The whisper that Ayu knew was getting stronger as time went by - to let them go. To sever this connection. If the Saiyan siblings wouldn't hesitate to go and wouldn't miss her, that was for the best. And if she truly cared, she would step back before her presence could do them any harm... Closing her eyes, she lowered her head. It would be wise to distance herself before they could get attached more, otherwise, the love and worry Ayu carried would become another shackle. There was no point in being there if her presence wasn't giving comfort or strength to anyone - and if they would be hesitant to grow because their action could cause Ayu concerns... She would only hold them back. And she would never wish for that.

Still, a small part of her wanted to hold those two close, and yet, as Athren said - they weren't hers to do so.

"Why do none of us remember you..?"She quietly asked the question that seemed to be even more urgent. "I am not denying that you're their father," of all things, that wasn't something that Ayu could doubt. The color of their eyes, the knowledge Athren possessed, and all the little details were in his favor. Though the intention he had... It felt genuine but before Ayu fell into a trap of trusting people too easily. She wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she let the children go so carelessly, to learn later that it caused them harm in any way. "I would like to know why, despite you standing in front of me, Celric would tell me that they don't know much about their parents, and Cress would say that she was living with mercenaries almost all their life." Now Ayu was looking into Athren's blue eyes, still cautious, uneasy but in a way her gaze seemed... Melancholic. Defeated. "Liari can take on a different form and change her Ki to be unrecognizable. There are people able to read minds and tangle memories of others. I'm not all-knowing either."

It would be hard to come up with an idea why would anyone snatch Cress or Celric from the Lookout - but there were a couple of thoughts. Someone who would try to blackmail her. They could be kept hostage... Or killed again for whatever reason. Evil doesn't have to be logical to cause mayhem, the vicious deeds were often whimsical by nature.

"I need to be certain that what you're saying is true," explaining again, she joined her hands together. Maybe Ayu was persistent... Maybe she was making it hard for Athren but she needed to be sure. "I won't be endangering the children by trusting a simple explanation just like that," the calmness in her voice was almost dull. The woman was growing tired but it changed nothing. Her cautiousness wasn't born out of spite that Athren was taking away her children but of care. In this world were hiding so many malicious beings, for so many reasons, and despite that life could still be twisted. "I wouldn't forgive myself if I would let them go and something would happen, only because I was deceived," she raised her head. This time not move an inch while her eyes were locked on Athren.

The last thing she could was to make sure that the warrior in front of her was meaning every word he said.

---

Power Level - 353,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,225
Total Word Count - 4,025

Ayu listened quietly, still worried, still uneasy - but with every word she started to wonder if her suspicion wasn't taking the better of her. Athren spoke about their situation, about Athric, and repeated her worries - at the same time making Ayu more concerned. Though when he started explaining why she couldn't remember him, why his own children didn't know his name or face - it made sense. In a weird, twisted but understandable way, everything made sense. Dragon Balls had just enough power to grant a wish like that and his reasoning was matching the events that Ayu could recall. Fight in the mountain, death of Cress and Celric, their graves, and their resurrection. Their holes in memories and things they couldn't at all remember.

It all was Athren's doing.

Ayu stroked her cheek slowly, feeling how heavy her heart was becoming. The mystery was being solved right here and right now, but it didn't make her feel any better. At the thought of what pushed the warrior to that choice, she felt tears gathering under her eyelids.

"... It must have b-been a difficult decision," she commented quietly, feeling touched and sad for Athren. Imagining how challenging it all must have been for him was making her heart hurt. "I k-know... It wasn't easy for you to go for such measures. But if, by some miracle, if it all will end well - please, give them their memories back," she pleaded, raising her eyes to look at Athren with a serious expression. "They miss you," that was easy to tell. He was away, so he couldn't know but Ayu saw the siblings every day. Celric and Cress were bright and brave, yet they were still children - parentless children. "Maybe their minds have forgotten but hearts remember... They know, deep down, that something is lacking in their lives. I can tell that this feeling isn't going away."

In a way, she could understand that. Being forgotten so easily, without a trace of any emotions - wasn't that a perfect solution..? If Ayu could be erased from the memory of others, everything else would disappear too. The burden, chains and balls, the pressure they felt from her presence and feelings. Everything. And yet, even if that idea was tempting, she couldn't do that. Could she..? There were still people she was responsible for, she had her duties as the future Guardian of Earth. Leaving all that behind... Maybe it would give them freedom but at the same time, the other type of burden would be put on their shoulders. Ayu couldn't allow that, that her choices would hinder others. Not anymore. If only she'd be able to somehow lessen her impact on others. If only she wouldn't feel everything so strongly.

If only she wouldn't feel anything at all.

Slowly, Ayu shook her head when Athren admitted that he did not know what to say to make her believe him.

"No. T-That's quite alright... I'm sorry." Ayu raised her arm, her hand running through her green hair as she brushed the locks framing her face aside. Tears began to gather in the corners of her eyes while the fingers rubbed her forehead slowly. She felt lost. Defeated. And tired... A faint tint of dark rose color patined an abashed blush on her face. Maybe it was caused by anxiety, maybe she got embarrassed by her actions or she started to feel everything at once. Who knew? It felt like a long time ago since she was able to tell what was happening in the mess that was called her mind. Ayu's expression dropped to a calm melancholy, while she took half a step to the side, somewhat turning her face away from Athren. "I know you're speaking the truth. I can sense it." Taking a deep breath Ayu closed her mouth, hoping he didn't see that her lips started to tremble. But even if, the first tear that rolled down her cheeks betrayed enough. "I-I apologize, I just..." She sighed. "I don't know anymore. I think I'm g-getting paranoid. A bit," rubbing the side of her neck she chuckled apologetically but her voice cracked with sadness.

Everything he told her was matching the missing puzzles. Way too well for her to be suspicious of him even more. Why Cress and Celric were here without a guardian, why they were traveling with mercenaries? Unless one of them had any connection to the siblings, it wouldn't make sense otherwise. After their death, she remembered Zerori and... Someone else, who buried the children, yet she couldn't tell who they were. It would match perfectly that Athren was the one laying his kids to graves in the quiet mountain - and the reason that they came back to life was explained to be because of Dragon Ball's magic. That's why they didn't know why they were alive once again, or no one else had any clue either. Seriously. She understood Athren's reasoning for making a wish to be forgotten by everyone... But couldn't he at least exclude his children from this? Maybe they couldn't remember him at all but Ayu knew that they missed him dearly. All this time when he wasn't there, Celric and Cress missed their father as if subconsciously they knew he was out there, somewhere in the universe.

He did it so nothing of his past could catch up to them, right..? Ayu wondered if her choices - actions and inactions - would sooner or later come to hurt her and those she cared about.

"There are so many things I still don't understand about Ki, magic, and the universe," Ayu spoke softly, joining her hands. "O-Others seem to plot all the time, trying to take advantage of possibly everything that could help them be the strongest... I'm s-sorry for being suspicious. All I wish for would be for this planet to be safe," she shivered, rubbing her arms. The simplest and most honest of her wishes was also impossible. And like Ayu has seen it many times before, everything was tied to power. Peace or war, was about strength. The mighty were conquering - and the peaceful needed force to protect what they held dear. That was the power that Ayu lacked... "I too wish for the children to be well. I'm trying my best to be cautious and make sure nothing would happen to them because o-of my carelessness." Her voice started to crack again, more tears dripped down her face. Ayu turned away, trying to wipe them with her sleeve. "But I-I think that my constant worrying about the f-future made me paranoid. I know you're not lying. Just..." She hesitated. She will miss them, of course. Yet the thing she was scared about more than them dying here on Earth, was sending them off into the unknown. It would be safer than Earth - or would it be? Ayu didn't know. There wasn't a single thing she was certain of anymore. "I fear that at this point no matter what I would do for them, I-I won't be able to help them in any way."

Because let's face it. Ayu was sure she couldn't save anyone, not anymore. All that awaited them all was the uncertain future. The fact that an idea started to sprout in her mind didn't mean that anything could be done. Only that, for once, she would refuse to be idle - yet she couldn't tell if that would be of any good.

"... I won't stop you," she said resigned - not because she was defeated in any way, but because Ayu didn't see any other solution here. She wiped the rest of the tears from her face. "And I'm sorry f-for... Being emotional. I-I tend to cry rather easily..." Ayu admitted in a tired, delicate voice, albeit very embarrassed that she couldn't hold back her tears.

It seemed that... Soon it will be time to say goodbyes. A bittersweet moment that was going to give her quite a heartache for the next months.

Maybe it would be the best for everyone if she had no feelings at all.

---

Power Level - 353,472 | 10 (Seal technique)
Word Count - 1,345
Total Word Count - 5,370