Big cities made Ayu uneasy. They were full of piercing noises, smells of fumes, and this foreign atmosphere like she wasn't welcomed in the modern maze... The busy, crowded streets and omnipresent haste were just too overwhelming for a poor soul yearning for nature's refuge. Of course, East City wasn't all that. There were trees and parks, and flower shops but that just wasn't enough for Ayu. In the cities, nature was under the law of usefulness and aesthetics but she felt most comfortable in a wild, harmonious forest. Where everything was calm, welcoming, and green... Right now, she was so badly out of place, she was very close to turning back and going home - but she couldn't. She had something to do. Yet, to make matters worse, she felt mistrustful gazes that were aiming at her face now and then. Asking for directions seemed impossible at this point. And besides... Locating a landmark in the metropolia would be a miracle! Ayu was easily lost in the jungle of steel, glass, and concrete. Finding her way to East City's University from the train station was hard enough. Despite her aversion to loud, crowded places, she still was here - with a spring coat, small purse, and a linen bag stuffed with heavy papers.

Her today's ordeal was rather unusual. Ayu barely got home from school and the central phone on the kitchen counter started ringing. It was Zhang. Not the first time he called his granddaughter from work, but it didn't happen as often as it should. He asked her to immediately bring him his students' papers and other university-related documents that were kept in his room. He forgot those last time and needed them right now in his office. Well, it wasn't so word-for-word that he asked, more like he demanded the errand to be done. Maybe it was her fault for wanting a bit of praise, but she obviously agreed. And after making sure that Ayu will bring the papers to him, he thanked her in his usual, dry tone. So it was up to her to find the stash of papers and folders, catch the bus to the nearest train station and take a long trip to the East City.

The journey was tiring, to say the least. It was already late afternoon when she arrived in the unwelcoming city. There was no time for sightseeing or looking for a place to rest. She had to finish what she started, and then go straight back home. Right. If Ayu could only find her way to the university as easily as she navigates the woods behind her house... More or less she remembered the way, so the girl took a turn towards the school's district. Her destination should be somewhere in this area and it's hard to miss the old and majestic building of East City's University.

As she walked, Ayu was passed by lots of people. The majority of them paid her no mind but some were giving her side eyes followed by whispers and occasional pointing, which only lead to nervous blush appearing on her face. She knew she was different and others' suspicion wasn't making it any easier. Her life energy felt foreign compared to theirs, no normal human would brag about greenish skin and... Well, no matter. Ayu tried her best not to look at all those families, couples, or groups of friends around. Compared to them, she was strolling alone without anyone to have a casual chat with. Like always. At this point, she should have gotten used to that. She wasn't good at making friends at her school, her grandfather was forever busy, and... No, no, no. Ayu really should stop feeling sorry for herself like that. Her plan was simple - bring what Zhang needed and go home. Easy and foolproof.

Until now.

Rush hours were passing and fewer people were on the streets, but Ayu felt something very distinct. A fuzzy foreboding in the back of her head, like a sixth sense ordering her to pay attention to her surroundings. At first, she shook it off, blaming it on her uneasiness in the city, keeping on walking, but it wasn't going away. It took the girl a moment to realize what was making her so anxious. She pulled the bag closer to her chest only so she could grasp it frantically. Her hands were trembling. One, two, three... No, four signatures around started feeling hostile. Not just unfriendly but wicked. And they were closing in like they intended to circle her... Ayu started walking faster, hearing the beating of her heart tapping on her eardrums. She had to make sure, she had to. She turned right next to the nearest building - they followed, she took a turn to the left ending in a less crowded street - they pursued.

Ayu stopped, standing in the middle of the pavement with her head tilting downward. What started as unclear worry quickly burst into ice-cold, nauseous fear. Was there anything to be done? Should she run? Fight? But how? Why they were after her? What did she do..? They felt way stronger than her and the citizens around, so a silent panic took a grasp on her chest. For a neutral spectator, she just froze suddenly, hugging a bag to her chest and shivering slightly. Her head went blank, she couldn't think of anything. Ayu's eyes were watering as she shut them close, terrified to her core when the signatures of her pursuers shortened the distance even more.

All around the city life was still bustling and her distress seemed unnoticed.

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 935

Fighting was something that Ayu despised. The thought of inflicting harm or pain on others was creating a sense of strong inner objection in her soul. As someone who spends long hours tending to wild animals or plants, she knew that injury could take days or weeks to heal. She just couldn't bring herself to damage anyone, knowing how long it takes for a wound to heal. And how easy it was to harm one another... She never attended school brawls, even verbal fights or provocations were met with her silent, bashful acceptance. Ayu would quietly step back, hating to get involved like that. Thus she wasn't able to tell if she could even fight back. Was her physical strength even worth it? Not mentioning the prowess... Anxiety was growing and growing overshadowing reality. Was it the stress or her unskilful ability, Ayu just couldn't sense her energy right, which weighted on her reaction - though how was she supposed to be aware of that?

And pursuers were getting closer with every passing moment. The girl felt first tears rolling down her cheeks, out of reflex she clutched her bag tighter. Someone grabbed it, another individual was about to get hold of her arm... What Ayu could do? Living in silence on the side of others' life, she was too used to being ignored and unnoticed - and now something opposite than expected has happened, filling her with dread. A cold knot in her stomach and her body shivering was a natural, but strong reaction. Ayu literally froze, both overwhelmed by the situation and the bitter hostility of her pursuers. To put it bluntly, she was too scared to move, shivering in fear. Even her signature which was supposed to be stronger than theirs felt weaker, like candlelight flickering unevenly and trembling in the wind.

But... There was another presence dangerously close by. And as she fuzzily noticed it, the owner of that energy appeared next to them and spoke. A stronger, cold shiver danced on Ayu's spine. The others shifted their focus from her to the mysterious person that was shortening the distance... Ayu dared not to open her eyes. The amount of energy of this person and the feel of it - it was cold. Maybe she couldn't figure out his full intention, but even if he was somehow as hostile as others, his energy felt like the emotions ran cold and dry. Did his appearance mean that things will get better - or the opposite? The only small comfort in this situation was that he seemed not concerned about her at this moment. Without much of a word or glance, Ayu stood there, silently listening to the scene that happened in front of her. She'd love to fly away, to run away, but her legs were too heavy. The pressure in the air changed, she could feel the people in the crowd stopping as they noticed that some kind of commotion was happening on the street. Maybe someone would get help. Maybe it won't be that bad. Maybe - but she couldn't open her eyes. Men were talking, one malevolent voice against an indifferent one. The energy of the stranger was still growing, wait, was that person going to...

The suddenly fired energy startled her. Ayu jumped in place, lowering her head like she hoped she could curl into a small ball. There was a blast, the movement of air that brushed against her hair, a sound of a body hitting the pavement... It w-was real. It was real. The life signature of the shot man was rapidly dropping. He flew right next to her, stabbed in the chest by the blast, and now he was dying. It felt so abstract at this moment, but she couldn't deny it. There were moments where Ayu felt distant life forces dying out, but never was she in presence when it happened. The stranger was unfazed and due to sheer pressure, the other pursuers started backing away.

Ayu realized she could breathe again, but another load was added to the heavy dread pressing down her shoulders. Only now she took a risk of slowly opening her eyes - it was still an evening, and the world didn't disappear. People around scattered in a mild panic, after all, it was a street brightened by daylight... But her gaze was fixed on the ground. There was a small splatter of blood on the pavement next to Ayu, drops of it dyed her left shoe and heam of her skirt. Her widened eyes followed the faint trail - she turned around to see a body of a man dressed in a tracksuit dirtied with a dark red stain on his chest. He was lying on the ground inertly, devoid of any traces of life force. That hit her with nauseous reality and shock - this man was killed. Right here, right now, in front of her. Even though she was afraid of him, even if he had gods know what kind of intentions... She hated to see him dead. Other tears appeared in her eyes and she had no clue now who was the case of them. Ayu's face turned pale, she could hear her heart throbbing in her ears.

He will kill them.

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 873

The feeling of life slipping away was sickening. Energy ran out and was gone, as simple as that. Now a lifeless body was laying down on the street with a scarce splatter of blood under it, the redness soaked by the fabric of the clothes. The man was dead. Life was taken away so easily, almost too easily and Ayu couldn't shake the feeling that... Was it her fault? Her hands trembled when she felt another shiver running through her spine. If she have done something, anything, maybe the stranger wouldn't intervene using such dramatic measures... Yet she was too scared to move, let alone act in her defense. Uselessly so. Even now the dread was creeping into her soul, not allowing her to breathe easily. Ayu couldn't picture herself running away or fighting back, so in her case, it all would end up poorly if it wasn't for outside help. Does she have the right to frown upon the kind of help she got? The silent body in front of her wasn't going to answer.

She didn't approve of this aid, but the fear constrained her voice in her throat. Maybe a bit of backbone would have changed earlier events, but it was too late to dwell on that - one of her pursuers was dead already. The girl found herself still standing in one spot, with her frame trembling and on the verge of a panic attack. Even if he wasn't a person with good intentions, Ayu didn't wish for his harm or death. No, she wouldn't even consider that... Was there no other way to stop them? Or to stop the ongoing madness that happened in the evening in the East City? The rest of the pursuers were still there.

Sensing the desire to fight she looked at the stranger. Ki rapidly grew, a violet glow dyed the silhouette slowly walking towards terrified men. Their fear and conflicted emotions were now clearly echoing in their energies. She badly wanted to shout at the cloaked figure, ask him to stop, but her voice was gone as well as the rest of her strength. He will kill them, Ayu was convinced about that. He will kill them, another three beings would fade from this world today. This cold energy was growing, ruthless, and devoid of mercy. No, no, please... Tears rolled down her pale cheeks, when the girl turned around, staring at the back of the stranger for a brief moment. She couldn't speak - but she was able to take hurried steps and grab his cloak between her thumb and pointing finger, pulling weakly. Stop. Please stop. Her arm was shivering, but despite her weakened state she didn't want to let go. She expected to be yelled at, maybe the hostility would even switch back to her, yet she didn't predict that the problem would solve itself.

In a very anticlimatic change of events... The rest of the pursuers ran away. One moment later they were gone from their sight, she still felt them frantically fleeing through the maze of buildings.

Was it over?

In a state of shock, Ayu let go of the cloak. She blinked like she couldn't comprehend what just happened, teardrops caught on her eyelashes. The throbbing sound that was deafening a while ago quieted down while everything was slowly returning to normal. With a silent, but uneven breathing, she closed her eyes, trying to calm down completely - though not everything in her surrounding was helping with that. When the stranger walked toward her, the feeling that accompanied him was matching irritation too well and Ayu couldn't help but feel another stabbing sensation of worry. She looked up at him, at the neutral yet tepid expression. He was half a head taller than the girl, with spiky brown hair giving the sense of additional height. The green device on the side of his face was softly blinking, obstructing one of the vigilant eyes. All in all, his presence was overwhelming... Even if he seemed now calmer than a moment ago when he was facing the ex-pursuers, Ayu took two steps back, raising her hand defensively. She was looking at the man with a mix of anxious reserve and shy gratitude. Maybe her eyes were even tinted with fear, who knew, she quickly lowered her head avoiding the stranger's gaze.

"I-I-" The question confused her even more. Between all the things that happened and the body laying on the ground, she was getting more and more lost. As the weight of the events was skinking in, Ayu started to feel exhausted, though her mental state wasn't going to let her relax just yet. Is that what animals feel in face of the predators? What should she do now? Well, someone acted first. She never suspected that the man would lean down and clean her shoe using his clothing. The bloody stain was gone. Ayu stood frozen through this moment, but the action wasn't hostile, nor was it alarming. It might have been even apologetic, or was she exaggerating that thought? But maybe it wasn't... That bad..? "Thank you." Ayu muttered softly, her gentle voice now timid. Still holding the bag close to her chest, she wiped her tears. It looked like she wasn't going to run out of tears anytime soon, but they slowed down visibly. "Could I s-stand a chance..? I don't know. I d-don't fight." She couldn't hide her shaky and weak voice. She touched her warm forehead, stroking hair out of the way. Pale yellow eyes were simply conflicted. It was too much for the girl, she now only wanted to get back to her home, to quiet green seclusion. "E-energy is all fuzzy," she admitted lowering her tone. Compared to others her life signature felt less sharp, more like it was blurred... She thought that was normal - seems she was mistaken.

Right. There was something she had to do. The Saiyan sat nearby casually asking her about details, though Ayu was still on edge. She was standing there with occasional shivers reminding her that she did not stop being affected by the shock.

"Just a passer-by. I don't even live he-here." No, tears won't help. As shaken as she was, Ayu took a deep, slow breath placing her hand over her heart. When she spoke again, her voice was calmer and much more composed, though not deprived of anxious tones. "I was on my way to the University where my grandfather works. He's always busy. He a-asked me to bring him the students' papers that he graded during the weekend but forgot to bring with him yesterday." Ayu slightly tilted her head down. Zhang never called. And if he did, he always had her do some kind of task... She really should accept that he wasn't going to have a change of heart and call her because he missed his granddaughter. "They are pretty overdue so I was in hurry. I was going straight there when they-" she stopped abruptly. That was all...

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 1170

The clear conflict in her head was slowly settling down. Ayu felt guilty. It's all because of her carelessness... A life was lost and someone was exposed to danger. Maybe if she'd have taken a different street? Maybe if she'd have stopped Saiyan from attacking... Or maybe if she'd have enough backbone to act on her own - there was a countless number of maybes and Ayu started to feel sick. No, nothing good would come from tormenting herself like that, though that uneasy feeling was going to linger in her soul for quite a while. Now she was torn between being grateful for a stranger's help and feeling an aversion toward the fact, that someone was killed in front of her. Perhaps despite her first reaction and calming down, the weight of everything hasn't started sinking in. It was surreal. It was too much for her and now...

No. Ayu had to stand her ground.

She was, for now at least, safe. Pursuers scattered around and she was left alone, in the company of the man who saved her. Right... Calming down the frantically beating heart wasn't so easy. Ayu tried to listen to the stranger, though had some trouble stabilizing her breath. Eyes with tears and the initial dread started fading away and she nodded at Saiyan's statement. She felt the Ki around her, all right... Since he made it sound like this, perhaps, was he unable to sense the energy signatures himself? Then how could he confirm that her level was close to the others..? Or find her being surrounded here for that matter? A blinking dot on the green glass made it clear. Right... He must have been using that device on his head. Ayu knew that the ability to read energy wasn't something common, but she thought that most Saiyans were able to use it - thought it could be simply a false impression. She knew too little about other races and planets to make any kind of guesses.

"Put up a fight...", she repeated after him unconsciously. That was an alien idea to Ayu. The closest contact she had with martial arts was when her classmate said he was training judo - and that was it. The young woman never thought about getting into that. Fighting to protect herself and others was a noble thing, but it never occurred to her that she could be strong enough to undergo the training. It simply wasn't so obvious. Maybe for a Saiyan, who came from a warrior race and it was natural and common for them to engage in that activity, but on Earth? Earthlings weren't about that. Ayu never paid attention to getting physically stronger, she was too focused on her studies and plants to consider exercise. Although being mindful of her mental prowess could benefit her in the future, and like they said - a sound mind in a sound body. Maybe there was a reason for this madness..?

It felt almost like she was passing the report. Why she was here and what was she doing... Nothing was unusual or suspicious in her actions, that's why Ayu wasn't questioning this situation more. But maybe she should have? She couldn't make anything from Saiyan's expression but for once she composed herself - well, more or less. Considering the shivers and tears in the corners of her eyes, the fact that this time she didn't take a step back when he shortened the distance between them, well, it was an improvement.

The documents weren't important to her, only to her grandfather. This little internal correction seemed pointless, but it didn't matter. University wasn't that far away, but the young woman needed to get a grip of herself - though for a moment it wasn't about documentation. Ayu blinked slowly, raising her head to look at the Saiyan in silent wonder. His proposition surprised her, not only because she wasn't expecting it, but the energy she sensed didn't betray his thoughts. He wasn't taking pity on her, so it was genuine..? A lost ray of late sunlight warmed her face when she wiped down the rest of her tears. Ayu smiled gently, but in a way apologetically, like she was trying to say that she was sorry for dragging him into her troubles. And although still wary of the stranger and cautious with her words, she couldn't help but wonder if maybe she was mistaken at first. There was no hostility in his presence, not towards her at least.

"Are you sure..? I'm thankful that you helped me, but I'd hate t-to take more of your time." Ayu asked softly. Before she could say anything more both of them could hear a distant noise. Sounded like voices and vehicles approaching..? "... I'm afraid we made a commotion," her gaze slipped away, toward the body laying nearby. She felt cold, unpleasant shivers each time she saw it and Ayu's expression darkened with sadness. Judging by the sound of fuss several streets away, maybe someone decided to intervene or check what has happened here.

Perhaps they should leave this area. East City University wasn't even that far from where they were standing.

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 857

The world was a weird place, and right now Ayu was involved in one of many events labeled as unlikely to happen. Being pursued, saved, now talking with the one who offered her his aid... What was she feeling? The cold, dry sensation of the stranger's Ki was now swirling around with doubts. Her mind was always sensitive to others' emotions, so the young woman looked at him hesitantly. As much as she was able to say, Ayu perceived some sort of confusion underlying his presence. Maybe even an impression of... Compassion wasn't the right word, but for a split second, he didn't feel as distant as before. Yet, could she even name it that way and believe her very own senses? It's not like she was skilled with that. Saiyan's energy was collected, tepid by nature, and sharp. Like a polished blade... He was the one most dangerous in this alley, even when thugs were approaching. Ayu couldn't shake the feeling that despite his help, which she appreciated from the bottom of her heart, he wasn't genuine. Part of his energy was obscured and hidden in the shade and she was growing reluctant because of that.

And then he placed his hand on her shoulder and Ayu jumped in place, startled. Her eyes blinked slowly and a nervous blush rose on her face, while the hands holding her bag fidgeted. She listened to his words - understanding them well, as what he was saying was perfectly reasonable, just... To defend themselves, one would have to fight eventually, even if that means killing the pursuer. Who couldn't, will have their life ended as prey. If he was a soldier, he surely didn't have an easy life. Simply mentioning seeing blood and death on daily basis made Ayu's eyes mellow a little when compassion grew in her core. Undoublty, he was skilled with combat and as he assured her, taking care of any pursuers lurking around the East City wouldn't be a problem... And only the vision of her, being the reason for another death this evening, was still keeping her from asking for help. Ayu was aware that fighting wasn't a bad thing - it was natural for survival. Yet, was she able to take a part in this fight? She wasn't sure, not at all.

The time was a pressing matter and she had to make a choice. While the ticking sound of her pulse was anxiously telling her to make haste, Ayu felt that her body shivered again. Signatures all around were gathering to find the source of this commotion - who was there to pursue her again, who was there to help? How could she tell..? Tension grew only stronger when the stranger confirmed that indeed, it wouldn't take long before someone would find them and the cold body lying on the pavement. If possible, she'd like to avoid any more trouble. Pressing her lips into a thin line, Ayu finally nodded.

Was she putting her trust in him? Yes.

Was it a good choice? She didn't know.

"Me? N-no-" she spoke after a good while of pondering, only to give a disappointing answer to the stranger's question. Ayu saw people soaring in the skies but was never able to lift herself a mere inch from the ground. Before she could even suggest a different way out, she was grabbed and held by the stranger's arms, who carried her weight like it was nothing. Ayu got even quieter than before, happy that the shawl around her neck and shoulders was now obstructing her face... Because the blush that flashed over her was most likely as red as traffic lights - judging by the heat on her cheeks. I-it would be rude to say anything, while they are on the run, r-right..? Raising to the building above in a matter of seconds, the young woman closed her eyes when met with a cooler breeze. The wind messed up the green braid, but it felt great on her face and the view was breathtaking. The sky was darkening on the edge of the horizon, while the majority displayed all shades of blues and yellows behind the dark outlines of buildings. One of them looked very familiar.

"It's th-there," Ayu pointed to the side, where the University's edifice was standing tall and mighty.

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 719
Total Word Count - 4,554

They were on the run. Ayu and the stranger weren't exactly criminals, but if they would be caught, they might be held responsible for what has happened - and the body laying on the pavement in the alley was one piece of evidence too many. It wasn't a young woman's intention to have someone killed this evening or to be a witness to such traumatic sight... Alright, perhaps Saiyan was a criminal if he was able to take a life so easily and effortlessly, but she was still conflicted about that thought. Saiyan culture was something she wasn't familiar with, she didn't know what was the base of his behavior or what motor drive there was to his actions... And yet, the young man was a soldier. He most likely has learned to kill quickly, before he'd be killed, acting on instinct and reasoning to survive. If seeing her there, in the alley, frozen in fear, made him react automatically, who was at fault now..? She for not being able to move an inch, or Saiyan, acting on instinct? It was a difficult subject for a debate, but the cold feeling in her chest was still whispering to Ayu, that if it wasn't for her, no blood would be spilled tonight. She was a coward.

It was pure luck that she was saved. Saying that the Saiyan came like a knight to the rescue would be such a stretch, but she was still grateful for his presence. Because if she would be there all alone, things wouldn't look so good for her...

And now, in a firm grip of her savior, Ayu was quietly getting used to the rhythm of jumping from one building to another. He bounced off the roof easily like it was child's play. Ayu felt the breeze rushing from above and the sensation of rising in the air... The current caressed her face, fluttered the clothes and a peek to the side showed her an amazing view. The panorama of the city was breathtaking. The sky on one side was still bright and blue, smeared with the lovely yellow color of the sun that was slowly going to hide behind the horizon... While the other side of the firmament was getting darker, as the night was creeping through the evening to claim the sky above. As they were up in the air, gravity pulled them both down. The air current changed, messing her hair and they rushed down towards the nearest roof... Ayu shut her eyelids, only to anxiously peek with one eye to see if they won't crush, but no. The soft fall was followed by a sense of pressing down when the bouncing sensation happened, and again, they shut up towards the sky. One, two times, and again and again... It wasn't an unpleasant feeling.

She couldn't fly. She couldn't properly feel herself and was on the more bashful side of the society here... The last thing that could be told about her, was that Ayu was combative. No. She hated this type of confrontation and as seen above, her mind went blank and she didn't know what to do. In fact, that wasn't the only one situation when she wasn't aware she could stand up for herself, but that was something else... Finding words now was difficult. Ayu only nodded when being told that it would be faster and easier to hold her while they move. The stranger grabbed her as he pleased and took her here, up, so they were running away using rooftops as the cushions. What could she say? That she didn't like that and wanted him to stop? Opposing wouldn't do any good, besides, Saiyan was completely right. Carrying her through the town this way was more effective than walking on the ground... With her stamina and people looking for the culprits of that murder, it wouldn't be easy to blend in with the crowd. But it didn't mean that holding her made Ayu any less shy or less blushed.

"Um, w-well..." she started softly, gathering resolve to speak up her mind. "You didn't have to, but I'm still thankful," the young woman thanked him before, but she had a feeling that her gratitude didn't break through the distinct wall she felt around him. There was the air of... Loneliness and alertness, being on his guard, and something inside Ayu wanted to make sure that he knows she was grateful. For his sake or hers - she wasn't able to tell. Yet, she didn't expect an introduction in the heat of the moment as they were running away. Corners of her lips curled into a small, cordial smile. Jorey? Glad to finally know what was the name of someone she met in such distress. "My name is Ayu," she added, pulling the bag with the documents closer to her chest.

With each jump and step, the distance between them and the university's building was growing shorter. The tall building with wide wings and multum of departments sticking to the main construction like they were glued looked very original but puzzling. How did it even work..? Yet, here they were, near the East City's University. Ayu was there a few times. Each time her visit ended on the ground floor when she talked with her grandfather on the phone or chatted briefly when he appeared called by the front desk. To be honest, she didn't have a chance to walk around the university... But there was simply enough time to snatch one of the pamphlets and learn more about the Biology Department, mostly about the studies focused on botany. Maybe this time she could have a walk there, and peek here and there..? That was only wishful thinking, after all, more than anything right now she wanted to hand the papers to Zhang and get back home.

"It's okay to land in front of the entrance," Ayu let Jorey know about the preferred way of walking inside. Saiyans were a little unpredictable, so it was only to make things clearer. "I'd get inside, to the front desk, so they could call my grandfather..." she explained, hoping that he won't feel pressured to walk inside with her.

---

Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 1,034
Total Word Count - 5,588

The cool air of the evening was pleasant and calming. This time of the day in the city was so different from the quiet time in the forests, but the sensation was the same. If only the jungle of steel and glass was a tad bit more welcoming...

At this point, Ayu couldn't tell if it was Jorey's goodwill that saved her or simply his tepid resolve to maintain order around. The sharpness of his Ki told her that he had more in common with a vigilante rather than a regular law enforcer, but she couldn't say much about his attitude towards life. The Saiyan was frugal with his words, offering no explanations behind his motives. Was the kill necessary or simply what he chose to do? That thought was going to haunt her for a while... He seemed annoyed when he spotted her and the pursuers, but Ayu couldn't figure out the reason behind it. Was there kindness under his rough edges? Or maybe his aid was caused by irritation at the men that pursued her and irritation alone? That was hard to tell and she wasn't feeling comfortable enough to push him with her questions. Despite the calmness and his composure, Ayu still considered the man intimidating. There was something about him, the way he attacked people, that made her wary - but she was slowly dropping her guard when he tried to comfort her. She trusted him out of her own will, she'll see if it was the right thing to do...

Yet instinct told the young woman that attempting to dig for the reason of his help won't be welcomed. She wasn't feeling like she had the right to do that anyway... Let's leave it at that. She glanced at the world around with growing wonder in her eyes. The view was truly beautiful, making her forget for a while about the danger she barely avoided... It soothed her. How cruel - when life was so simple everything was stunning, but when things were getting complicated Ayu was becoming an anxious mess. Jorey's response reminded her about it. She had to agree with this short explanation - if the thugs following her would have gotten any more aggressive, if Jorey wasn't there, it wouldn't end pretty. She couldn't help but pull the shawl over her mouth, to hide the skittish smile. It was luck that they met today, otherwise... No, she didn't want to think about it.

"I g-guess you're right..." she muttered, lowering her voice. Her hands fidgeted slightly when the fingers' grip tightened on the fabric of her bag. It wasn't a fully convincing explanation but it was enough for her. Ayu tried once again to focus on the view in front of her, but her eyes glanced at the Saiyan and-... W-wait, did his face turn red? She was positive that the flush of this color for a moment appeared on Jorey's cheeks. Did Ayu say something annoying again..? She looked away in silence, only nodding when he responded to her introduction, abashed that she's being obnoxious here. Social interactions were hard when she was prone to anxiety and worrying that her words are annoying others... It was easier to be quiet. But luckily, before things could get any more awkward, they reached the building of the University, and pretty quickly Saiyan landed on the ground. The trip was short, but despite all, enjoyable.

"Thank you," she said it again - this time out of habit when he placed her down. It was normal to say that while someone helped one out, right? Ayu wasn't at all used to being carried by someone. It was the first time such an event occurred, so when he let her down, helping her stand, she instinctively held for a moment to his arm to make sure her legs won't betray her and there be no close meetings with the pavement. After making sure that nothing would happen she realized what she was doing and let go of him. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks and Ayu raised her hand defensively. "Ah, I'm s-sorry, I didn't mean..." she stroked her arm abashed and slowly shook her head to collect her thoughts. Jorey's statement came to her rescue so she didn't have to worry about stuttering flustered explanation.

The young woman was convinced that this was the place where their paths were separating. Hearing the Saiyan saying something different made her tilt her head to gaze at him pensively. She never would have guessed that he was ready to accompany her inside or look out for anyone that would be considered a threat to her. That was... Very kind of him. Ayu's features softened and she smiled gently.

"My grandfather is inside, so it should be alright," she assured him softly and glanced through the window in the door inside the main building. The hall was full of people, but luckily at this hour the front desk wasn't occupied, so she should be done with her fetching quest soon. She gestured to the entrance. "You can come with me if you'd like, but I'd hate to keep you here any longer..." hesitation appeared if her voice. She took enough of his time already... But if Jorey wanted to stay watching out for any suspicious person that was his decision, yet Ayu felt obligated to make sure he wasn't going out of his way for her too much. "I will be alright. Either way, it should take only a moment," and with a small smile, she walked in - with the Saiyan accompanying her or not.

It wasn't the first time Ayu saw the East City University main building, but it was always making an impression on her. High vault. Paintings on the wall, elegant pillars, lots and lots of stairs and corridors twisting and turning in every wing of this place. And students and professors were walking around every waking hour. It was a cradle of science on this continent, and maybe with a bit of luck, Ayu would be attending this place very soon... But that wasn't a thought for today. She was walking towards the front desk, determined to finish what she started and relieved that she made it here in one piece.

"Ah, yes, g-good evening," Ayu stepped up to the man working behind the desk at the free stand. He glanced at her with tepid, tired eyes and nodded, giving a sign that he was listening. She explained her situation. "I came to visit my grandfather, Zhang Yibai. I brought him something, it's important. He works a-at the Department of Genetics here," Ayu muttered while the employee nodded, typing on the keyboard. After a moment he asked her for documentation and Ayu pulled out her ID from the wallet. The man smacked his lips, returned the card, typed something again, nodded, and reached for the phone.

"Mr. Yibai, your granddaughter is he-" the poor man's monotonous voice was entirely overpowered by a gruff tone from the other side.

"Make sure she stays right there!" Zhang almost shouted into the phone and immediately hung up. Ayu blinked, startled by this reaction. Her hands started trembling, so she pulled the bag closer to her chest to hide it. The worker put away the device and shrugged unmoved, pointing with his head to the side. There was no other choice but to listen to him... She walked away from the stand to make space for other people, standing near the pillar in the building's hall. Waiting for her grandfather to come, as he instructed her few hours ago.

Ayu started feeling nervous.

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Power Level - 5,842
Word Count - 1,271
Total Word Count - 6,859