Thing about mindsets and convictions was that they weren't always overlapping - and people were full of contradictions. It applied to what was going in the head of one person, or to interaction between individuals with different beliefs... Like right now. Talking with Liari, albeit fun and rewarding, proved difficult when Ayu mentioned fighting with others and, well, punching them. She just couldn't grasp that hitting others for fun wasn't the most pleasant sensation for them... Or picking on weaker or those who weren't any threat to the blue individual. If she has awoken not so long ago, for how long was she roaming around the Earth? What has Liari done in that time..? Was she fighting or causing trouble for others? Or both? The young woman suspected that it wasn't malice, simply a lack of awareness. She was able to recognize Ayu's emotion and she reacted so strongly to that, but what about others? Their intentions, desires, feelings, and thoughts? Again, like a child who was only now learning about social interactions... Or caring only about those she liked? It was hard to tell. She would be so easily misunderstood with a mindset like that and prone to finding troubles, now it put some weight on Ayu's heart. They have roughly been together for the whole morning and she was already worrying about her wellbeing. What if she would get into trouble she wouldn't be able to break through? Or offend someone by accident?

To be perfectly honest, Ayu wasn't sure she got to know Liari through and through. Of course, she couldn't say that she wasn't genuine in her feelings, as her Ki was crystal clear and full of emotions, but she didn't know how she acts with others. People tend to act differently in the situations they are in, trying to adapt and overcome the obstacles. And now Bluebell basically told her that she punches people for fun, which wasn't the best hobby for someone like her... Think Ayu.

Think.

"You need to find someone who would like to fight with you," Ayu pulled Liari closer to her, trying to think of an example that would be clear enough for Bluebell to understand and would soothe her irritation. Even if her pouting face was adorable, she was now confused and Ayu didn't want that. Stroking her head, she was looking for the right choice of words, "Otherwise... Let's say - what would happen if you'd be busy eating delicious cookies with me, and someone would hit you because they were bored and wanted to fight?" she asked softly, using the girl's own words as a model to describe the unwanted situation. Hopefully, it would be transparent enough and would incline some understanding. If not, she was going to try again until Liari would have a better picture of what she was trying to say. "I'm sure you'd be mad that they are mean to you." Ayu nodded lightly, because who wouldn't be mad at this situation? "Now, imagine. Two people eating and having fun, and you decided to punch them." Ayu tilted her head to look at the Bluebell's face. "Wouldn't they think that you are being mean to them..?"

Seems that Ayu will have to do a lot of brainstorming to figure out how to explain everything to Liari... She sighed softly, stroking her blue head. It was going to be a very important and complicated duty - but - for the sake of this little one, she'll find a way.

"Besides, my little sister is so cute and loving and I want others to like her too," Ayu chuckled affectionately, pulling her closer to her chest. Her voice softened a little, and a tone of melancholy danced within. "But if you're going to punch them if they don't want to spar, they would be mistaken and think you're a mean blue girl..." She rubbed her own cheek, wondering if a situation like that has already happened... Well, let's hope it hasn't. Liari was a loveable child, but her understanding of social norms, interactions, and everything set by rules was like a blank page. If she was to make sure that she won't get herself in any dangerous situation, she'd have to put some pieces of advice or general guidelines on her moral page... It was exerting a bit of pressure, that awareness that is - but seeing the blushed face and feeling how strongly and tightly she was hugged again, Ayu's heart was about to turn into a puddle once again. "A pretty Bluebell." She said, cuddling the girl and stroking her back, carefully resting her cheek on the tip of the blue head. Steam coming from the holes on her body was a curious phenomenon, but then again - every person was different, though she had a hunch that was how Liari was showing abashment. Ayu smiled warmly, unaware that her face softened into a tender expression while she held her little sister in a caring embrace.

And she just knew that Bluebell would like the magic tree.

"Again, w-well..." Now it was Ayu's turn to get abashed when praised so much, she stroked her cheek and put a green lock of hair behind her ear. Heat on her face appeared out of nowhere, so to shake it off she focused on something else. She patted the spot next to her, pulling Bluebell there, so the two of them could enjoy some shade together and have a quiet, comfortable spot to admire how the light was playing with leaves above. "I don't know why I can do this." She... Didn't really know much, huh? Ayu's eyes lightly narrowed with uneasiness but brightened when she looked at the tree. "I always liked plants and flowers, I knew how they are feeling. I don't think others can sense that... And not long ago I realized I can help them grow like that." With a prick of her energy apple tree above them blossomed into a crown full of delicate, white flowers, petals adorned with a pink blush. Would Liari be able to do that too? That was a curious question. Callion seemed to think that only Ayu was in a possession of that type of power, but what if it would be something that others could learn?

"I don't know... Maybe you could?" she pondered. "Do you know about Ki? That energy that's inside you and me and every being alive?" Looking at the leaves and flowers above, Ayu mused about it. She'd hate to give Liari false hope if that lesson would be pointless... The young woman leaned over her sister, speaking softly, a bit troubled. "I'm not sure I could make a good teacher, b-but if you'd like, we could try one day. But I can't promise I can teach you that..." Ayu gave her an apologetic smile, patting Bluebell's head. "I don't know if I could teach anyone or if it even can be learned. There are things that I can't learn too... People have different skills and that's okay - it would be boring if we all be the same, right?" she winked at her, wondering what would now she imagine. Was it a world full of Liaris? Should be fun, but without a doubt could get exhausting and tedious after a while. To make sure her little sister wouldn't sulk about this one, she stroked her back and smiled. "Yet I'm sure there's something that only you can do and what's making you unique. If you like to fight, I'm sure you're plenty stron too," she added with admiration.

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Super Weighted Clothing Equipped
Power Level - 27,973
PL with SWC - 6,993
Word Count - 1,263
Total Word Count - 8,010

Ayu was genuinely worried for her blue friend. For her cute adoptive little sister... For this adorable Bluebell. Looking at this soft face with smooth features and shiny, rubbery skin, she once again wondered what kind of creature Liari was. Because she was innocent in this dangerous way, that influenced her naivety in a whole spectrum of ways. Was it natural for her species or something unique to her? Right now Ayu didn't know if Liari trusted her because she simply felt that she was honest with her feelings towards her or a different factor was playing in the back. Despite their short time together, her well-being was now the highest priority on Ayu's list - because, she cared. Too much, even if it was bad for her, but she couldn't help it. But why does Liari like her back? Was it only because the green-skinned young woman showed her compassion and care? If... If someone else did it, would Liari feel the same? And if that person would only act, having ulterior motives in mind, what would have happened..? The sole thought of that was scary enough to make her shiver. Even if the blue girl was so starved for affection, it wouldn't be right to use it against her... But she couldn't speak for others. Only for herself.

Ayu preferred to think they bonded because both of them cared. Because they clicked, looking for the same thing and they found it in each other - but it wasn't ideal of course. Bluebell was amazing and was fully capable of getting rid of the lonely bitterness Ayu felt for years in just a few sweet moments. But there were things she was lacking. Simple mind, straightforward form of speaking, having itchy fists and all... Of course, Ayu never blamed her for that. Thinking otherwise wouldn't be right. Although she was perfect as she was, some things could lead to trouble in her way of understanding how the world works. Ayu was glad that her manner of thinking and speaking was easy to understand, and Liari was able to easily grasp what she was trying to tell her... At least that. But the young woman was still concerned. It wasn't possible to stay by her side every day, for every waking hour... That's why she wanted to make sure she would remember some things to help her stay out of dangerous situations.

"I'm glad. You're a smart girl Bluebell," with genuine praise Ayu stroked her head, but her face frowned for a split second after hearing the rest of her statement. Was Liari idolizing her? Doing everything right... Ayu's mind easily slipped into memories she wasn't keen on seeing again. Dead body on the pavement, yelling Zhang, the flowers withering and dying in her hands... Doing everything right was only her wishful thinking. If people wouldn't be able to make mistakes, they would never learn from them nor grow or change. Even if that accounted for the things that mattered, wouldn't it be beautiful to do right only that what was important? Yet the world was cruel and unforgiving, with people needing to learn the things the hard way. The bigger the mistake, the stronger the outcome, and although painful, there was always something to be gained from that. Whether people liked it or not. "I... I don't do everything right," Ayu felt the faintest blush dancing on her cheeks before she slowly shook her head. No, Ayu was far from being a perfect or fully capable person. She was only a young adult trying her best to find her place in this world. "But I try my best, that's what matters", she finished with a tender smile. The Bluebell was blushing again, with steam dancing in the air. Liari's reactions were lovely, but poor sweetie, it was obvious that she wasn't used to compliments and fondness...

So when she framed Ayu's face again with her small, warm hands, the young woman covered them with her own, softly embracing her fingers and giving her a gentle smile. She wasn't sure why Liari was studying her face with such dedication, checking every corner, nook, and cranny of her features, and she didn't have a moment to ask why... Because after showing her the magic trick she announced with all the seriousness that she would do something like that too.

"Be careful," Ayu was already behaving in an older-sister fashion, so it wasn't strange for her to give the little one bit of advice. Liari leaped from her embrace and moved away as if she was predicting that she would make an even bigger tree and was saving space for that. Ayu observed quietly when the little girl crouched and fired up her Ki. That was... Interesting, but not necessary, yet it was Bluebell's way of showing how serious she was. The hue of her energy was focused and compressed reflecting her resolve... Nothing happened. Disconsolate Liari glared at the soil as if the ground did it on purpose, keeping inside any sprouting seeds - such a scheme! Ayu sighed slowly, standing up and dusting her clothing. Mumbling Bluebell, now sitting on the ground and looking like an angry puppy was both cute and waking up her instinct to try comforting the pouting child.

"Remember what I said before?" she walked towards her, crouching in front of Liari to pat her smooth head. With a warm voice, she tried explaining what she could, hoping that Liari won't be too disappointed... After all, Ayu wasn't sure how she learned Chlorokinesis or if others could possess this ability as well. "People have different skills. I'm sure there's something you're amazing at too. I wish you could show me one day. But when it comes to plants..." Ayu glanced at the tree she helped grew and an idea came to her mind. A pretty nice idea indeed... With a bright face and pleased smile, she looked back at Bluebell. "I can promise you one thing. It won't be as fast, but you surely can make a plant grow too," Ayu stretched out her hand curling all but one finger and showing off her pinky. "When you get to my home to visit me, I will show you how to do this. Promise?"

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Super Weighted Clothing Equipped
Power Level - 27,973
PL with SWC - 6,993
Word Count - 1,044
Total Word Count - 9,054

There were many words that Ayu could use to describe her little Bluebell. Cobalt. Stubborn and innocent. Small. Emotional. So headstrong... And so, so irrationally cute.

Maybe that was a pretty contradicting statement, but each time Liari got angry, making this unimpressed face, Ayu was both concerned about her little sister and tendered by her expression... She was moved and just a tiny bit amused because of her pouted face. It felt like she was looking at an irritated hamster with her blue puffed cheeks, mouth wry and this adorable frown above her eyes only added to this projection... Despite her smooth, azure skin, Ayu now started to compare the blue girl to a soft, fluffy rodent, who was able to put up a fight despite looking so small. It matched Liari nicely - she didn't witness a brawl in which she participated, but something told her this one was not to be underestimated.

And although she wished to soothe the anger Liari felt, because of her inability to copy her technique, Ayu wasn't going to push more. She didn't want to make her feel guilty about her emotions, so she didn't correct her nor did she lecture the little girl. Simply explaining everything that might have confused her was the right solution here. After all, nothing good would come of only experiencing pleasant things. People needed to grow and to grow the challenges or obstacles of every kind were required. She was glad that Bluebell felt comfortable enough in her presence to openly show her emotions, and the fact that she wanted to make her proud was touching... A wave of warmth washed over her soul. Not every day Ayu would meet someone who would consider her feelings and hopes this way. There was a whole range of feelings and sensations in this world, even those not so nice that were a normal part of daily life. As long as the reactions were justified, of course, everything was natural.

"You're trying hard, you're already making me proud," she smiled. Right now Liari was treating a guiltless blade of grass with her intense death glare, deeply determined to show Ayu that she has what it takes to make it grow. The young woman covered her smile with an open hand, observing how devoted Bluebell was to the goal she set for herself... But that was enough for today. She feared that she would strain herself or grow frustrated at the task, that's why Ayu mentioned different ways of cultivating plants. They should plant strawberries from seeds in a pretty pot and place it in the corner of her garden. Liari liked strawberries so much that it seemed like the best idea. They could watch them grow bigger, develop leaves, and blossom with delicate, white flowers to finally create sweet, red berries... Ayu reached her hand to pat Bluebell's head. She felt a faint sense of guilt. Liari loved the magic trick, but if she hasn't shown it to her, she might have not been so focused on it... She'd love it if her little sister could learn it, but at the same time, Ayu knew better than anyone that it was simply impossible to be able to do everything. Her little Bluebell surely was able to do an even greater feat in a completely different field.

Ah, and she knew what exactly it was.

"But you know..." she embraced her back and leaned her head closer to Liari, smiling gently. Their cheeks nuzzled. Despite the blue skin giving off a cold, rubbery gleam, she was warm like a tiny, humanoid-shaped heater. And the energy, full of affection and trust was something pleasant to feel... Ayu sneakily raised her finger to make sure the girl would focus on her words and looked at her warmly. "There is something that only you and you alone are best at, and no one else." She used a moment of silence to elevate the anticipation, before pulling Bluebell closer and tickling her sides. She giggled softly, ending this small play with a loving squeeze when she hugged her little sister again. "You're best at making me smile Liari," Ayu confessed, lowering her voice, gently rocking her in her arms. It felt so right to be held back... Maybe she was the naive one here to put her faith in this relationship, to so easily accept an alien person as someone so close who she will share an intimate bond with. But she wanted to do that. Her facial features softened. If there would be any drawbacks or Ayu would simply be played with - that would be her fault. She didn't believe that it would happen, not with Liair - but she needed to take care of this little one. Because if she won't, who will..?

They hold hands like it was the most natural thing to do. Ayu smiled when they started slowly walking toward the tree and Liari murmured a statement with the strongest, purest resolve she has ever felt. The look in that silver irises was honest to a fault. Ayu's heart could melt any moment now.

"Thank you Bluebell," she gazed at her with a soft sparkle in her pale eyes and squeezed her hand. Sometimes no amount of words could carry the right meaning, at another time a simple sentence was all they needed. "You're a nice, good girl. Let's be happy together, alright?" Ayu let go of her hand, to do the same thing that Liari repeated at least twice this day. She softly cradled her squishy, blue cheeks in her hands, to make sure she was looking at her. "And if you'd ever be in trouble, come and find me first, okay?" Even if her heart was growing bigger, even if she loved the idea of having a little sister... They won't be by each other's side every day. She couldn't fly to quickly reach any place on this planet, and Liari was the type to wander around however she pleases, so maybe, if Bluebell would remember her words, she'd come to see her if things would come wrong. Then they could think of the solution together... But enough of heavy thoughts. Ayu kissed Liari's forehead and turned back to do the most prosaic and boring activity - tidying up. She packed everything that was left on the ground, folding the napkins and gathering empty boxes. She picked up the wicker basket in one hand and reached another one to Liari. "It's a pretty day, let's take a stroll together," Ayu suggested with a gentle, caring smile.

So they did, hand in hand.


Thread Finished

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Super Weighted Clothing Equipped
Power Level - 27,973
PL with SWC - 6,993
Word Count - 1,101
Total Word Count - 10,155