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BUILD 'EM UP - Typical Quest
Stat Reward + 25% PL gains
Zeni Reward + 15% ƶ gains
Chance to get - A 50% off coupon for a small capsule house! (15 or above/D20)
Required - At least 1,400 words

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Never had she thought before that the forest could sound so quiet. Ayu always had a keen sense of hearing, but the noises of the woods were almost close to the silence. Unreal. Surreal, like it was defying the natural order of things. No bugs were buzzing in the grass, no birds flapping above, and even the breeze halted, not wanting to make any unnecessary sound. This quiet wasn't the one with a hidden threat within, no, the whole mountain held its breath to not disturb the ones that were sleeping in the soil now. A very distant, faint echo of rustling grass, murmuring water, and wild animals strolling through the forest meant that far away the woodland was busy with life. Somewhere out there the melancholic aura wasn't affecting anything... But right now it felt like some higher power placed a veil over the mountains, not letting anything disturb the quiet somber of mourning. Even nature took the time to reflect on the lives lost - the one that was nearest Ayu that is. Her footsteps on the soft blades of grass sounded too loud in this silence... And for some reason, it reminded her of that one day, that started in a similar, peaceful manner. The young woman was walking home through the mountain woods, the plants around her bowing their leaves in soundless compassion.

Because they were alive. Nature had a cycle - with plants, herbivores, predators, and scavengers, alongside lots of stages that people didn't want to hear about. Everything, it didn't matter how powerful, how mighty or secular one was, every living being was returning to earth when their life ended. That was the cycle, and Ayu was a part of it too. She has accepted years ago that her life will wither and fade away at some point. Mostly, she was sure it would happen because of old age, but now..? A struggle for survival seemed most likely. Death by accident, by the hand of someone stronger than her... It wouldn't be so bad if the order would be kept. If Ayu would die in the forest, attacked by a wild animal and her remains would sustain nature... There be no regrets. But the greed for money and power wasn't a part of this cycle. This was something alien, something that was waking up her inner objection each time she thought about it. The lives lots for ulterior moves like that weren't anything natural or easy to accept. She couldn't think of it in any other way than devastating and heartbreaking. It felt like the ground under her feet was shaking and there was nothing to hold onto now... And in this moment of quiet distress, there was no one here to turn to.

Almost. The roots dug deeper into the ground, so the stalks could stretch softly towards Ayu. The soft greenery reached her with smooth, cold-to-the-touch leaves. The branches above bowed down, and various twigs and pine needles brushed affectionately the top of her hair as she walked past them. She was upset for them, for innocent children taken by death, for the injustice and regret. Flowers nearby turned their colorful heads at her. The scrubs of evergreen and the long tendrils of vines extended to stroke her legs and hands, showing care in return for years of dedication and respect she had for the wildlife and vegetation. She needed it. All this time Ayu was doing her best to comfort others, in hopes that she could help them be at ease, even if for a little while... But in exchange rarely anyone was trying to lift her spirit. Her distress wasn't easy to spot despite her face being an open book, was it now? Something was upsetting in the feeling of being left out by others - but if she wasn't a part of something in the first place, why all those bitter thoughts were appearing now?

Ayu was slowly strolling in a trans-like state, each step slow and heavy. Her body was aching all over, even if no harm has befallen her. It was this different kind of pain, the one that isn't born from physical wounds. It came from the soul, from feelings and hopes... The young woman could feel her heart beating slowly, like it was obstructed with lead - every pulse was spirling in the sense of helplessness and uneasiness. There were moments when she was close to panic, overwhelmed by every sensation filling her head. Feeling for others wasn't an easy feat, being an empathic being wasn't making things simple when she couldn't stop her tears. For the most part, she was walking through the woods in silence, and then again Ayu would be frantically wiping her face, weeping softly. At different times she had to stop walking, afraid that her knees would give in. Other times it felt like she should start running away from hunting her thoughts... Her heart was being tugged by contradicting feelings, but most of them were a mix of pain, concern, and grief. It wasn't only her soul that was heavy, burdened by a load of compassion and sadness - her shoulders were stiff, Ayu's breathing was ragged, and she just... She just didn't know what to do. Not anymore. No words could help, no actions she could take.

Cress and her brother were dead. They were murdered by a stranger, by a presence with Ki so ominous and terrifying Ayu felt nausea when thinking back to that moment. She couldn't even phantom an idea who would be able to do such a thing without second thoughts, without any remorse or hesitation... And Athren left the Earth. It wasn't surprising considering what has happened, but it made Ayu sad a little. There was nothing more to anchor him on this planet when he has lost his children. She couldn't help but worry. Won't he feel remorse and aversion towards the blue planet later? After all, it was the place where it all took place. He was still the main culprit in the attack on Orange City, and it was highly possible that he tricked both Quash and Jorey to do it - was it a good thing that he left? It wasn't in her power to stop him. Ayu doubted that those three would be able to reason and solve this misunderstanding peacefully on their own... Perhaps one day, when the sour feelings and allegations won't be so raw and aching. Maybe in a way, Athren was running away from his problems. From his demons. Who could have blamed him for that? Nothing was holding him back aside from his griefs and sins. He needed something else than a few stuttering words and help with dressing up wounds. Ayu sure didn't have the heart to ask him to stay when he needed to go... But she wished him all the luck he could get.

The pain of losing someone close, someone important was unbearable. She couldn't remember it, but she too have lost her family, and despite not remembering their faces or names, it was still stinging when she was thinking about it. Ayu wasn't sure what to do with that thought. Was missing someone she couldn't even recall a legitimate reason to feel sadness? Maybe. But witnessing the death of a child..? The two innocent souls being murdered... Poor Athren. There were no words of comfort she could think about that would be able to ease his pain even a little... She just hoped, that wherever he was going and whatever his plans were, he'd be able to find some peace in his aching soul.

The more people were treasured the more it hurt when they were gone. So was it a good thing to form such relations or not..?

Ayu's thoughts now were torn between her loneliness and her reluctance toward feeling pain. Who liked to feel hurt anyway? Maybe because she was a coward, or maybe it was a normal human reaction to avoid things that were causing her harm... Because such was the nature of things. Relationships would sprout into something greater, into bonds that would keep the sense of solitude at bay. Ayu was reminded about her meetings with other people on this planet. She met Cress and Athren, there were Namekians she run across, Saiyans, and she met her little sister too... And it was great. Even if for a little while, she wasn't feeling as lonely as she did before. It was difficult for her to have a normal interaction, but in the end, she made it through. Was that selfish? Trying to be friendly, listening to others' concerns, playing together... So she wouldn't feel so alone after getting back to the empty house. On the other hand, if she would be able to stay away, to keep drowning in her quiet solitude - nothing would have happened. The young woman would be never able to bond with others, even just a little, and relate to their problems, giving her time and kind words in an attempt to lift their moods. Ayu would spend her days alone, with only greenery accompanying her in her quiet garden, time would be passing slowly... With no worries or sadness caused by others. Ah, who is she trying to deceive? Of course, she would feel for them all, it didn't matter if she knew them or not.

It all was too heavy.

There wasn't much she could have done anyway... Ayu was slowly walking down the mountain path, gravel crunching under her shoes. The longer the distance traveled, the more her surroundings started to change. Tears haven't had time to dry out yet, but the area became less dense with trees. The shrubs were growing at her every step and the thinning woods showed some fields and plains around. It looked like Ayu was reaching the foot of the mountain. The air felt different and the human hand that affected the area was now visible. There was a path walked by people in the grass, a sand road used for carts and animal transportation... Stones moved aside for safety and before her eyes, the patchwork of rice fields was placed, tidy, neat squares full of any shade of green. Ayu stopped for a second to admire the view between the trees. The clean path dug in the soil connected all the fields, the reservoirs were well-kept and healthy. No tree was obstructing the much-needed sun and the water was clear. Lots of koi carps were swimming in it - a better alternative to keep insects at bay than any chemicals. She could feel the plants whispering, grateful for the care and in return giving farmers an abundance of rice. Whoever was here taking their duties seriously and diligently, she could already tell they knew a lot about farming. Ayu had never before been to this side of Mount Paozu, but the sight and the atmosphere were pleasing here... It made her heart warmer a little.

But... Something wasn't right. Was the water on rice fields supposed to be that high?

Ayu blinked, frowning a little as her sight turned to the other direction, where lower plains were placed... And the sensation there wasn't so nice. Water covered plants fully there, not allowing them to reach the sun and the paths were turned into horizontal muddy piles. Flood. The place was obviously flooded and she realized only now. Luckily the road was above the water level, but as she walked down, Ayu was able to count buildings underwater and assess the damage... One, two, three... Five. Some of them were standing still, water above their windows, while others were crooked or completely flipped over. There was no energy coming from there, so no one was trapped in the buildings... But all koi carps were enjoying their expanded place to swim now. The further area was elevated, so these unlucky people must have placed their house in the lowest place in the area, where the water running wild started to gather. The paths that were keeping water in reservoirs were flooded over and all that poured down... Oh, the house was probably a mess right now. The walls were soaked, and all the belongings were ruined. Nothing could be done about it and the structure was probably already affected by staying underwater so long... It would be dangerous to live there further when the water level would drop. But... What if someone died there, drowning and she didn't even know? Ayu felt a cold shiver dancing on her spine.

Yet before she could have started worrying, a spark of energy made her head turn away. There was something behind the next turn, right after those boulders here. Those two signatures she felt were weak, yet sturdy, and possessed the calmness worth of mighty old trees. Next to them was a handful of smaller presences, simplistic and lively, that Ayu guessed were animals. She trotted in that direction and stopped after she reached the turn of the road and noticed... Quite an unusual sight.

On the side of the old, dirt path, someone placed lots of personal things... Ayu saw a pile of items that didn't make sense. Bags with clothes, smaller pieces of furniture, boxes with trinkets and books. Pots with plants and kitchen equipment too, a whole carpet and even... A bathtub? She blinked, confused. And hidden behind this pile of random things, was an elderly couple. They found safety on the elevated path it seemed, and it was easy to guess that their home was flooded. What was the most surprising, they both were sitting on old barrels and old boxes, placing some of their belongings on drawers and wet pillows... A worn-out cloth stretched on the sticks was acting as a curtain against the sun. Ayu was getting more confused now, but at the same time, something in her was growing in sympathy. Those people were worried, she felt it, but the way they chatted and enjoyed their company over the disaster that struck them... It felt simply heartwarming. Maybe that was the meaning of bonds, to have a close person with who you feel comfortable even in the face of a tragedy. An iron kettle was warming up above a tiny fire, and on a broken stool was laying a plate with... Cookies? What was even weirder, was that the animals were strolling nearby. Calm, peacefully, a little bored even... One could suspect that after the flood those creatures would freak out, but no. Ayu counted a horse eating grass near the forest border, a cow slowly chewing on the carpet, a donkey, and a dozen chickens peeking wherever they could. On the surface of the water, some ducks were quacking, completely unbothered by the flood... And at the top of the pile of objects, a rooster was sitting, eyeing her from above.

It was such a weird and unusual sight that Ayu was standing there for a while, simply staring at the elderly couple... So of course, at one point they spotted her.

The lady was all wrinkled with her face brown from the sun. Her eyes black and glistening were full of life. For a moment she reminded Ayu of a dried prune, but the warmth in her expression quickly melted that silly parallel. She was more of a quiet ember, maybe not strong enough to lit a fire, but still glowing and sharing warmth with others. Her energy felt so welcoming... A small, plump, dry but durable-looking lady walked towards Ayu, raising her hand in a friendly manner. Her husband was tall and thin, a bit sharp in his appearance, but there was something kind and soothing in this old face and bushy eyebrows. Unlike a certain old man Ayu knew, this one possessed a cordial aura. Both of them were just an amicable couple of older people, so honest and kind it brought tears to her eyes. Seeing that the lady was briskly approaching her, Ayu's hands fidgeted. She didn't expect that they would try to talk to them, she wasn't ready, she was a mess right now from all that crying, she was-

"Oh, good morning miss," the woman smiled and welcomed her. "Such a pretty day, isn't it? Please take care, as this area is flooded and you should be care-," she stopped abruptly, standing in front of Ayu and gazing at her face with worry painted in her black eyes. She leaned towards her a bit and the young woman could feel a nervous blush growing stronger. "Oh goodness, what happened dearie?" the old lady that started chattering at the sight of her, now raised her hand to wipe Ayu's cheek from tears before she could protest. She jumped a little, startled by a sudden but warm touch. To be honest, she must have been looking awful... Ayu has been crying nonstop for a while now. She was both pale and a little flushed, with tired, dark circles under her yellow eyes. So gloomy and worried sick about other people. Every concern she had was seen on her face. Maybe that's why this old lady took her hand in hers, embracing it warmly and softly pulling her in direction of the improvised tent. "Come, sit here with us for a moment and take a break, alright..?" she said with grandmotherly affection. Her husband seemed to be concerned too, glancing at them, making haste to prepare a seat for a guest. Ayu felt overwhelmed by their welcoming spirits and didn't know how to respond.

"It's n-nothing, I'm a-alright," she explained, but before she knew it, she was sitting on a small wooden box, next to a pleasantly crackling fire. How d-did it happen? The man was pouring hot water into a cup with a tea bag, while the lady placed a tray with cookies closer to Ayu, gesturing towards them and encouraging her to help herself. Not to be rude Ayu took one of the shortbread cookies and thanked them when she was given the steaming cup. She was flabbergasted but kindly surprised, though she didn't know what to say at all...

"You're looking so pale, dearie... Did something happen because of the flood?" The woman gazed at her worryingly and placed her wrinkled hand on Ayu's shoulder. "Was someone mean to you?" There was... A genuine sense of hospitality and concern in her voice. Her signature was honest with all her emotions too. Ayu was pretty speechless at this point, but could only blink and hold onto the cup with tea. It was warm. The lady leaned closer. "You can talk to Granny Tammy, I'll get my rolling pin, and then-"

"Love, you need to stop assuming things and let people speak for themselves," the older man pensively sipped on his tea, glancing at the lady with affection but also a very soft reprimand. "If she wants to, she will tell, you don't have to be so brazen."

"Brazen? Me, brazen?" the lady pouted and took the cookie from the cookie tray. "You heard him, dearie?" Granny Tammy shook her head slowly like she wasn't believing the cheekiness of her husband. "Grandpa Sam is always making baseless accusations, and then he wonders why he wasn't baked a cherry pie for the dessert," she started quarreling with him, but there were no worrying intentions behind it. It all was a display of affection while using taunts and teases, just a pair of old people, loving and respecting each other. The man smiled and said nothing, while his wife was starting a little rant.

So... That what it felt like to have grandparents? Ayu ate the cookie and took a sip of unsweetened tea. Grandpa Sam apologized for not having any sugar or honey at hand, but Ayu gestured that it was alright. Granny Tammy almost instantly placed another cookie in her hand, saying that she looks too thin... Those two gave off such a warm, loving feeling, that it made her wonder about having a family again. No, not like she wanted to start one, but to have people that were supposed to raise her, guide her and support her. What would it be, if Zhang had a wife and they both be a friendly pair of cordial, loving elderly people? No, that was impossible. There were no parents, no siblings, only an adoptive grandfather that wasn't exactly present in her life. In fact, he disappeared not so long ago, and Ayu didn't know what to do. She couldn't feel his Ki. Liari was out of reach and she felt so alone with the weight of the world on her shoulders...

She started to tremble and before she knew it, more tears were silently running down her cheeks. Grandpa Sam and Granny Tammy stopped their quarreling at once when they heard a muffled weep and looked at her concerned. The lady was stroking her back when Ayu was covering her face with one hand, trying to be a little more composed... And grandpa sat down and a little awkwardly, he patted her shoulder. Tammy gave him a stern look and was about to say something, but Ayu finally gathered her resolve to speak.

"I'm s-sorry, I d-didn't m-mean to..." she mumbled between shallow breaths, wiping her tears with her sleeve. She shouldn't let those people be bothered with her problems. They have lost their home and property but took the time to be concerned about her, trying to comfort Ayu when they didn't even know her or heard about her name... Her hands were trembling so much that she was worried she was going to spill the tea. She was a complete stranger to them and yet they were more than welcoming. It felt so strange like she was undeserving of that kindness, but at the same time it struck an accord she sensed, she understood. It did feel familiar, didn't it? The need to do something, even if what one could offer was only a kind word and a cup of tea. Yeah... Sometimes it was making all the difference.

"It's okay dearie, you don't have to apologize," the lady stroked her arm affectionately, and Ayu nodded slightly. Maybe it would be alright to confide in them... Her fingers curled around the cup and Ayu lowered her gaze. The flame was setting a warm, reddish aura, painting everything around with orange light. Even her eyes, pale yellow, were now dyed with the color of fire. The young woman tilted her head, calming down her breath and looking for the right words to say things that were like a heavy lead in her chest. Maybe it will be alright.

"I'm on m-my way back home." Ayu lowered her soft voice. "I w-was attending the f-funeral, that's it..." It wasn't exactly the truth, but it wasn't a lie either - wasn't sure that talking about children being murdered and then placed to rest deep into the mountains would make the elderly couple feel any better. Athren left, Cress and her brother were dead - her words didn't change a thing. No matter how she is going to present the reality, there was no way of altering the things that has already happened. It was a funeral. A way of paying her respects to the dead and hoping that the living would find peace too... Somewhere, out there in the vast universe. Maybe one day. "I'm s-sorry if I made you worried, b-but I will be okay." Ayu tried to smile, feeling how her lips started to waver. They couldn't keep on the assuring expression for too long, "I'm alright, I j-just..." her voice started to crack, and her vision was once again blurred by sadness and grief. She lowered her head., hiding her face in both hands, embarrassed and heartbroken. "I just can't s-seem to stop the tears from flowing, I'm s-sorry, I-I'm sorry..."

Why was she feeling this way? Ayu's shoulders started to shake when she was weeping and she leaned down on the seat as if she was trying to curl into a ball and disappear. She didn't know Athren for longer than a few hours, there was only one encounter with Cress... She never met or talked to people from Orange City, and she was granted just one meeting with her little blue sister. So why? Why was she feeling too many things like that at once? To be so concerned about their well-being to the point of tears, to be so devastated while facing the death of someone she knew.

Ayu never asked for this, did she? Such was the fate of empathic people, but to be honest... She preferred this way to the alternative. The young woman couldn't understand what it would be like to be stone-cold, not affected by others' distress or pain. To be apathetic, indifferent to their pleads. Between feeling too much and not being concerned about causing pain to others, she would always choose to keep things how they were. Ayu would never desire to actively inflict harm to people, she was too concerned about doing so unintentionally to even think of having that type of intention. It would never feel right or justified in her eyes... So why were there people out there with this outlook on life, taking lives away easily and without hesitation? It wasn't fair... But the world wasn't righteous either.

She felt a warm touch on the top of her head, and a gentle squeeze on her hand. Ayu blinked, overflowing tears dropping from her eyes. She glanced shyly at the people sitting near her. An elderly couple that just lost their house and was hardly having any savings to go by... They placed a cup of tea back in her hand, they gave her a handkerchief to wipe her face. They looked at her like they were soaked through with compassion and love. There was no judging or harsh words or even questions. They didn't understand, but still, they comforted her, even while facing distress on their own.

Something was soothing in the thought that people like that were still present in this cold and wicked world.

"Thank you..." Ayu whispered, now starting to grow embarrassed. It was silly, was it not? She was here, talking to strangers, crying, and getting taken care of as if it was a completely natural phenomenon. Weren't they busy with their own problems? She bobbed her head while taking the handkerchief to get rid of tears in the corner of her eyes, trying to present herself in a little better manner. A little unevenly, she brushed her hair with her fingers, trying to look less like a mess. She gave them an abashed smile while scratching her cheek and sighed softly. Now... Now she felt somewhat better. A bit of this suffocating lead in her heart has melted away.

"Listen, dearie," Granny Tammy patted Ayu's head like she was a toddler with a skinned knee and not a young woman mourning dead. She cleared her throat before her voice started to sound like it belonged to someone who knew everything better - in a good way. "Everything is going to be okay, right?" She nodded, closed her eyes, and... Waited for something? After a moment of silence, Ayu started to be a bit confused and this elderly lady's sharp gaze turned towards Grandpa, who was casually enjoying his tea. Seems she wasn't pleased with something. "Right..?" she mouthed with a hidden pressure in her warm tone.

"Right, right," the man nodded hastily, correcting his mistake. Ayu couldn't help but look at both of them puzzled.

"Ugh, you old man..." Granny sighed heavily and started scolding her husband. "Why do you have to be so slow! Can't you even help me reassure this young soul?" The woman gestured towards Ayu sitting on the pile of boxes, with a cup of tea in her hands. She felt abashed blush blooming on her face, but the old couple started to quarrel again and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.

"I'm sure she's feeling better already." Grandpa Sam pouted his lips and took a sip from his cup. He waved his hand towards the kettle still warming up above the fire and chuckled with pride, acting in a characteristic of old people's manner. And that was, showing off their experience - and spoiling the youngest generations. "After all, I'm really good at making tea. If anything, your stale cookies aren't good for her Love."

"Do you hear Grandpa Sam, dearie..?" the old lady exhaled air from her nose and glared at the man sitting in front of her. She raised her fist and waved it in a silent threat. "Cheeky like a monkey and twice as confident! But there is no person here that knows this mountain better than my husband," her voice softened, and for the first time since Ayu sat with them, her black gaze turned to the flooded fields and remains of their house. Her eyes were sad, but there was conviction shining within them. "If it wasn't for him, we would be out there in the water since the sun rose early in the morning." She added more affectionately, patting the old man on his knee.

"It wasn't me, it was my rheumatism," he corrected her plainly and Granny Tammy snorted.

"You're just old," she said with a clear tease in her voice and turned her head toward Ayu. "But don't worry, he might be pretty ancient but he's stronger than he looks. A girl this pretty, traveling alone? We can't have that, can we?" Granny Tammy patted Ayu's head softly and put a lock of green hair behind her ear. "I'll ask Grandpa Sam to walk you down to the village, it would be the safest way," she smiled at her. Ayu was again, only able to nod. The amount of goodwill those people were able to give was outstanding. She never asked for it, and she was offered it anyway like it was the only natural thing to do... Times like this were making her grateful that she was able to encounter this elderly couple in her lowest moment. "The flood destroyed the footbridge, but we know our ways around here, so you're in good hands. I'm sure you will know your way back home from there, right?"

She nodded. Granny Tammy looked back at the flood and her chest was raised by a deep, heavy sigh. Even her husband's eyes narrowed with sadness when he was gazing at the picture in front of them... Ruins of the house. A patchwork of fields covered and messed up by water. What kind of equipment would be destroyed by moisture? Where would their animals sleep? What are they going to do now... Why were they sitting in the middle of the road, casually having tea and cookies, while their property was flooded by water? Maybe Ayu was unable to grasp their reasoning, but something was reassuring in their reaction. They saved every life they could and were able to fish out of their belongings. They made sure that what was the most important was safe and secured - life.

"You see, that was our place. We had quite a big house that we made with our hands. There was a barn, chicken coop, toolsheds, and workshop even... Now all is in shambles as you can see," Grandpa Sam was the first one to talk this time. His tone was full of pride like he was bragging about what he has build... But also sad, that he has to watch it turn into a pile of boards and bricks. "I felt the water coming in my bones... It was raining heavily lately." It... Did. Like nature was foreshadowing the number of tears that Ayu will shed, huh..? But that silent thought didn't bring anything else but wonder. "We grabbed what we could and we're here since morning." He shrugged and took a sip of his tea. Like that was perfectly normal to do... Ayu could only suspect how hard it was to pull all those things from their house, while the water was only increasing and making it difficult to move. And this couple was focused and dedicated enough to take out so many objects, countless times going back and forth. The pile next to their tent was only proving that... And their age and frail bodies didn't matter when they were bringing their animals to safety, going back for photo albums, knitting needles, and wet skeins of wool.

"We don't know what to do," Granny Tammy pointed it out so casually and nonchalantly, that Ayu was again puzzled by their reasoning. "We asked for help from the villagers, but they can't reach us with vehicles with all this water. So for now we're waiting till it all clears the path, so we can gather our things." ... But, how long will it take? Ayu frowned. Flooded areas weren't easy to handle by nature, the water was usually sinking into the ground after a day or two. But here? All the fields were designed to keep water in them to create an environment that rice needed to grow and thrive. It wasn't ideal in this situation. Granny and Grandpa will have to wait way more than they suspected... Yet, knowing that they were tending to those fields for decades made Ayu suspect that they already were aware of that. "We saved a little, but at least our trusted animals are all unscratched and we both are safe and healthy, that's more than we need." The old woman smiled cordially, looking at the chicks scattering around their belongings.

It was a tough situation.

Ayu wondered. Was there maybe something she could do about it..? If she would manipulate plants so they would absorb all of this water, perhaps the path would be cleared to reach the house. But then? The young woman tilted her head pensively, thinking hard about this matter. Callion said once that she could use her power for something better than just growing plants, and maybe that was it. She felt a prickling sensation of guilt. Even if she will take care of the water, those people will still be forced out of their house because it won't fit the living conditions anymore. There was no way she could make plants suck the moisture from the walls and wooden boards to fix the structure of the building, but perhaps she could make the fields clearer. This way they will still have a chance to gather rice and make a living... Why not make more of them, so they will have a bountiful harvest this year too?

Ayu drank the rest of her tea in one go, placed the cup on the side, suddenly stood up, and bowed her head.

"Thank you for showing me your kindness and support," she said with gratitude, confident and determined to do what she intended. "Even if you never asked for my name. So, as my thanks... W-Well... I want to try helping you."

Before the old couple could say anything, Ayu marched out of the tent and walked toward the fields. She stopped at the side of the road, just one step from the water. The sun shone on the reflection that mirrored her silhouette, but she wasn't looking down - her eyes were focused on the area all around. It was quiet here too... Was it because of the flood? The wild animals seemed to notice the change in the atmosphere and they left before the overflow could catch up with them. Aside from rare birds above and the farm animals tucked to the side of the road, this place was pretty empty. The only creatures that were enjoying this situation were koi carps, now freely swimming around. From the spot she was standing now Ayu was able to see the damage clearly. Water was two feet above the paths between the fields, and the house was sitting at the lowest point of the ground. The toolshed and other buildings suffered as much. She wasn't able to see, but there was a footpath leading down, towards the buildings - it all now was under water. The grass, the flower patches growing in a tiny garden that she felt murmuring down there, everything was soaked... Water, there was just too much water here. It flooded from above, from the riverside that was overfilled after the recent downpour.

... But that was good. Because the water carried with the flow all the various seeds and saplings that she needed.

Ayu didn't even think that showing off her powers like that was a bad idea. It didn't occur to her that she might scare those friendly people or they could turn hostile in a split second - but no, maybe she did think about it. She just didn't find it important at that very moment. The only thing she wanted to do now, was to help those people. The ones that were in need and who showed nothing but support and genuine benevolence to a complete stranger. And even if they will start to fear or resent her for that - all it would matter, was that she was able to clear the waters and ease their worries.

Maybe that was what it meant to be alive and coexisting with others. There was no way to force anyone to understand or accept those who were different, they needed to show goodwill and eagerness to listen to them first. Not anyone could do that.

Ayu took a deep breath. And another deep breath. Slowly she raised her hands, feeling how the tips of her fingers started warming up with the inner glow. A similar, faint pattern of light started to form on her face, a yellow dot appeared on her forehead alongside thin lines on her cheeks. She wasn't aware of that, but this sensation was always telling her that she started to focus her energy. Not like she felt a need to look in the mirror to check how she looks while using Ki... The flaring aura made the dust around her get up in the air, the grass moved, rocked by the change of air. The edge of Ayu's skirt flipped softly and the thick braid started to slightly sway to the sides. Ripples started to form on the water - first because of her fluctuating energy. Second...

Trees shot from the water. The ground started shaking when thicker than wooden log roots started to dig into the soft, wet soil. To not damage the carps or the rice plants, Ayu made the move to the sides, away from the rapidly growing saplings. They were drinking water as if their life depended on it... Maple trees were this one species that needed a lot of moisture from the earth to survive. It was the perfect plant to use in this situation. Their twisted trunks grew high up, sprouting solid crowns and spreading branches full of green, healthy leaves. Dozen of those made the water level drop significantly, so she added another one. And then another. The paths were now visible from the point where she was standing, and muddy, sloppy trails marked how much more water needed to be absorbed by trees. The maples worked relentlessly through the splashes and rustling of twigs. Ayu was constantly monitoring their presence, making sure that they would not take more than they needed... Bit by bit, inch by inch, water was dropping down. She could see the windows in the house clearly and with some extra effort - and another dozen of maple trees - she reached the ground level. The grass was wet, and the rose flowers growing by the entrance lost some of their petals but seemed alright anyway. The vegetable garden was intact, the same as the pear tree next to it. Ayu had to make vines to grab some of the stray fish and drop them back to the watering reservoir, so they wouldn't wither away on the ground. Everything was wet and slippery, but it seemed alright... Well, as much as a house after the flood could be alright.

And as she thought about it, two of the supporting walls started to crack and bend. The soaked foundation gave in and the roof fell, crashing into the inside of the building. Pillars dropped as a pile of cards and, well... It startled her a little. Ayu jumped in place at the first sound of the house falling. It looked somewhat abstract though like the mortar turned into wet clay after prolonged contact with water. The other buildings didn't look any better and Ayu was afraid that Granny and Grandpa will be forced to live in the village for some time now. Maybe they build their house by themselves, but it wasn't a good enough achievement in the face of the raging element.

Trees. What she should do with them? With a gentle gesture, they started to pull their roots out of the ground, in a similar manner to a human floundering around in a swamp. Should she plant them in the forest? Or maybe make a line of those next to the road, so they could watch over the place - but maple trees needed a lot of water. This flood could have been a one-time thing, so if they stay here, they could suck dry the water from rice fields and that won't do here any good. Getting them deep into the mountain woods seemed to be the best idea so far. It won't throw the biome off balance - and that was very important for Ayu. Additionally, she was sure that villagers would like to have access to the fresh maple resin right in their forests at the foot of the mountain. Like... It would be so easy to make maple syrup out of it. The trees started strolling in the direction of the road, creaking when they moved, the leaves rustled and brunches collided with each other with a dry sound of crackle. As they were marching where Ayu wanted them to go, she slowly turned around... And when she did, she was met with two utterly flabbergasted pairs of eyes.

Oh-ho. She completely forgot that they were here.

The ducks, suddenly out of the water, moved into the nearest pool of the rice field, quacking in discontent. Seeing approaching trees, the horse and the cow kicked the dirt on the road and retreated next to the pile of goods, for their own safety of course. The donkey didn't seem to mind at all what was happening, and chicks were scattered around, running between the roots and human legs like it was a normal and uneventful evening. Meanwhile people... Well, Ayu was looking at an old couple, both of them standing still, their faces frozen in pure astonishment and their eyes as big as zeni coins. Seeing that, Ayu instantly grew uneasy. She was sure that she wouldn't mind their hostility or rude remarks after the deed was done, but now she was getting nervous. What should she do now? H-How was she going to explain how she was able to do that? Taking a shaky breath, she raised her hand in a calming manner, trying to think about the most convincing and simplest explanation possible.

"I-I h-hope it's okay, I-I just made the t-trees do-" she started mumbling with her face flushed from worry, but was cut off by something she didn't expect at all.

"This is beyond outstanding!" Grandpa Sam started clapping and Ayu's eyes grew wider. Granny Tammy cradled her own face with both of her hands, beaming and looking at the fields with disbelief. Now, the young, green-skinned woman was the one who was the astonished one here. They... They didn't seem to mind at all. What she did, what they saw - there were no bad thoughts about it. Their energies were still friendly and cordial, which gave her more confidence. With a clearer head and another wave of flushing on her cheeks, Ayu made the rest of the maple trees walk into the forest. There they sat down on the soil, their roots dug into the ground and that was it, the thing was done. No life was wasted, be it a carp or a tree... Seeing how Ayu's hands started to fidget again, the older man walked to her and smiled. "That was the most amazing thing I saw in my life, and I am living longer than anyone could assume," he chuckled and patted Ayu's shoulder.

"The help should get here soon now, thanks to you," Granny was standing near Grandpa, looking down at the path that was leading towards their house. Or rather their ruins. "That's too bad nothing more could be saved..." she sighed. A flicker of sadness danced in her eyes.

"You don't know that. We can check." The man said and started to casually descend, slowly walking through the path filled with wet soil and slippery grass. He outstretched his arms, taking each step slowly and with the utmost care, and his wife followed after him... Well, Ayu shouldn't be the one staring on the road either, left alone while they are digging through the ruins, right? She joined them down there and looked at how the elderly couple began to move what was left of the soaked walls and broken supporting pillars, to simply get inside. Ayu glanced at the pear tree growing next and it was a matter of a small amount of energy so to speak... The branches extended and twisted around wall fragments, pulling them away. The other root supported this side of the ceiling that wasn't collapsed yet, just so Granny and Grandpa could walk in and check if there was anything able to be saved. What thing they wanted to be removed from their path, Ayu delivered, making sure that the elderly couple was able to safely do what they wanted here.

Not much was able to be rescued from the flooded house. Furniture, because the water soaked through and the upholsterer's glue didn't survive the moisture, was falling apart. Any fabric left was dyed by mold and the whole place had a distinct scent of moisture and putridity. Grandma was able to dig a handful of old-fashioned jewelry from the drawer near her bed and Grandpa Sam found his toolbox and boxes of wax and grease, saying that after cleaning his tool will look like new ones. Paintings on the wall were either softened by water or the glass cracked there... Grandma got her old clogs, claiming that they survived so many things a bit of water won't do any damage. Grandpa in the meantime started to pull out all the jars from the pantry, the ones that were intact and properly sealed. Ayu made the branches wrap around all those things and carefully placed them on the pile of objects on the road. After that, it wasn't worth digging through, the ruins were falling apart and Ayu had to ask the couple to move from that spot.

When she made the tree retract its branches, it all turned into a pile of wood, bricks, mortar, and tiles. With heavy hearts, the three of them were looking at the ruins.

"Well..." Grandpa Sam placed his hands on his hips. "That would be it. So many good memories here, huh?" a somber, but still loving smile appeared on his face when he glanced at his wife. Granny Tammy was holding clogs in one hand and tucking in other things in her long skirt while grabbing the fabric with the other. She nodded pensively.

"It was a good house, but all things come to an end. We will have to make a new one," she added. After a moment of silent reflection Ayu saw her gaze shifting to her from the ruins and feeling the focused eyes on her, she looked back at the elderly woman. She was staring in awe, but her eyes were full of thoughts running in her head in all possible directions. But... Dearie. I am sorry if I am being too nosy or pushy, but please tell me - are you able to build a house? Perhaps?" The old lady looked at her with irises so full of hope, but Ayu wasn't sure what to say. She blinked a little taken aback by that statement and slowly shook her head. There was no correct answer to that question.

"I... I don't know," the young woman admitted with honest puzzlement. "All I can do is control plants," she shrugged. Would it be even possible to create a house? A living house, made of plants? That sounded so unique and so weird perhaps it was worth a try? But how could Ayu even begin to think about it, when she never had any experience in anything involving architecture or construction?

"If you won't mind, dearie... Me and Granny Tammy need a shelter for a few weeks, it doesn't have to be anything big," Grandpa Sam raised both of his hands, explaining their situation. "Something that would keep us and animals warm and sound while we'd be working our way into rebuilding what's left of our place. That's all we need."

"We apologize if we sound selfish, but we'll take anything that you're able to give," the lady sighed and smiled sadly. "As you see... We're a little desperate." She added, slightly lowering her head, looking at the crooked doorstep and laying there in soaked pieces doormat with a flower pattern. Or something that used to be a doormat before the flood. It really felt bad to leave those people without any aid...

"But I-I..." Ayu hesitated. Putting her arms around her, she closed her eyes for a moment. Was she even able to do anything here..? That question started to swirl around in her head. She wasn't able to help others. There was nothing to offer. She was just one girl, there was no comfort she could give Athren, there was nothing she could have done to save people in Orange City or even aid Cress and her brother when they were in grave danger. Any event where every bit of assistance was desperately needed, she couldn't even fathom being there. It all was out of her reach, so how could she...

But maybe that was it. Measure your strength against the obstacles, right? With her fuzzy and all-around-the-place energy, her presence wouldn't have made any difference. Here on the other hand... Maybe here Ayu would be able to do something useful.

She pondered and decided to give it a try. After all, the elderly couple needed a place to stay, right? If her creation would prove unfit for their needs, they will have enough time and resources to build a new house for themselves or they could always move to the nearby village for the time being. Sighing, Ayu rolled her sleeves and closed her eyes, focusing on the Ki. The pattern on her body started to glow dimply. Her energy was like second blood circulating in her body, running all the time and giving her force to do things. The right things, she hoped. Feeling life all around her, from the tiniest seed to the mightiest tree... And asking flora to do unbelievable things, the ones only she was able to do and create. Maybe that was the whole meaning behind it?

She started. First things first, Ayu moved away all the objects that were in her way, the broken bricks, pieces of wall and furniture, window shards and tiles - it all was gently shoved to the side, away from the foundation of the house. It was intact... Maybe she could use it?

Maple trees sprouted again from the soil, but they didn't grow freely as they were supposed to. Opening her eyes, Ayu carefully observed how they were expanding. Their trunks were thin and flat, their branches growing in very weird angles. No leaves, no twigs. That was the skeleton of the house, however weird that sounded. The basis upon which she would create everything else, it bent and twisted and made a rim around the foundation. And then... What else? How would she make isolation to keep the house warm in the winter? Perhaps? Ayu closed her eyes and listened, feeling all around the forest to find a species of flora that will help her here. Thank goodness for biodiversity. It took just a small moment, and between the maple trees, a cork oak started to grow. Ayu made it so, so the plant was nothing more but a solid bark, that would be able to sustain the heat properly. The same thing went for the floor in every room... Luckily the plumbing wasn't damaged at all. Keeping that in mind, she divided the area into the rooms, kitchen, bathroom, toilet, bedroom, living room... It certainly was the weirdest thing that Ayu has ever created with her powers.

Now the walls were all a tangled layer of branches and roots. Ayu tried to keep it as smooth and as even as possible, but it didn't come out perfect, there were some curves on the sides. For windows, well... She just saved all the glass that was intact and placed it in the holes she created. They weren't perfectly measured, but it still worked, right? Doors were practically wooden boards, hinges were organic too. Handle? A prettily twisted root. Table? Made from the roots as well as stools and chairs. A bed frame and even a wardrobe... More or less, she was able to copy furniture, trying to make it as normal as possible, making cavities in the walls for shelves and hanging vines from the ceiling to make it easier to store kitchen equipment. All of her imagination and creative spirit was poured into this idea, and she wanted to make a comfortable place to live for those old people... They needed it and without a doubt deserved it too.

And the roof? Hm... Ayu made branches tangle and intertwine, creating almost a knitting pattern made of plant matter. She covered the outside surface of the house with a very smooth substance, which would make it impossible to light the house on fire. That means she made the plants secrete that wax. After all, it all was made from plant material, organic and environment-friendly! The house was partially alive, but when the wood dries completely, it might have been a little too prone to being set on fire. Ayu needed to be careful here. Granny and Grandpa didn't just survive the flood to die from fire, right? So she made sure that nothing like that would be possible to happen again.

She fixed the garden. Added flowers growing from the walls. She tried to make the beds as soft as the cotton flowers. She was able to smooth the surface of leaves and plants to make them mimic the marble and wooden boards... To some degree of course. She even made something that was supposed to be a sofa, weaving the flax fibers together to make a soft outer surface. Would that suffice? Ayu never tried anything like that before and she wasn't even sure if that was a good idea. What if the plants will grow not how she created them, but naturally? In a few months, this place will be an overgrown mess... She didn't want that. But thanks to the roots it was neatly secured to the ground, and in case of flood, the walls will absorb the water, leaving the place unscathed. And the fire wasn't an issue with a protective layer of wax she applied. Of course, there were some minor lacking items, like plumbing she wasn't sure how to set, or the kitchen that needed a stove, and maybe the electricity...

But when Ayu finished it, they seemed to like it.

The couple was in awe and delight. They entered the house, walking through the breathing walls, checking every corner and spot... But it wasn't the end. Ayu turned her head towards the other buildings... What was it, a barn, she remembered it correctly, right? Toolshed, workshop, and chicken coop. Good, let's start.

She fixed the rest too. How could she not? There was a strange sense of welcoming and satisfaction that Ayu felt growing in her chest when she was helping others and the aid was appreciated - and what was most important, it mattered. It made the difference. One by one, other buildings similarly grew from the ground, just like the main house. Ayu made sure to leave her energy in those plants, so they will behave how she modified them, acting as a solid, trusted construction. The pear tree grew, but Ayu lowered the branches so Grandpa Sam won't have to climb the ladder to gather the fruits. The vegetable patch grew bigger, with shiny, healthy zucchinis and carrots worth farm market contests. The rice fields all around were now green, every plant was full of matured grains, healthy and ready for harvest. After losing the majority of their belongings, they would need some extra funds, right? She only made sure that it would happen.

Yet never in her life, Ayu would suspect that after the couple would come out of the house, after they spend a minute gazing around the fields and other buildings, they both would pull her for a warm, thankful embrace. At first, she froze in place... But feeling full of gratitude strokes on her back, seeing how Granny's tears were wetting her sleeve, Ayu's heart could only soften.

"Thank you, dearie... You saved us from the troubles, so, so much..." The old woman wept with her voice cracking from thankfulness, while her husband said nothing, too busy clearing his throat to not let them see how touched and tendered he was. It was a heart-warming sight, to say the least. "If it wasn't for you, we might have lost it all.."

"It's alright, I-" Ayu blinked, stopping abruptly again because Granny's grip grew stronger around her arm. Something didn't feel right. Why were they looking at her with this worry in their eyes..? A second ago their gazes were full of happiness and gratitude. The dull sense of headache was a hint and Ayu understood. She touched the lower part of her face, and a smear of dark rose color on her fingers told her everything. Another nosebleed... And a big one too. But she never tried focusing on her Ki as she did during meditations, it never started hurting like that... Why? D-Did she overdo it..? Ayu felt a shiver on her spine. "It's okay, that h-happens sometimes," she comforted the concerned couple, wiping her face with a piece of cloth they handed her.

"Is it because you helped us..?" Grandpa finally spoke, looking at her with guilt painted all over his face. His wife's face made it look like she was suffering from heartbreak now. "We're sorry we asked you to do it, look what we made happen..." The shame was ready to eat him alive and the young woman started shaking her head. No, she can't have them drowning in regret while they did know nothing.

"Please," Ayu opposed with a firm, but warm voice. "It was a pleasure," her eyes softened. "I'm inexperienced, that's why I get dizzy sometimes, I'll get better in no time so please, do not blame yourself. I wanted to help." She stated her resolve clearly. Maybe it was Ayu's attitude, maybe it was the light in her eyes that proved her feelings, but the elderly couple exchanged gazes and their faces softened.

"You're pale again," Granny Tammy stroked her cheek and holding her arm, started to walk Ayu up back to the road, where the tent was placed and a small fire was still crackling. "Sit with us here some more, dearie, alright? Grandpa Sam will fetch you some hot tea and I'll open the jars that we saved from the pantry. I have you know, that my pear butter goes great with cookies."

Who was she to decline such a kind offer?

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Super Weighted Clothing Equipped
Power Level - 82,814
Word Count - 10,038