She didn't expect that strong reaction but here Terra was, hugging her happily as if Ayu just took a star from the night sky and gave it to her. She couldn't help but chuckle and gently kiss her forehead. Cute, sweet child... And so glad to help too! Just like her mother - Liari seemed to enjoy taking care of the house be it sweeping or organizing the dishes. Lately, she has been away more often to train and Ayu understood that - they both were strong yet their strength was completely different. While she was more into meditation and connection with nature and plant life, Liari was a fighter that trained her body and polished her magical techniques. Even with all that Ki, she couldn't exactly keep up... Her body wasn't trained and punching someone seemed too difficult - both in technique and in making mental preparation for it. But today was no day for that! It was a pleasant time to spend with her little niece and let's leave it at that.

So they went to the kitchen. They had some giggles with the aprons and with choosing what to make for dinner... There were also strawberry muffins waiting in line too! Ayu would have to create some nice berries for their snacks and then they will have some more time to bake them. The rain outside was making the day look sleepy and gloomy but the inside of their house was warm and bright. After giving Terra her task, Ayu smiled happily to herself - she thought that indeed, Terra reminded her of Liari a lot. The first time she met Bluebell she was able to show her sympathy by complimenting her skin color - and this little pink dumpling loved to hear praise too.

"I'm sure it's going to be delicious," Ayu replied happily to Terra's enthusiasm, already proud of her eagerness to help. While placing everything for the dough inside the bowl, she was watching from the corner of her eye how little Majin was handling her work. Oh, she was doing splendidly. Terra's tiny hands were diligently scrubbing vegetables of her choosing, taking care of the smallest speck of dirt. And she looked so adorable in an apron that seemed to be slightly too big for her. The goods were cleaned and thoroughly washed, and everything ready for chopping was put aside. There was no need to rush, so Ayu left her with her task, preparing instead everything else - pots, pans, cutting board, and knives... And after some more humming and work, the pile of vegetables was big enough for feeding three people. It was time to switch.

"Great work Sweet Pea," Ayu stroked Terra's head. The little one was such a good helper! She took the tray with fresh, squeaky clean vegetables and set them aside, making sure that the sink was empty. There she placed a bowl - her niece was too small to reach to the inside of this big dish, so it should be more comfortable to work with the dough placed on the lower level. Plus, it saved her from worrying about the bowl moving left and right - still, that couldn't be said about the ingredients. "Here we have everything that's needed for dumplings. Flour, eggs, salt, some water, and a spoonful of butter," everything was already in the bowl, just unmixed. The fun part was saved for Terra. "Now it's time for your new task... Here it is! Could you mix it with your hands? Then, when everything will be smooth you can roll as many dumplings as you want." She smiled warmly. It wasn't the first time that Ayu cooked this stew so they all were familiar with the steps of this recipe. Leaving Terra to have some joy while squishing, splashing, and mixing everything in the bowl - in the process probably getting flour on her pink head - she started chopping vegetables. While the pot with some oil was heating, Ayu was making sure that everything was ready. Soon enough the smell of gently frying golden onions wafted in the air.

"Sweat Pea..." Ayu started thinking out loud, mixing the content of the pot and adding in the vegetables she just chopped into nice medium-sized cubes. "I have a little question for you. Have you ever wanted what you want to do when you grew up a bit?"

Liair wanted to fight and have fun. Perhaps the two of them are more similar than Ayu thought?

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 743
Total Word Count - 7,257

Maybe they should make those cooking sessions more often... Nothing exactly changed, Ayu's power continued to be the source of her troubles and Zhang was still missing but somehow she was more at ease than before. Either it was magic or Terra's presence was keeping her worries at bay.

"Your Mamma was right," Ayu chuckled happily, glad to see such enthusiasm. Liari was good at talking with Terra and teaching her many, many things... Though she wasn't sure how she would feel about her niece being introduced to fighting. What will happen then..? Anyway, for now, her interest was focused mostly on drawing, eating sweets, and helping Ayu cook. An excellent helper she got herself! And she was right about it too. Indeed, food eaten together and made together tasted much better than a meal in an empty house. Though that wasn't always a rule... There were times when Ayu preferred to eat dinner alone rather than sit at the same table with her grandfather. She couldn't remember precisely when something like that took place but that memory wasn't pleasant. Somehow the sensation of being right next to Zhang and still meeting his neglectful attitude made her even more lonely than all the days she has spent in this home on her own. There were moments when she could bearly eat. Even at school, Ayu was sitting in the corner, away from her classmates. She was standing out among others with her appearance and at the same time, her character was the main cause of why she was disappearing among the crowds.

But she has made peace with that already. It didn't bother her too much except occasional sting of regret when he thought about it. Still, now things were so, so much brighter.

Their cooking ordeal hasn't ended yet! She couldn't help but now and then look to the side, watching Terra playing happily with the dough. Ayu would smile, seeing how she was enjoying messing with the ingredients, diligently kneading the dough - she didn't expect to have a spotless kitchen after that. Wet splatters of dough were stuck to her tiny pink hands, her face was dusted with flour and Terra was pretty much enjoying herself with this task. Just as Ayu wanted... Though she was glad that no ingredients ended up on the ceiling. Comparing it to the last time she saw Terra trying to cook something on her own, now her skills were improving. So, with that being taken care off she placed all of the remaining vegetables in the pot, putting aside some of the crunchiest ones for garnish. The dinner needed to be made after all... Ayu poured water inside the pot and started going through her dried herbs when Terra's answer caught her off guard.

... Her niece wanted to be like her?

The first thing that flashed through Ayu's mind was all the sides of her personality that were making it difficult to talk to others. Or be a functional member of society in general, as she was pretty much too shy to stand in the crowd. Her abashment, soft heart, the overflowing tears that she couldn't control each time she was worried - and a worrywart like her was concerned about everything all the time. She was awkward, and clumsy, hiding her blushing face in her hands or even creating a tree to stand behind it. In no way was she brave to stand up to the challenge or even approach it, she never, despite regretting it so many times, went to help attacked cities when the disasters took place. Maybe she was a bit of a coward...

Ayu flinched, the wooden spatula slipping out from her hand - with a surprising reflex, she was able to catch it before the utensil would hit the floor... But that was close. She sighed deeply and looked at Terra, her face just a tiny bit confused but her gaze mellowed right down to a fond and affectionate look.

"... I love you too, Sweat Pea," she smiled at her. "You surprised me a bit, that's a-all." Ayu explained her astonishment and started to mix the cooking vegetables in the pot, her face softening and just a shy tint of blush was burning her cheeks. There were so many things burdening Ayu but that wasn't all about her, was it? Terra didn't say it out of spite - it's not like this sunshine creature could do that - and everything she said was the truth. Ayu was taking care of those two, she invited Liari to her home when she had no place to go and even when they got a new member, she didn't say a thing. How could she? It wasn't Bluebell's fault, they both were equally shocked by Terra's appearance but she was part of a family. They loved her. Ayu wanted to take care of them to the best of her abilities - and helping others felt just right even when the aid she could offer was scarce. The world was cruel and there was nothing purely black or simply white around them... But if in Terra's eyes, she was a role model, she couldn't be more flattered and glad about it - even if somewhere deep she wasn't sure that it was the best idea.

"But you know..?" Ayu sighed a little and gently stroke Sweet Pea's head, her fingers softly touching her rubbery skin. "I think you could be even better than me," she gave her a loving smile.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 913
Total Word Count - 8,170

It seemed to run deeper than that - this moment of doubt, that is. Ayu's surprise was genuine and full of worry because she didn't find herself to be a person worth stealing the spotlight of being Terra's role model. Would anyone looking at her think of that? She wasn't exactly strong or skilled at fighting, her Ki-control was a mess, and talking to people was giving her anxiety. And here her adorable little niece was talking with strong conviction, that she was going to be like Ayu - because she was the best! A touching scenario, though her heart became heavier. Terra was an innocent child, she wasn't aware of everything. There were so many things Ayu didn't like about herself and her self-esteem might have not been the greatest. And what about her training? And the fact that despite sensing fights on Earth, Ayu couldn't do anything? Would knowing that Terra could still hold onto her choice? How would she react if she knew that her beloved auntie couldn't help her mother when she needed her most..?

"Thank you," Ayu said softly, her movements slowing down. The sparkles in Terra's eyes were bright and loving. Auntie had many shortcomings but still... Maybe if this one person was believing in her that much - even if it was childlike innocence and honesty, it was still important. Because it was genuine and there was nothing in Terra's voice or presence that could say otherwise - and Ayu wanted to be a person able to do what was right. Good or bad, those were abstract limits sometimes... Yet she wanted to live without hurting or hindering others. Was she able to do that, that was a completely different question. Terra wholeheartedly believed that Ayu was a good and nice person... And would it be wrong to try and live up to the image in tiny's Majin's mind? Well, the green-skinned young woman was surely trying. Was the little one aware of that to this extent? She sighed gently and Ayu started to ponder the nature of Terra's words. There were days when she was choking on her hopelessness but she couldn't say that she wasn't pushing herself forward.

One tiny step at a time. One good deed at a time. Trying to help out others as much as she could, living here for her new family...

All in all, it might have been a heavy thing to reflect on, yet there was something in Terra's warm, wide eyes. Ayu remembered that children can see and understand way more than adults give them credit for. Or they can realize something before those grown-ups could ever do. She remembered it herself, how she used to wait hours or even days for her grandfather to come back home... When she was just a small kid, left alone in a tiny house in the middle of nowhere. Zhang was busy, she understood that. Still, finding by accident his open calendar and learning that there were days he was off work and chose not to spend his time with her - this one stung. Work was work and a convenient excuse. Ayu learned soon that she wasn't a priority to her adoptive grandfather and that there wasn't anything she could do to change that. You can't force someone to love or care...

Her pale yellow eyes softened with a faint gleam. Although her thoughts provoked by this innocent question started as dull and heavy, she brightened up soon enough. If Ayu was this good in Terra's eyes - how could she not try her absolute best to match what the little one was seeing? Even if she was self-conscious about many things, she wanted to be the best if it means that Terra - and Liari - could be proud like that. Be it trying to master magic or cooking dinner for three people and managing laundry at the same time... It was the smallest things that mattered the most.

"... Thank you, Sweetie," Ayu pulled her closer and hugged Terra warmly, holding her in her embrace for a moment before she was ready to let her go. "I needed that." This little girl wasn't even aware how much she could help her in a moment of doubt... Maybe she should prepare some more blueberry muffins? A loving smile appeared on Ayu's face. That honesty worked like a charm. The soft, gummy skin of the little one was warm to the touch like a tiny heater - and the hug warmed up her heart already. She needed that... Encouragement. Or rather a reminder that despite downs there are still ups waiting for her ahead. With a brighter smile, Ayu stroked Terra's head and turned her attention to the pot, a cordial expression lingering on her face for a long while. "Now... Let's not forget about our dinner," she remarked, though her voice sounded softer - with strong emotions still present. Of course, she was so touched... It might be better to focus on cooking, Ayu didn't want to tear up in front of Terra to not make a fuss like that. She lightly shook her head to distract herself - Ayu might have been a case of soft-hearted and sweet-tempered person but the last thing she would want was to concern a child.

Instead, she gave Terra a peaceful, affectionate smile, and in a playful manner she gently squeezed her cheek.

"I'm going to heat a pot of water and I want you to roll dumplings from the dough you just made, alright?" Ayu presented how by scooping a bit of dough and shaping it into a tiny ball. The red pot with flowers soon heated up enough to make bubbling noise and hot steam started to fill the air. They were almost done with dinner and the sound of them bustling in the kitchen was comforting enough, with low humming in the background, chatter, and giggles. Ayu forgot how easily the worries would fade away with the right company...

Now, she finished cooking the stew and set the pot aside, instead aiding Terra with her dumpling adventure. Soon enough they should finish and start thinking about the snacks and... The rain was still falling. At moments like that Ayu started to wonder when will Liari came home today.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 1,041
Total Word Count - 9,211

Hugs were nice, nicer than she ever thought they could be. It was fulfilling to feel someone's warmth and show affection when words weren't enough. Throughout most of her life, Ayu always felt a sense of loneliness, which grew each time she returned to the empty house. She struggled with interactions with others, and never really made a friend... Well, maybe? Her grandfather was practically a stranger visiting once in a while, no other living members of the family were nearby, and no one was close to her either. Physical contact wasn't something common... Though she always treated it like a sign of friendship - but with her shyness and social anxiety it wasn't easy to even shake someone's hand. Then Liari came along. With her embraces, hug attacks, nuzzling, climbing on Ayu, or straight up wrapping herself around her when they were napping. Terra was of course, as same as her mother. It was a very welcomed and needed difference. It... Gave a sense of belonging. Maybe Ayu wasn't the best when it came to speeches or words but actions were speaking louder and in a way, she preferred showing what she felt like that.

It was important. Every hug and touch had a meaning - Ayu felt it and she was treating every display of affection towards others and herself as precious. So of course that Terra's eagerness to hug was supper effective, melting and warming up her heart.

"I know Sweetie," Ayu smiled and leaned down to smooch the top of Terra's head affectionately. "We just need to make sure we'd be right here at home when she gets back." Her hand stroked the pink and smooth cheek and her eyes softened when she gazed at a child. She was an aunt but... Wasn't she a guardian too? She used to be Liari's guardian yet she grew up so quickly - was the future holding the same growth spree for Terra? Hopefully not. She was so small and cute and- And Ayu just realized she was starting to think like a typical parent, charmed by their kids. Shaking her head a little she turned her gaze towards the kitchen counter. It maybe wasn't the best when the child is providing all the mental support and encouragement of a legal adult so Ayu decided to focus. She needed to be the one that Terra could lean on, not vice versa. And for that - she needed to be there for her.

The guilt was still there, sitting at the bottom of her heart and Ayu didn't want to repeat the same mistakes.

The hum of the rain grew stronger and the chilled air was bound to increase the appetite for a warm meal. The dumplings that Terra rolled out from the dough were... Cute. Tiny, of course, they varied in size and weren't always even - but they all were around the size of a penny. Some were closer in shape to blobs of dough than little balls... A mundane thing but that sight was heartwarming. No one was perfect, especially kids but that was what made them so adorable. Ayu smiled cordially and patted the little one's head.

"They look great Terra, I'm going to cook them right away." She praised the pink Majin, knowing that she waited for this - and why not? Good work needed encouragement. Letting her see how she was carefully placing the dumplings in boiling water, the cooking began. In two batches of course, because they didn't have a pot that big. Thanks to their size the dough balls cooked through quickly, soon enough there was a big bowl on the counter filled with squishy and tasty, steaming dumplings that were great with the vegetable stew. The main dish itself thickened nicely and all the ingredients were tender. Ayu placed the pot on the wooden board and lightly dusted off her hands. "A-ha~ We finished cooking," Ayu nodded her head and gazed at Terra with a proud smile. "See how fast we were? It's all thanks to my little helper," her finger gently poked her niece's cheek, and Ayu smoothed her long skirt before crouching down to comfortably look at the Majin. She looked at her with warm eyes "Now I think it will be a good moment to make some muffins. We need blueberries, strawberries, or both?" As she spoke the gentle, green tendrils grew around her hands, they bloomed with white, delicate flowers which quickly turned into ripe and sweet fruits.

There were times when her abilities were coming in handy - more often they did not but at this moment Ayu wanted to forget about her struggles. She could make flowers bloom and plants could bear fruits in a matter of seconds. Even if she used that energy only to see Terra smile and giggle, that was worth it. What was more innocent than a child's laughter?

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 811
Total Word Count - 10,211

When the dinner was finally ready it was time to make the dessert.

"I will need your help with that~" Ayu smiled seeing Terra's enthusiasm. Every kid loves sweets and Majins weren't exceptions - if she might say so herself, it seemed that they had bigger sweet tooth than anyone she had ever known.

Standing up, Ayu opened her palms, her hands aiming down - right above the white bowl they had just washed. Focusing a bit of her energy, just enough to feel the whisper of the greenery, she closed her eyes. Oh, she very well could have made the necessary ingredients appear out of nowhere, but where was the fun? Terra was looking at her with shining eyes, she couldn't make it boring. Then the magic - or technique? - happened. The sprigs and tendrils around her fingers started bearing fruits, they grew up in a matter of seconds filling the kitchen with a fresh and sweet scent. Pretty, round blueberries with smooth dark skin, and plump, brightly red strawberries... Heavy and ripe, the berries came off from the peduncles, and once they were gone more flowers would bloom to turn into fruits. Aaand a rain of ripe blueberries and strawberries fell into the clean bowl. This power really came in handy at moments like that... Especially when it came to cooking. Ayu made handfuls of shiny fruits, their skin glistening and smooth and the kitchen was full of a pleasant fruity smell. After the pile was ready, she filled the sink with clean but cold water again.

"When it comes to fruits, Sweet Pea, no brushing is needed but you have to be gentle when you wash them," Ayu softly took Terra's hands in hers, putting a handful of blueberries there. She demonstrated how to wash the berries that were later placed in a big blue sieve. The Majin's tiny fingers were ideal for this job. "If you squeeze them too much, they might turn to mush... But we're not making smoothies today~" Ayu chuckled and took her hands away so Terra will have the whole sink to herself. "I'm sure it's an easy job for such a great helper as yourself, right?" she winked at her niece. Oh, she wouldn't expect any less from the pink, bubblegum girl. To be honest, Terra was the one that had more experience with helping her out with housework... Of course that Liari was great when it came to tidying up the place, she liked sweeping and washing the dishes - though she was away quite a lot lately. She always said that she was busy training... And when Bluebell was out there, Ayu and Terra were doing many, many things at home - starting at cooking and ending at pretending to be fairy princesses.

Maybe it was like she gained a niece or a small sister but with everything that has been going on, Ayu felt more like a guardian. Maybe even like a mum at times, though that always made her feel a bit awkward. She just finished high school... Never in her life, she would imagine that instead of going to the university she'd have two locators at her place, her own little family.

It was time to get to baking!

Making the batter was pretty easy, they have everything needed right there. Ayu carefully cracked eggs into a different bowl, mixing it with milk and oil, adding some sugar and a dash of cinnamon. They found the muffin trays, so she started to heat the oven for a round of baking. Sifting flour with baking powder created a little cloud of dust that gave her a case of rapid sneezing - between laughs and amused glances exchanged with Terra, Ayu finally managed to grab a paper tissue and blow her nose. Still, it took a moment before she finished chuckling. Washing her hands and wiping them dry, she mixed dry and wet ingredients and divided the batter into three portions. It was a bit of extra work but why not? They were having fun! And the more snacks the better - Liari's appetite wasn't as big as Saiyan's but she could eat a lot. And her niece was growing, she needed all the nutrition she could get! While Terra was adding blueberries into two bowls, Ayu cut strawberries into big chunks and did the same - so they will end up with three types of fruit muffins.

Blueberry muffins, strawberry muffins, and muffins with both berries were now put inside the hot oven. Then the bowls and utensils were washed and - they finished everything already.

"Good job, Sweet Pea," she leaned down to pat Terra's head with a fond smile. Her little helper... After all this work she wouldn't be surprised if Terra was a little tired or hungry - making food and not stealing a bite was proof of great self-control. They both earned a break. Ayu placed two pillows on the floor and sat on one, patting the other and smiling at Terra to join her in watching how the muffins were turning nice and golden brown inside the oven. In her hand, an apple appeared and Ayu created a vine that opened the drawer and fetched her a small knife and a plate. She cut the apple into slices and removed the core alongside some of the peel to make them resemble bunny ears. Usually, she saw those in the lunchboxes of her classmates when she was little... Zhang never cared about that, just giving her money to buy food in the school's cafeteria but for some reason, Ayu learned how to make them. She handed Terra an apple bunny. "We promised to wait for dinner until Liari comes back but I think it will be okay to have a little snack," she explained with a smile and gently poked Majin's cheek. "Your tummy is growling so loud I thought that there was a bear outside of our window," Ayu joked, pulling Terra closer into and embrace as they sat together there.

While the world outside was still drenched in the rain.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 1,009
Total Word Count - 11,220

It was a day like any other. Full of chores, cooking, taking care of the youngest in the house and doing everything to make those tiny cogs work flawlessly to keep the family mechanism polished. A peaceful day, not devoid of worry or concern but it was calm and pleasant time - the best Ayu had. Compared to what this place looked like half a year ago, it changed so much. Empty spaces were filled with trinkets and toys, the fridge was plastered with Terra's drawings, and Liari's belongings were scattered on the dresser near the coach. Any sign of the fact that Ayu was living here alone has vanished without a trace - kind of like her grandfather... But to avoid adding salt to the wound, she had to accept that he never really saw her as part of the family. Sure, she was worried about his well-being but for the first time in so long, Ayu had a sense of belonging.

She wished their every day would be like this, silently praying that nothing would ever happen... Not aware that the future was cruel and that maybe they wouldn't be able to come back to the way they all once were.

But right now Ayu was enjoying every minute with Terra.

"Of course you do, Sweet Pea," Ayu stroked the Majin's cheek when she eagerly asked how was her kitchen performance - and she didn't wait to praise her again. Terra was always beaming, it didn't matter if they were washing the dishes or playing outside in the garden. So much life and laughter appeared in this place with one little soul...

Sitting together on the pillows, in the middle of the floor while the oven was warming up the air and filling it with a pleasant scent of freshly baked muffins... Even Ayu felt a bit of sleepiness but she didn't let it bother her too much. Terra on the other hand was still a child. A small child that worked diligently with her tasks and tired herself while helping her with chores. Her little helper, indeed. Now they just had to wait until Liari gets back, eat dinner, and then grab all the snacks to the blanket hideout they had so diligently prepared earlier. Ayu fed Terra two more apple slices before she noticed that the girl's eyes were starting to get heavier. Without missing a beat, she put away the plate with apple bunnies and gently pulled her closer. Ayu rested Terra's head on her lap, her hand warmly stroking her back while she started to doze off. She couldn't help but smile fondly, looking at a tiny, pink face, that fell asleep so quickly with pure affection in her eyes.

"I love you too, Sweet Pea."

It should be okay to stay like that a while longer.


End of Thread

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 470
Total Word Count - 11,690