To be honest, if Liari did not have nightmares and didn't have to wake up early for training, she too was a sleepyhead... Terra got it after her. Looking at this tiny creature, Ayu wondered a bit - if she hadn't appeared, their lives wouldn't change as much, but it still was hard to believe how much impact this small person had. Liari was of course shocked that she suddenly became a mother, but it felt like she made peace with that fairly quickly. Ayu was the worrywart in this situation, as usual... Because, what would they do when Terra gets older? They would need a bigger place to live. And more food, but that wouldn't be that hard with their abilities. Paying bills and taxes was going smoother than ever, that's true. What about school and identification? To be honest she doubted that Liari was marked in the system of Earth as a citizen and she knew she wouldn't like the idea. It's not like Ayu wanted her to do this, but if anyone would stumble into this secluded place and order them to tackle the threat of the IDs and other similar stuff... Surely Liari would be able to scare them away, but for how long? Ayu wasn't sure she could attend the university this year or maybe even the next one too. Should they try to look for another place to live? Somewhere away from the world, perhaps...

Maybe she really was worrying too much.

Ayu gently stroked the little girl's cheek. Unlike Liari, Terra's eyes were red. Red, soft and sweet, while her mother did sometimes have a flash of similar scarlet coloration in her irises, the emotions that carried this hue were completely different... So far, she never saw Terra angry or annoyed. Well, sometimes she was fussy not wanting to brush her teeth before sleep, but that was it. Feeling how her chest was warming up from within, Ayu placed her hand on Terra's head, patting her gently.

"Someone's a sleepyhead again..." Ayu couldn't help but chuckle softly, helping Terra out of her nest full of covers, plushies, and blankets. Small kids do sleep a lot to grow... But then again, would Terra grow like a regular kid? Well, Ayu had no clue what was normal for the Majin race, so perhaps she shouldn't worry too much. She rubbed her back trying to help her niece wake up, but it seemed that the food did the trick. Did all Majin love sweets? Ayu smiled. She watched as a little girl perked up and smelled the air, gaining the energy to eat as if her life depended on it. "Yes," she laughed, pulling Terra towards herself when she clung to her warmly. "We got blueberry pancakes, some nice butter, and maple syrup," Ayu stood up. "I love you too, Sweet Pea," she patted her head and pressed her lips against her pink forehead. She was glad that the little one loved blueberries that much because at any time she could create lots of them for her to eat. Her power surprisingly came in handy in creating things that could entertain children - like a jungle playground or swing in the backyard. Carrying this tiny girl wasn't a problem for her at all... But she was big enough to walk by herself to the kitchen, yet each time she would wrap herself around Ayu lovingly, she didn't have the heart to tell her to let go. Maybe she was spoiling Terra a little bit...

Since she appeared the place felt even more lively, filled with her chatter and laughter. Ayu quite well adjusted to the idea of being an aunt and altering the small house to make space for another tiny being wasn't actually that hard. If her grandfather would miraculously get back home from being gone for more than half a year now, he'd surely be surprised to see not one but two more tenants. Of course, she wouldn't let him chase them away... She missed Zhang sometimes, but Liari and Terra were her family more than he'd ever could be.

Ayu carried Terra to the bathroom first, helping her wash her face and hands before they went to the kitchen. She placed the little girl on her chair that was of course cushioned with two extra pillows, so she could reach the table. The table was prepared already for breakfast and Terra had her own colorful plate and cutlery, with a matching cup that Ayu just filled with tea.

"Let's eat," she said with a smile, taking her place next to Terra and taking a sip of the tea from her mug. A few weeks ago it was a simple white cup, but after her niece snatched it with her colorful markers, it was a cute and a bit chaotic piece of art with flowers doodled on the surface. Each day Ayu struggled with washing the mug, being careful to not wipe away the picture that Terra drew for her... Maybe she should get some varnish for that? Hmm... Ayu glanced at the window. "I think it will be raining today... What should we do now?" she asked Terra with a curious smile, wondering what the little one would have planned for this type of weather.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 880
Total Word Count - 1,851

Ayu enjoyed interacting with kids more often than staying in the presence of people her age or older. It felt awkward. She was shy and most of the time she felt like she was being judged by her bashful nature... But with the little ones? It was never a problem. They were sincere and Ayu found it easier to talk with them about any given subject. Maybe she was being childish herself sometimes... But she would often get nervous when she could sense that the hue of energy and the mood were not matching the voice or words of the people she talked with. Adults were contradictory, children were honest - Ayu disliked lying, and, well, her face was always like an open book, so it was easy to guess with what group she'd get along better.

"Eat up, sweetie," Ayu smiled warmly in response to a very heartwarming love declaration, sitting on her chair next to the little Majin girl. Terra didn't lose any time and started her breakfast, not straying from answering her question. She was going to stay home today nevertheless - with her headaches and some Ki uneven fluctuating, it would be safer this way. And while at it, why not have some quality time with her niece? "Magic..?" she mused, slowly nodding her head. "We might... But we need to be careful, alright?" Ayu's eyes glanced at the ceiling, where the burnt mark as big as the table was still visible under layers of white paint. They did try to cover it... The last attempt at using magic while cooking did not go as planned. Thank gods that the watering hose was right next to the kitchen window. Since this little accident, the young woman wasn't so keen on using any powers while preparing meals, because in the tiny kitchen it rarely worked. Something always got shot, sliced, blasted... It simply wasn't practical. It was better to do things the old-fashioned way rather than risk their household blowing up one way or another. Be it by magic or energy or... Well, Ayu couldn't exactly tell those apart, perhaps because in her case it seemed to be mixed. Ki and mana, it all was one, albeit hybrid, type of energy, coming from one source - her. Ah, it all was complicated. What one would call magic others could name an impact of Ki. So, with that in mind, how should they play with magic here, making sure to not endanger the house?

With her cheek resting on her hand, Ayu was looking at Terra eating heartily her breakfast, unaware of a soft smile on her face. Cute, pink, and soft cheeks were stuffed with pancakes as the girl was showing a great appetite. The little one was quite gifted with magic, making various things appear just like her mother. In that case, she couldn't beat them - Ayu could only pull plants out of thin air - not boxes full of pralines. It wasn't as healthy though, but as far as she knew, Majins were able to eat practically anything, the nutritional value wasn't a priority here. At least without being too fussy Terra was eating vegetables and fruits. If someone would tell her a month ago that she soon would be preparing a meal plan for a little child, Ayu wouldn't have believed them... But here they were.

"Game and magic, huh?" she stroked her cheek thoughtfully. Ayu made a slow motion with her finger, drawing a circle in the air - like painted by a soft brush, green stalks appeared. They grew, creating delicate buds on the tips of the tendrils, which all bloomed into vividly pink flowers of fragrant, sweet pea. She held them gently for a moment, placing the plant on the top of the table, and smiling a little. "What you say? We could try making something to surprise your mum when she gets back," Ayu purposely didn't point any idea here, not talking about the shape or matter of the surprise. After all, a child's imagination was a great thing, not to be limited by suggestions.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 680
Total Word Count - 2,531

Living with a small child wasn't as easy and stressless as one could assume. Even if that child was as capable and bright as Terra, things could get messy very quickly. This place was prone to accidents even before the little one was born, so it wasn't weird that the number of mishaps grew after another person appeared. So each day could get loud, dirty, colorful, or full of surprises, which sometimes needed long hours of cleaning and a bit of a lecture afterward...

But living without those two would be boring and she would never give up on them. Never.

So... Present it was. What could they possibly make for Liari? In second grade, at school, Ayu vaguely remembered making some paperwork and colorful crafts that the kids were supposed to give to their guardians. It's not like Zhang never appreciated the gifts, he always told Ayu to put them away and would forget completely about them. Now, that wouldn't happen here - but the magic part was the most important. Ayu started to fear for the safety of the ceiling again, yet she couldn't stop a small smile, blooming on her face. She could only nod while seeing this type of enthusiasm. When it comes to their emotions, both Terra and Liari could never hide how they were feeling. Each and every little thing was seen and heard very clearly when they both vocalized their moods. Ayu was a bit similar in that regard, but her emotions were quieter, rather seen than heard - but she still was like an open book. Perhaps that runs in the family?

"Oh, thank you," Ayu smiled, lowering her head to kiss Terra on the forehead. She took the present from the pair of small, cute, and pink hands. After some time and the presence of the Majin duo, she got used to certain magic tricks and plays around the house. She raised the candy flower higher to have a better look at it - it was really impressive! Not to mention the size of course, which in itself was quite amazing. Little Majin was small so using the energy in her body could be harder for her, judging by the mana and body ratio that it... But she had no problems with that. Like, ever. "You're getting better at it with every try..." she nodded to herself thoughtfully, smiling with a bit of a soft pride. Ayu wasn't the one to teach Terra all the magic tricks but she surely felt glad each time she spotted that her little niece's experience was growing. Down to every detail, the veins on the leaf, the shape of the stalk, and the soft, malleable texture of the petals, Terra did a great work mimicking nature. And with the substance like sweets! Of course, tulips do not come in white and red striped patterns, and they definitely don't taste like mint candy canes, but the shape and even the feel of the surface were exactly the same. Omitting a faint stickiness of sugar that is. "Let me put it here, so we can show your mum later what a pretty thing you made," Ayu pulled out of a cupboard a thin, long vase and put the flower inside it. It was candy, so no need for watering - honestly it looked like a modern, unusual decoration. She placed it in the middle of the windowsill.

"Alright, now... Would you help me do the dishes? And while we're at it, let's think about what present we could prepare," gently patting Terra on her back, Ayu was gathering the plates and cups from the kitchen table. Chores weren't as hard for a smart and capable child like Terra, but like every kid, she had different priorities. Yet again, what was better than doing something that grownups do? Even if it was as boring as cleaning? Ayu knew better than to shush her niece and give her some toys so she'd be occupied for long enough, no - Terra had her own little duties. Like wiping the washed dishes clean. Ayu pulled a small stool for the pink Majin to stand on, so she could reach the counter safely, and as usual, they would chat too. Time passes faster with a nice company, isn't that right?

"Let's see..." Ayu started to think about it herself, while she was washing the plates and passing the clean dishes to Terra, so she could wipe them. What present could they make that would involve magic and would surprise Liari? Glancing at the window, at the world drowning in rain, Ayu sighed a little. Well, anything that would be about sweets and sugar and strawberries would be a safe bet, but not as exciting. Besides, since the Bluebell learned to use her powers and pull candies out of thin air, it seemed a little boring. What was the point of making strawberry tarts if she could snap her fingers and create a ton of those with magic..? Well, Ayu still enjoyed them, knowing that her sister loved them so much. "Hmm..." Ayu exhaled softly. "What do you think will be the first thing that your mum is going to do when she'd be back?" she turned her head to Terra, trying this tricky question to see what idea she'd have about the foretold surprise. Ayu mentioned it as a loose idea to occupy them during the rainy day, but it seemed the whole day will be about that... Why not? Terra seemed to be pretty happy about that already.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 922
Total Word Count - 3,453

The imagination of a child could make any day brighter... And simply observing Terra was enough to warm up to her anyone. Be it her child mannerism or gesticulation or even the cute faces she was making, pouring every emotion into her posture... She was a vivid, bright kid. What's there to dislike? Since Liari moved to Ayu's place, the house became warmer and more welcoming, but it was Terra's appearance that filled it with laughter. But the little pink niece wasn't all that of course. There were moments when Terra was making a brave face when she didn't like something or when she was trying to hold back on her reaction even when she was getting angry or sad. Maybe she didn't understand everything that was happening around them, but she still reacted to that. And in a way that wouldn't make them worry, which was surprising for Ayu. Kids could be selfish. They were kids. Yet, at times it felt like Terra was showing the maturity that they didn't think she could have... That's why, as her aunt, despite chores, lessons, and other things at play, Ayu wanted her to enjoy being a kid. So they could all have fun like that... It seemed that both Ayu and Liari were regaining bit a bit of their child-like selves just by playing with Terra. It made her enjoy looking after her little pink niece.

Too bad that they couldn't possibly play outside today.

"I don't think we could do much in this weather..." she pointed out, glancing at the window. The sky already started to send the first drops to the surface, and the soft pitter-patter murmured outside. Terra still talked and Ayu almost expected her to puff out her cheeks when she mentioned that her mum and aunt talk together too much.

Ayu couldn't help but give Terra an apologetic smile. It was the truth. Liari and Ayu sometimes had to leave the house - there were moments when the two of them needed to have a serious talk... While Ayu was the person lacking fighting experience, who was closer to the ground and the feelings of herself and others, Liari could be only described as chaos. Not in a vile way, no. Out of the two, Majin knew more about fighting and the dangers that the world carried within. She was full of contrasts and conflicting ideas. Perhaps it was her absorbing other people that was messing with her head... Not to mention her nightmares and headaches that were resurfacing every now and then - which was troubling indeed. But there was a certain part of Liari that was still caring, loving, enjoying fun - not like a child that she used to be, but... In a more mature figured-it-out kind of way. Seeing Liari helping out around the house, reading bedtime stories to Terra, enjoying herself with simple tasks and pleasures of the daily, peaceful life... It was proof to Ayu, that part of her wanted this. She could deduce it on her own, simply by observing her little sister who was matching so well to this everyday life. Bluebell could use a stable, welcoming home, a place to always return, to have a peaceful, quiet time just for herself and her family. But would it truly harmonize with her, Ayu didn't know.

At the same time, another part of Liari was eager to fight. To challenge herself and others, to exchange blows and blasts, and that wasn't something that Ayu was going to condemn. How could she? It was Liari's way of living. She met enough warriors to see how important to them fighting was and there was nothing wrong about it, no... It was the destruction that followed. It never was a given, because there were people level-headed about the whole sparring and challenging manner, focusing on improving themselves or those that couldn't care less about other lives. And that was something that Ayu feared deep down... That the chaos, the pleasure that was taken from the devastation, from stripping life from others, leaving nothing but ashes... What if it would at one point be more tempting and attractive than a peaceful yet uneventful life on the forest's outskirts? It very well might be. After all, if it was the thrill of fight Liari was looking for, Ayu couldn't help in any way and she was in a losing position right away.

She sighed, a little bit too deeply when doubt crept inside her head. The young woman always assured Liari, that no matter what would happen and what she would do, Ayu would always love her. And she wouldn't ever falter with that conviction... Yet it didn't mean that she would agree with everything that Bluebell does or will do. She dreaded the possibility of the little sister she loved spiraling into a more destructive path - they often talked. Ayu always listened. Assured. Embraced and comforted. But... What if it won't be enough? She believed in Liari, but in the end, her choices were her own. But if believing in someone doesn't give them comfort or strength, it wasn't better than doing nothing, was it..?

Terra was someone she wished to protect and hoped that she won't ever be placed in this situation. She was sure Liari felt the same about the pink, little girl, that eagerly was putting away wiped-down dishes on a small pile next to the sink. Without noticing it, Ayu's face softened, when she gently patted Terra's head.

"I think that your mum could get back pretty tired after training," Ayu gently shook her head to keep at bay all those uneasy thoughts that started to worry her. She smiled at Terra, helping her jump out of the stool by grabbing her by her hands and rocking her in the air. "And it's still raining... What you say, we make her a nice fort?" she put her niece down and raised her finger while suggesting her idea for the present. The gift doesn't have to be a material thing, right? "We can make it with pillows and blankets, so the three of us can lay there and sleep together. You could decorate it in any way you like..." a tilt of the head pointed to the ribbons and drawings put on the strings with colorful clips. "And we can make some snacks too. Do you like it? What do you think?"

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 1,069
Total Word Count - 4,522

Ah, children. Seeing Terra all happy and smiling at her, Ayu wondered why the sky hasn't cleared already. It should have! There was still a possibility that they could ask Liari to blast away the clouds but she didn't like the idea of interfering with nature. Even if it was only rain and there shouldn't be any harm in that... No, they found something else to do. Her niece loved the idea of creating a pillow fort and she was glad she could help - mostly because doing magic tricks indoors could lead to some... Unexpected effects and damages. Despite the number of cracks in the walls and burnt furniture, Ayu could never get angry at those two. Not like she could get angry at anyone but the point was she had soft spot for the two Majins here. They were her family. How could she not love this little pink bubblegum who hugged her waist and murmured so sweetly that she was happy with her aunt? Her heart melted already. Ayu couldn't help but stroke her soft and smooth head. Terra's hugs were always tight and warm.

"I'm happy with you too, Sweet Pea," she smiled, her hand moving from the top of her head towards her soft rubbery cheek. Looking back, at the thought that she would tell someone that she loves them, or express any feelings like that, Ayu's face would turn as red as a ripe tomato - but it didn't work this way with Liari and Terra. Family love was something else, something precious that she gained when she gave up on having it. With her grandfather's stern personality, she stopped looking for his approval and affection, and then Bluebell appeared out of, well, blue. A while later, Terra magically popped out and here they were, living together in her house. Ayu softly patted Terra's arm to gently let her know that they need to wrap up their work. She put away the last of the dishes and wiped her hands dry with a clean kitchen towel. They cleaned after breakfast! So now...

"Shall we?" she smiled at the little Majin. "Let's bring here every pillow, blanket, and quilt we have," taking Terra's hand, she guided her to her new bedroom - and her grandfather's old room. If they want to make a decent fort, the one that would have enough space for the three of them, they would need a lot of stuff. Liari was a towering figure so they better bring every sheet and cushion in the house! The bed frame was hiding neatly folded blankets and some extra pillows that Ayu kept inside. With Terra's help, they looted the whole house! The girl started moving out of their way the furniture in the main room of their small house, putting chairs on top of the table and pushing away the sofa up to the wall. Soon enough they had quite a lot of space on their hands. And an enormous pile of blankets, pillows, and even plushies as tall as Ayu next to them.

"I... I think that's enough," she scratched her cheek and chuckled a bit. She glanced at Terra and slowly grabbed the nearest blanket... Only to throw it at the little Majin without a warning. The little one disappeared under the woolen fabric and she hugged her, still covered with a blanket, pulling her closer and leaning on the pile of pillows. "Oh my, what have I caught~?" Ayu asked out loud, tickling Terra through the fabric and giggling. Because why not? There were not many times in her life when she could be a child. Having Sweet Pea around felt like she was slowly but surely getting back some of the child-like playfulness and wonder that faded away long ago.

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 629
Total Word Count - 5,151

It's not like Ayu had any other plans today. Being an aunt would have to do! She graduated from school some time ago and the university was still out of her reach, yet the soft, peaceful days were all she could ask for. Maybe the girl truly was satisfied with something like that but it didn't feel bad. Quite opposite. No parents and an always absent grandfather were equal to a pretty lonely childhood when she couldn't give or receive any kind of affection. Having a little sister and a lovely niece now was slowly healing that memory and Ayu could pour all of her care into people she considered her family. Her true family, not by blood but by choice. Didn't it make it even stronger? She preferred to stay with two Majin rather than walk among the crowds. Besides, with her condition, it would be wise to avoid places far away from home. It would be troubling to go out knowing that a nasty nosebleed or a headache could be creeping near... So while it was raining and she had some quality time with her niece, why not enjoy it to the fullest? It was a perfect time to build a cozy and welcoming fort out of everything soft and pillowy in their house.

So the blanket fort they built! A considerable amount of big cushions and wooly covers were left on the ground to make their rest as comfortable as possible. Terra threw in all of her plushies and Ayu pulled out thick blankets suitable for colder weather, laying them evenly in their nest. Soon enough, with every step, they would stand ankle-deep in the fluffy mattress that they made, perfect for napping, cuddling, and reading fairy tails out loud. Ayu got some thinner, lighter covers that were used for the walls and the ceiling of their fort. Well, not exactly, they were more like decorations around their enormous pile of blankets in the middle of the room. With the help of a trusty twine and some of Terra's magic, they were able to create quite an amazing fort indoors! An elaborated construction looked even prettier when Ayu dug up forgotten string lights and hung them by the ceiling. Charming lights were softly twinkling at them from above. They made an open entrance, secured the edges with pillows and here it was. Their pillow fortress was finished!

"Oh my, it looks amazing~" Ayu clapped admiring their masterpiece and carefully walking on the pillowed floor. She glanced at Terra and giggled, the little pink Majin standing proudly on the top of the pile - but a second later she swooped her in her arms, tickling and hugging her close. A pleasant cascade of children's laughter filled the room. "Yes, I've caught you~" she laughed, sneaking her hands under the covers to free Sweet Pea. Ayu grabbed Terra, drawing her closer and pulling away the blankets from her head - to see a little disheveled, giggly, and happy pink girl. She lifted her, putting her small weight on her hip, and embraced her warmly. It just felt right. Her aunt kissed her rubbery cheek and looked at her with a smile. "Now, we have secured our fortress," she glanced at the clock. It was that hour already? Weren't they eating breakfast a moment ago? Hmm... Ayu winked at Terra. "I think it's time to gather some treasures for us to enjoy. A book maybe? Or crayons?" She placed Terra on the pile, stroking her chin pensively. "Or some music?" There was an old CD player in her new room. Somewhere. Ayu joined her hands and looked at the little Majin. "I should go make some snacks for our hideout. What you'd say about muffins? And then I should think about dinner while we wait for your mum." Seriously, Ayu was turning into a full-time housemaid. Or hostess? "What would you like to eat Sweet Pea?"

---

Super Weighted Clothing Equipped - No gains
Power Level - 179,970
PL with SWC - 44,992
Word Count - 654
Total Word Count - 5,805