Alexander wasn't interested in explaining, but at least Axel was willing to help.  Of course his explanation just left her more baffled than before, but it was progress.  It also made answering far simpler.  "I do not have any further questions," Lee said, turning one ear towards Axel as Cal disagreed with him.  "But my answer is also no."  She felt bad for saying it, but this was just...too much.  The way Axel's young face crumpled in particular made her want to take the words back, but she couldn't let people sway her into saying yes when she really ought to say no and stick with it.

One of them asked why, and while she actually didn't owe them an explanation, she felt like she did all the same.  They all seemed shocked, though the emotions that emerged after varied.  "Several reasons.  If your powers have been sealed as the consequences for your actions, then I cannot in good conscience help you circumvent that.  Furthermore, if you committed some sin that you need erased, your focus should be on that.  If you spend your mandated time off looking for ways around the rules, you'll only be in more trouble when it's found out.  If what you all did is as big a deal as you seem to think, it's worth taking time for self evaluation.  Antonement isn't just about apologizing.  It's also about committing yourself to doing better next time."  Lee blushed, her shoulders hunching forward ever so slightly.  "Sorry, I'm getting all religious and philosophical, and I can't imagine you need that from someone you've only just met.  Besides, that's really not my biggest reason."  She took a deep breath.  "I just...can't see setting out with the intention of interfering in other people's lives as a good idea.  Just stepping in as a passer-by is chancy enough.  Helping doesn't always help...if you know what I mean."

She swept her hair out of her face.  "I'm sorry if you got your hopes up.  Axel, if I mean to catch the bus in time for my next class, I should get going now."  The dancer turned her face towards him, offering an apologetic smile.  "If you catch me between classes I'd be happy to talk, or perhaps I'll see you around town."