Kali thought saw mother for a moment. Much strangeness. Lovely lady, long red hair in a ponytail. But eyes all wrong, burning like lava.

Remember the ceremony of the heightening, perhaps? Naked Kali in blessed desert water. Mothers big friend orchestrating, old high priestess. Kali with other girls as we walk through the fires of the earth. Trusting in the sacred water to protect us. Those who panic, who cry out, are not deemed suitable as S'tavi warrior girls. It is the day we prepare for since our birth. Trusting in the faith and friendship of the fire spirits watching.

Much funnyness, mother watching from stands, biting lip and clutching fathers shoulder. Never seen mother scared before. Guessing is behaviour Kali not understand until mother herself.

Truthly, Kali quite scared. Exposed to all.

But warrior girls cannot flinch or know shame. Such is heightening purpose.

Then, we may start our journey in truthfulness.

Have come muchly long way, both as a woman, and as a warrior.

And yet, still a foolish tortoise!

Hubris ever so dangerous, thinking little body can handle Meenaora's shot-peck! Is one of six ultimate techniques!

Was hubris? In truth, possibly desperation? Most likely.

Just foolish maiden after all. Father will laugh now. Kali told him she would never need a man like snotty brothers.

Strange muchly. Wanted to follow to see if temporary love after all. But clearly not so. Elijah much funniness and bring Kali happy feelings despite his lust. Such stupid maiden!

Wait, though...

Elijah! Aniki!

I suddenly jump up, smashing aside sleep and startling Rish who was watching over me. Seems girls sat having words, but not much care for this.

Body apparently okay, but nearly fall over anyway. Something creaks in strain and I wobble. Such pain, but not deadly, more likely just fatigue.

"Kali! You can't jump up like that! You nearly died and broke every bone in your body! You idiot! Sit down!" Rish rebukes me harshly.

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Not seen her angry vicious like this before. Startles me. Big Yuuzu did same though. Is probably a thing with healer beauties.

Beauties?

Bad Kuro-chan infected head. Girls not supposed to be called beauties by girls.

She grabs onto me as I hesitate, and eases me back down before I tumble.

Certainly, she is of difference. Somehow, she is... more mature and less bratty? Has a real joy in her eyes? Why is...

Ah. Understanding.

"Had Aniki's love whilst away? Finally ate sausage properly!?" I grin.

She splutters and nearly lets me go. I drop into a sitting posture.

"Why!?!?" She cries, going into a flap.

All the others laugh. Seri rolls her eyes.

"See, tis' not just me, yes?" Kaede snickers behind a hand.

"Yes, yes... Kinah's mercy, the changed Rishya is too damn obvious, now I look closely. We never had a chance... fufufufu..." Seri snickers, swishing back a twintail.

Mmm... so Seria as well? True enough. She has done the opposite. Subtle glances over to Aniki. Little rounded eyes and girlish motions, more like Ki did after her date. Has somehow become more fluttery and less stoic dignifiedness?

Is funny seeing changes.

"Is Aniki... okay?" I ask.

He is somehow laid across Arry and Ki's laps simultaneously. We are still in the old room.

I stand up again, more slowly this time.

"You weirdo, Kali. Normally someone would be stuck in bed for a week after that. Don't push yourself so much!" Rishya growls.

"Truthfully, body good, Rish." I nod, flexing my arms and stretching my legs.

Not lying. Not sure about too much fighting right now... but reasonable fitness still.

"Um... he strained his spirit to save you, Kali." Ki gives me a bit of stinkeye.

I look a bit sorry. Yes. Was foolish tortoise.

"Sorrys. Limit too low to do silly attack. But out of options. Much apologies!" I bow my head.

"Ah... um... no... its fine." She looks startled at my head bowing. "I... um... I couldn't make it! Shit! Fuck! I'm just angry at myself, Kali! It's... not your fault! Hezety's fat ass! It's not you. I... thanks for saving him..." she squirms.

"We decided on a forgive and forget policy, did we not?" Arry smiles sweetly. "It's just onii-chan's fault for being a dumbass lolicon pervert as usual!! What an asshat!"

We all giggle. Even Kae-chan! She's a bit odd now as well.

Suddenly, it is subtle, but we are interrupted by the distant clash of steel and the din of angry combat. Someone not us, fighting?

We all look up.

"Um... Is that... the S-ranks?" Ki looks startled.

"Maybe." Aria nods. "Do you think this place meets up with one of the other directions?"

"Mmm... this dungeon does seem to favour that kind of eventual looping, does it not?" Seri agrees.

"We should see if they need help, yes?" Kae adds.

"Hmmph... probably not. But we should try to meet up again if they're here. We're all fairly exhausted, right?" Rish confirms.

"Idea muchly good." I agree. "Kali not good much for fights at moment... mmm... should I carry Aniki?"

"Really? Are you sure that's a good idea!? Rish?!" Aria exclaims.

Rishya rubs her face.

"Absolutely not a good idea... normally... but this girl is freaking strange!" She grimaces and snorts.

I grin back at her, flexing my arms, and she sighs.

"Probably fighting not good... but can do this muchly at least.

"Hmm... if you say so." Aria says, blinking.

I crouch down, and pick up Aniki.

It does feel a bit like he's heavy... am quite weak right now... but I got to get used to it. One day, I will have him atop me and carry him to see mother!

One day soon!