Growing Up

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As more time passes, Bandu and Expunged notice a change in Bambari. She's grown noticeably taller, her once small frame now showing signs of the young woman she's becoming. Bandu can't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia as he looks at her, remembering the day he first found her, small and alone in the hotel.

Bandu: [wistfully] Hey, Expunged... Remember when we first found Bambari? She was so small and scared, hiding away in that hotel room all by herself.

Expunged: [nodding, a fond smile on their face] Yeah, I remember. She's come a long way since then, hasn't she?

Bandu nods, his gaze lingering on Bambari as she goes about her day, her laughter filling the air with joy.

Bandu: [emotionally] She really has. Look at her now, Expunged. She's grown so much, not just in height, but in spirit too. She's happier than I've ever seen her.

Expunged watches Bambari with a sense of pride, grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her journey.

Expunged: [softly] Yeah, she is. And I'm glad we could be here for her every step of the way.

Later that day, Bandu and Bambari spend that sunny afternoon together in the backyard, and Bandu decides to teach Bambari some tricks with his chaotic powers. He conjures up colorful sparks and levitates objects, like candy and phones, with ease, demonstrating his mastery over chaos.

Bandu: [excitedly] Okay, Bambari, your turn! Try to summon some sparks like I did!

Bambari watches with awe as Bandu demonstrates, but when she tries to mimic his actions, nothing happens, as she isn't a chaos god like her uncle. She looks disappointed for a moment, but then a determined glint enters her eyes.

Bambari: [thoughtfully] I may not have chaos powers like you, Uncle Bandu, but I can still do something cool!

With a mischievous grin, Bambari begins to gather nearby objects—a stick, a few pebbles, and some fallen leaves.

Bandu: [curiously] What are you doing, Bambari?

Bambari: [grinning] Just watch!

With a flick of her wrist, Bambari sends the stick spinning through the air, followed by the pebbles and leaves. They dance around her in a whirlwind of motion, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Bandu: [eyes wide with amazement] Wow, Bambari! That's cool!

Bambari's grin widens as she continues to manipulate the objects with precision and finesse, her creativity shining through.

Bandu: [proudly] You may not have chaos powers, Bambari, but you've got imagination and resourcefulness!

Bambari beams at Bandu's praise, feeling a sense of accomplishment swell within her. Despite not having the same powers as Bandu, she's found her own way to create magic.

Bambari: [happily] Thanks, Uncle Bandu! I'm glad you think so.

As they spend the rest of the afternoon honing Bambari's newfound skills, Bandu can't help but feel proud of the resourceful, creative young woman she's becoming.

As the afternoon turns into evening, Bambari grows tired from the day's activities with her uncle Bandu. Seeing her yawn and rub her eyes, Bandu decides it's time to call it a day.

Bandu: [gently] Alright, Bambari, let's get you tucked into bed.

Bambari nods sleepily, allowing Bandu to guide her to his bedroom. He tucks her into his bed, pulling the blankets up snugly around her.

Bandu: [smiling] Sweet dreams, Bambari. I'll be right here if you need anything.

Bambari murmurs a sleepy "goodnight" before drifting off to sleep, her breathing slow and steady.

Bandu watches her for a moment, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He realizes that he himself is tired from the day's activities. With a yawn, he climbs into bed beside Bambari, intending to rest for just a moment.

Before he knows it, Bandu too succumbs to sleep, cuddled up beside Bambari, the warmth of her presence comforting him.

Sometime later, Expunged, passing by Bandu's room, notices the sight that awaits them. Their heart swells with affection at the sight of Bandu and Bambari, fast asleep and cuddled up together in the same bed.

Expunged: [softly, with a smile] Well, isn't that just the cutest thing?

With a fond chuckle, Expunged quietly closes the door, leaving Bandu and Bambari to sleep peacefully in each other's embrace, grateful for the bond they share as uncle and niece.

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