Chapter 444 - Days MDCCCLXXIV - MDCCCLXXXVI

We spent three more days in Ark. There was not much more to show my mother, but we just wanted to have some time together after so long. Then she came up with an idea to go out and see a bit of India.

She just really wanted to see the Taj Mahal.

So I did my paperwork, and mister Vikram Kaur took us sightseeing. She really came to like that guy, since he was a true gentleman.

We started by visiting stuff around Dwarka since it was the closest. We saw Rukmini Devi Temple, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Kshetrapal Temple, Samudra Narayan Temple, Nageshvara Jyotirling. Basically a lot of temples, but since they were all so pretty my mother really wanted to keep doing that. I was more interested in cuisine but since we both were unsure about the street food, we limited ourselves to eating in restaurants.

I tried stuff like papdi chaat, murg makhani, chole, Tandori chicken, naan bread, rajma dal, baingan bharta, and crab curry.

Tihana grew a bit bored with all the sightseeing, but she had to bear with it, and she actually did really got to pretend in front of my mother.

Then we traveled further to Agra, where we could experience way more. The streets were crowded, and the industrial city allowed us to see how things were done there, and check the local product. My mom, being a seamstress fell in love with hand-woven fabrics. I could be there with my fat bank account and vast vault.

I bought her everything she laid her eyes on. The fabrics, the jewelry, the souvenirs. I even bought a nice achkan for myself. Black obviously.

For me, it was a bit annoying since I always was the loner type, and the presence of constant crowds and the noise of car horns was just overwhelming.

We spent our nights in nice holes since I could afford it, and Vikram Kaur never disappointed, with being able to book us anything.

But, just like with everything, it had to come to an end. We drove my mother to the airport, and there we parted ways. I promised to visit her via shadow walk in two days and deliver all the stuff I bought for her. We hugged, said our goodbyes, and agent Karol Siemiątkowski, who was already waiting there for us, took her to the plane.

I and Tihana returned by car to Dwarka, and from there to Ark.

- It was fun - she said to me surprisingly, as we were walking towards the city center. - I've never done something like that.

I didn't respond to her words for quite a moment since I didn't really know what to say.

- Now you will - I said eventually. - We will visit plenty of places, try all kinds of foods, and experience many cultures.

She smiled but tried avoiding looking at me since she was probably too shy for that.

- I never said thank you for what you did. I thought this would end badly, to be honest, but since I had nothing better for me in my life, I just went for it. Thank you... dad.

- Ok. Enough with all the warmth and love. I'm starting to feel like we lost you on our trip so Vikram Kaur switched the real you for some nice Indian kid, who actually listens to their parents.

She didn't say anything, just punched me in the shoulder. I have to say, it felt very nice to hear such words. It brought warmth to my heart, that I experienced very little throughout my life, and most of those feelings just recently.

I took her to her room in the barracks. We didn't speak to each other and just enjoyed the moment. Then I said goodnight to her and ruffled her hair a bit. She was angry, but I blocked any retaliation with ease and ran away while laughing.

I had a very strong desire to go hunting for a while, but I had to check if everything was ok before that, so I went straight to Hatta.

I found him in his office, seating by the table on the left, and eating while looking at some papers.

- Hi - he said, not even looking towards me.

- Hi. I wanted to talk.

- You usually want that - he replied, sighed, and put the papers away. - Hit me, but no too hard since I'm already tired.

I smiled at him.

- I came to check if everything is in the right place. I want to go hunting, and need to know that things are on the correct track before I go.

- Right now, yes. We are still waiting for the research mission, and both armies keep annoying me with their stupid requests of allowing guns to be used just by them, but it's fine except that. Well... Tons of paperwork with the crystal exchange, but somehow I'm managing it.

- Ok. I'll be around for three more days, and then I'm leaving, so please take care of Tihana for me, ok?

He sighed.

- You just had to add another thing to my plate, didn't you?

- Two weeks. Just make her train with Ki'rai, as she did before. Or with somebody else if she won't be available.

- I'll do it, don't worry, but you need to find her a different place to stay. The barracks are not a good place for a girl her age. She needs an adult overseeing her.

- I know. Just there has been so much going on, and I need a little breather.

- And by little breather, you mean hunting some crazy monsters? - he asked with a smile on his face.

I just couldn't not laugh.

- What can I say... Everybody likes different things. I just need to vent a little, then I'll come and take care of her.

- You just should go and talk with Boris. Tomorrow. Ask him to take her in for those two weeks. He can train her, and I'm sure Irina will have a great influence on her.

- That's actually a great idea... Thanks, Hatta.

He chuckled a bit and shook his head, as I was leaving.

This period of time came to an end with 24 400 709 points remaining on my account, and 21 class points.