feeding the family

Chapter 11: Feeding the Family

Arjun sat in the quiet of his room, surrounded by the gentle sounds of his newfound companions. Sword Beast practiced its sword techniques, striking at the air with determination, while Wraith floated nearby, watching with an amused expression. Happi, however, was curled up in Arjun's palm, gazing up at him with innocent eyes, its tiny form radiating warmth and a sense of vulnerability.

As he marveled at the little creature, an idea struck him. He needed to call his mother for advice on how to care for Happi. Picking up his phone, he dialed her number, his heart fluttering with anticipation. It had been a while since they had spoken, and he was eager to share this new part of his life with her, even if it meant keeping certain secrets.

"Hello?" Meera's voice came through, warm and familiar, instantly soothing his nerves.

"Hi, Mom! It's me," Arjun said, smiling at the sound of her voice. "How are you doing?"

"I'm good, dear. Just busy with the aftermath of the building collapse. It's been overwhelming, but I'm managing. How about you? How's the awaken practice going?"

He hesitated for a moment, remembering the weight of his powers and the complexities of his secret. "Well, I actually about my summoning powers. But… I need some advice on caring for my new friend."

"Summoning powers? That's amazing!" Meera exclaimed. "What's your summon like?"

Arjun glanced at Happi, who was now playfully tugging at his finger. "Uh, it's a little… unusual. It's a tiny creature, and I'm not really sure how to feed it. I was hoping you could help me with that."

"Of course! You might want to try something soft, like mashed fruits or some milk. Just make sure it's not too cold or too hot. Sometimes creatures like that need a gentle touch, too," she suggested, her voice filled with warmth and care.

"Mashed fruits? Got it! Thanks, Mom. I'll give it a try," he said, relieved to have some guidance.

"Is everything else alright? You sound a bit… distracted," she asked, her motherly instincts kicking in.

"Yeah, everything's fine! Just a lot on my mind, you know?" he replied, not wanting to delve into the details of the Summoner's Gacha System. It was an unknown phenomenon that he had no desire to reveal. The risks were too high, and he didn't want to put his family in any danger.

After a brief pause, Meera continued once

Again, "You know I wish I could be there for your awakening. It's such a significant moment in your life. I'm so proud of you."

Arjun's heart swelled with love for his mother. "I wish you were here too, Mom. But I understand that your work is important. Just be careful, okay?"

"I promise. And remember, no matter what happens, I'm always here for you. You're strong, just like your father," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "You have his spirit in you."

A lump formed in Arjun's throat as he recalled stories of his father, the city enforcer who had died a hero. "I'll do my best, Mom. I just wish I could be as brave as he was."

"You are brave, Arjun. You're finding your path, and that's what matters. Just take care of yourself and those you care about," she reassured him.

"I will, Mom. Thank you for always believing in me."

With that, they shared a few more moments of heartfelt conversation before saying their goodbyes. Arjun felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would make his mother proud, just as he would honor his father's legacy.

As he ended the call, Arjun looked down at Happi, who was now nuzzling against his palm, its eyes heavy with sleep. He couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Alright, little buddy, let's find you something to eat."

He carefully placed Happi on his desk, then headed to the kitchen. With his mother's advice in mind, he rummaged through the fridge, searching for something soft and tasty. He found some overripe bananas and decided to mash one up, mixing it with a little bit of milk to make it easier for Happi to consume.

Returning to his room, Arjun sat down and offered the mashed fruit to Happi. The tiny creature sniffed the mixture, then took a tentative nibble. Its eyes lit up with delight as it gobbled up the food, purring contentedly.

"Looks like you're a fan!" Arjun chuckled, feeling a warmth in his chest as he watched Happi enjoy its meal.

Nearby, Sword Beast had paused its training to observe the interaction, its sword resting against the wall. It seemed curious, tilting its head as if trying to understand this new dynamic. Wraith floated closer, intrigued as well.

"Don't worry, guys. You'll get your share soon," Arjun promised, glancing at his other summons. "We're a team now, and I'll make sure we all eat well."

As Happi finished its meal, it looked up at Arjun with a grateful expression, and he felt a rush of affection for the tiny creature. He reached out, gently petting its head, and to his surprise, Happi let out a soft coo, leaning into his touch.

"Looks like I'm not just your summoner; I'm also your caretaker," Arjun said with a chuckle.

In that moment, surrounded by his summons, he felt a deep bond forming—a family forged not just by powers, but by love and shared experiences. They were more than just allies in a dangerous world; they were companions, each with their own strengths and quirks, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Arjun couldn't wait for their adventures to unfold, and he knew he would do everything in his power to protect and nurture this new family he had created.