Ep.36: Punishment, Part 5

“It sure has been an eventful day.” Gwyn smiles and looks down at Anaea and me. “Wouldn’t you say?”

Anaea steps forward and turns back to answer, “It sure was!” She begins skipping away. “Fukai sure knows how to make things interesting. I’ll lead the way!”

“Umm… Gwyn, why is it dangerous to go into the Outer Realm?” I ask while looking at Anaea in disbelief.

“Well, that’s a good question.” Gwyn looks at me. “As you know, the Deep Jungle is known for its healing,” Gwyn points to the stars with a smile, “and creatures all over the universe come here to heal.”

“I understand that part, but what I don’t understand is if the Deep Jungle is a place of healing, why is it dangerous for us to go into the Outer Realm?” I peer up at Gwyn, hoping to find the answers I seek.

“Hahaha! If you’re so eager to learn, why did you skip school today?” Gwyn pats me on the head.

“R–r-right. I guess you have a point.” I stutter while rubbing the back of my head.

“Returning to your question, young Maka, now let me think, how can I explain this simply?” Gwyn says and musses up his face.

Anaea turns around and looks at us, waving. “Hurry up! Before I leave you guys behind!”

“Right. We’re coming,” I say.

Gwyn looks at me. “You see, the further you go into the Deep Jungle, the more unique the creatures are that you’ll find…” Gwyn glances at Anaea, and realizing that she is still waving and waiting for a response, he waves back, “…and since there are creatures that come from all over the universe there’s no telling how dangerous they could be.”

“Really?” I ask.

“Yes,” Gwyn smiles, “and that’s why it’s forbidden to go into the outer realm. Of course there are special cases, such as if someone obtains the title of Koa Warrior, they can then travel the land freely.”

“So, what is different about those warriors that become Koa?” I repeat, confused and hopeful for clarification.

Gwyn laughs. “Right, it… let me see…” Gwyn looks at me, clearly deliberating his next words. “Lukai is someone who has the title of Koa Warrior. It’s what every warrior works hard to obtain. Proof that they’ve taken that next step towards unlocking their true potential. Giving them the freedom to climb to new heights.” He pauses, hoping to have sated my curiosity. “The other way to explore the Deep Jungle is to get special permission from the king, but that is something that is usually only given to researchers.” He boops my nose gently at that last word.

Trying to hide my disappointment in the half-answer and attempted misdirection, I look up away from Gwyn and notice my house. “Umm… I’m really dreading this,” I say, stroking my ears against my chest and hoping to put off entering for as long as I can. “I just know I’m in big trouble.”

“Oh. I wouldn’t worry too much about it.” Anaea comes up to me, giving me a pat on the back. “Your mom is very nice.”

“Thanks, Anaea. Though sometimes it seems that it’s worse when they’re nice,” I say while trying to smile bravely. “I-I guess it’s time to get this over with.”

“Bye, Maka! Have a good night!” Anaea waves. “I’m fine here, Professor Gwyn.” She points, “I live just around the corner.”

Gwyn smiles, “Ok, Anaea, you have a good night.”

Anaea begins running towards the corner. “Ok, Professor, you too!” she says while waving goodbye.

As they both go their separate ways, I inhale, and then exhale. “You got this, Maka.”

***

Laying there in my bed, I wonder. “Why is mom so mad? I just want to save the place my father holds so dear.”

“Your ass better be in bed, Fukai! I’ll deal with you in the morning!” Lukai shouts from downstairs.

I gaze out my window, looking at the starry night. “I ain’t wrong for going into the Outer… reach? Realm?” I frantically rub my head out of frustration. “Ahh! Whatever, it doesn’t matter if it’s forbidden.” I close my eyes, reflecting on what I saw in the Deep Jungle. “‘Sometimes you need to break the rules…’” I yawn and begin to drift off, “‘… in order to save the things that are precious to you.’” The words of my father coming to my mind as I fall asleep.