Ep.34: Punishment, Part 3

A loud commotion springs forth after the destruction caused by the Red Wolf. I slowly open my eyes and begin to survey the damage. “Umm, what just happened?”

“I’m sorry, Maka, I should’ve warned you guys sooner,” Anaea says to me.

“What the hell was that?!” an angry customer shouts.

“Those two wild animals went on a rampage!” a halfling shouts fearlessly, knowing that the Red Wolf has left.

“Damn that young boy, taking my PB&J! I’m outraged!” a rhino from the Onin clan says as he stands up, incensed.

“I’m sorry, everyone, for the inconvenience. Everything is on the house today,” an employee apologizes.

Gwyn looks around at all the destruction. “Oh dear, Lukai seems to really not be messing around today,” Gwyn says calmly, smiling as he picks up a broken plate.

Anaea and I look around the room, not at all surprised by Lukai’s destruction. I begin to walk around to inspect the damage. “Ummm… It’s a good thing Fukai was able to avoid all that and lead her away from here.”

“Hahaha! That’s the Red Wolf for you!” Anaea laughs. “Talk about not holding back! Eh, guys?”

“Come on, Anaea. We better get going. People are starting to stare at us,” I say nervously while pulling on Anaea’s arm.

“Why? We didn’t do anything wrong,” Anaea states.

Gwyn walks up to Anaea, putting his hand on top of her head giving her a gentle smile. “I’m afraid Maka is right. We better get going.” Gwyn slightly bows his head towards the employee who spoke up. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Someone will come by and reimburse you for the damage that has been done.” Gwyn looks at Anaea and me, his smile remaining, and says, “With that, I think we better make our exit.”

***

As I savor every bite, I hope vainly that this sensation will never end. “I’m so happy that I could di-”

Lukai comes in hard, giving me a swift kick in the back. “I’ll gladly help you with that!”

“Huh?” I suddenly lose my grip on the PB&J. “Nooo…!” Twisting my body in mid-air to reach for it, I try grasping for it with my fingertips as a last ditch effort, but I’m too late. “Nooo…! I’m so sorry!” I wipe a tear from my eye. “Rest in peace, PB&J.” I lament as I look down behind me at the PB&J that has fallen into a puddle of muddy water. My landing is only slightly less devastating as I slide along my back, I’m glad it at least was not in a puddle.

“Fukai.” Lukai says ominously as she slowly approaches me with an evil smirk.

“How could you?” I accuse, turning to look at my mother with tears in my eyes. “Something so wonderful, destroyed!”

“Oh, don’t worry…” Lukai cracks her knuckles. “Because there’s nothing wonderful about what I’m going to do to you.”

Realizing who I am talking to, I abandon my pleas and hurry to make my escape. “Crap!”

Within a split second, my mother pins me to a nearby wall, her hand firm on my chest. “Not so fast.” Lukai headbutts me. “Start talking, Boi!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply smugly.

“Oh, really? I forgot, you’re an idiot. Let me spell it out for you.” Lukai looks me in the eyes, clearly irked. “What the hell were you thinking?! Skipping school like that? What were you even doing?!”

“Umm… whaaat?” I look to the left and begin to whistle. “Th–th–that doesn’t sound like me at all.” I look at my mother and smile. Realizing it’s not working, I change tack. “Ok, here’s the truth. Maka was-”

“Hey! Stop lying to save your own skin!” Maka shouts from the doorway.

“Maka?!” I blurt, flabbergasted. “I mean… Hey, Maka! How’s it going? Where’s Anaea and Gwyn?” I ask with a placating smile.

“Right here, young Fukai.” Gwyn and Anaea walk outside. “We figured after all the commotion the both of you started,” Gwyn looks at Lukai and smiles, “it was best for us to leave,” Gwyn says, calmly addressing Lukai. “Right, Anaea?” Gwyn concludes, looking down at Anaea and smiling.

“That’s right, teach,” Anaea says.

“Fukai, do you take me for an idiot?!” Lukai punches the wall right next to me, causing it to crack and leaving a small crater when she pulls her fist away. “You better start talking, boi!”