Thin Blue Skull

Chapter 15: The Punisher Rises

~ 3 Weeks Later ~

Ever since losing his uncle, Hunhow has become socially isolated. He doesn't go outside for any reason. He stays home and completes his school work from his laptop. He doesn't return his friends's messages or calls. He barley even speaks to his mom and dad at this point. He becomes cut off from the world. Hunhow doesn't even train or socialize with his squadmates at the National Guard. He always spends his time alone, listening to music or just staring off into space. What was once a extrovert and calm person has now disappeared.

~ Sometimes Later ~

Hunhow prepares to head back to school for the first time in weeks. He prepares himself mentally and physically. He knows people will look at him weird especially since he no longer looks the same. He had partially shaved his head, wears all black tactical clothing, has a scar on his face and just doesn't feel the same. But he knows he has to head to school because he cannot remain like this forever. Hunhow wakes up the following day, get ready, brushes his teeth and walks downstairs and greets his parents. He only says a simple morning in a unenergized voice. Jane and Joseph smile at him, hug him and make breakfast for him. He enjoys the food as always and goes to grab his car keys. But before leaving goes to hug his mom and dad who have been supportive of him all this time. He tells them he loves them before leaving. He gets into his truck and takes a deep breath before pulling out of the driveway. He drives to school without incident.

~ Hunhow arrives at school ~

Hunhow leaves his truck and goes to the front doors. There he meets the female crocodile front desk administrator and she is shocked to see him in his new physical appearance. She goes to hug him and even kiss him on the cheeks to show she missed him and that he has her support. Afterwards she signs him in and he goes to the cafeteria. Many people and Anthros see Hunhow's new look and they are quite shocked by it. But many are delighted to see him and offer words of support. He doesn't speak, he just nodded his head to show them he was thankful. Afterwards Crystal, Marcus, Jennifer and Lizzie come to school and noticed Hunhow. They went to go sit with him and for the most part he didn't acknowledge them. But Crystal gave him a resurgencing look and smile as if to say she loved him and would stand beside him though this difficult time. Afterwards, Principal Jessica came into the cafeteria to give morning announcements. She noticed Hunhow's new appearance and this was enough to make her concerned. Hunhow knew she was watching him and he gave her a reassuring smile and look that he was alright. When morning announcements were over Hunhow walked with Crystal and his friends to their 1st period class. Hunhow sat with them. For the duration of the entire class, he was mostly fixated on his phone and the floor. Hunhow still was able to pay attention to the lesson and the class went on as usual without any incident.

~ Time Skip ~ Hunhow at his locker ~ 4th Period ~

While Hunhow was at his locker, getting his books for his 4th period class, he hears a familiar voice call his last name. "Yo, Riley". "I'm not in the mood today, Kevin" Hunhow says annoyed but in a soft voice. "Hey man, listen I just want to talk" Kevin says as he puts his hand on Hunhow's shoulder. Hunhow becomes angry and grabs Kevin and slams him up against the locker in front of everyone. "So, kicking your ass wasn't enough, huh"? he says angrily. "Look, your uncle died". "I'm sorry". "I lost my uncle when I was only 6". "I know what your going through". "I'm sorry" Kevin says in a sad voice. Hunhow understands he is just trying to help and talk. He lets Kevin down and goes to pack his stuff and leave. While he walks away Crystal stops him. She hugs him and tries to comfort him. But he simply just pushes her away and walks alone to his next class.

~ Time Skip ~

Hunhow finishes school without incident and goes to leave when he is then stopped by Fritz and his friends. They don't want to fight Hunhow. They are only there to help him. "I heard what happened to your uncle". "I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss". "We don't have to be enemies and I'm not asking you to forgive me for what I've done in the past". "I just want you to understand" Fritz says in a comforting voice. "Okay, thanks for letting me know" Hunhow says. He notices Furries and Humans watching him and Fritz's group. His friends are also watching and not wanting them to think Fritz or his friends are causing trouble they fist bump each other before parting ways. Hunhow drives home without and incident but realizes he has a job to do. Ever since his uncle died, his family has been looking after his small house and it's property. Hunhow drives to his uncle's residence and uses the key to enter the house. The house is in good shape for the most part but he needs to check to make sure the power, water, gas and security is working. He goes down to the basement and checks to make sure everything is in shape before leaving. However before he leaves something catches his eyes. He notices a large crate and it appears to have a Federation Militia symbol on it. Hunhow remembers that his father and uncle were both apart of the Militia and believed in the 1st and 2nd amendments. His uncle was a retired law enforcement officer and he believed that one day when the government turns against Anthros and Humans alike, Militias were to stay ready and fight against the tyranny. Hunhow goes to open the crate and inside are a massive stock pile of Pistols, Sniper Rifles, Semi Automatic weapons, Shotguns, Compound bows, Hundreds probably thousands of rounds of ammunition and silencers. He also finds in another crate a small stockpile of tactical bullet proof vests. Hunhow is shocked by this hall of military gear and weapons and doesn't know what to do with it all. But he knows he cannot leave it here so he carries and drags it all upstairs and outside to the front of the house. He loads it all into the bed of his pickup truck and drives home.