Thin Blue Skull

Chapter 29: How It Has To Be

Hunhow wakes up to his phone buzzing from a message. It was from Holly and she was thanking him for spending time and telling her the truth. He replies back with a "no worries" text. Afterwards he goes downstairs to eat and meet his parents. "Morning, sweetheart" Jane says. "Morning, mom" Hunhow says back. Hunhow goes to make waffles and bacon. He sits at the kitchen table and then goes to the living room. He watches TV and the news. He sees an update report on the TV about the 2 Mountain lion Anthros he killed in the alleyway. The news report shows how the two were wanted for multiple purse snatchings and robberies across the downtown area. The media begins to suspect Hunhow aka the Punisher had something to do with their brutal killings. "I wouldn't be surprised if the punisher dealt with these Anthros personally" one of the news anchors said. They then cut to a commercial break and Hunhow gets up to go leave. He decides he hasn't seen Crystal in almost a week so he wants to go spend time with her. He tells his mom where he is going and she lets him go. "Oh honey, remember you have National Guard duty and basic training today" she reminded him. "Okay, I'll be back at 12:00 to get my uniform and gear" he says. He then waves her goodbye before heading out to his truck. He hops in and starts it up before pulling out the driveway.

~ Time Skip ~ Hunhow Arrives at Crystal's House ~

Hunhow knocks on the door. Nobody answers at first which is kinda unusual. He knocks again and finally Crystal answers the door. But when she does, she is crying and whimpering. Hunhow doesn't know what is happening but quickly hugs his girlfriend and comforts her to the couch. She is sobbing in his arms and he asks her what is going on. She doesn't respond just gives him a blank and saddened expression. She finally calms down and apologizes. She then begins to explain. "M-my family has t-to move back to E-eg-Egypt" she says. "What"? Hunhow says. "Our family is part of a large Egyptian family of Anthros". "Every 10 years a family in the tree whether it's cousins, uncle's, aunt's, father's, mother's, great Grandfather's, or grandmother's is chosen to lead the family legacy and its future generations". "Mine was chosen to be the future successors of our family bloodline". "But, w-why now" Hunhow asked almost shedding tears. "It's a part of our culture and family". "We can never abandon our history or culture" Crystal says. Just then Crystal's parents come into the house and see her sobbing into Hunhow's arms. Her mother goes to comfort her while her father pulls Hunhow aside and talks with him separately. Her father begins to explain the purpose of the traditions and culture of Egypt. He then explains that their family was chosen to lead the reunion and help guide it into a new path. Hunhow doesn't want to lose Crystal. He loves her and cannot believe he is losing someone else he loves. Her father hugs him and tells him this isn't a goodbye but this is for her future and family. He brings Hunhow into the living room with her mother and her. She hugs him and they for the first time passionately kiss in front of her parents. They don't stop them. Finally after a while they hug and hold each other in their arms. Hunhow takes a look at his watch and sees he has to go back home. But he doesn't leave without saying his goodbyes and giving another passionate kiss to Crystal. Hunhow goes back to his truck feeling his heart has been shattered into a trillion pieces. He cries into his hands when he is behind the wheel. He finally pulls out and goes home.

~ Hunhow Goes Back Home ~

He walks to the front door. He enters and his mother sees him crying. She asks him what is wrong and he explains everything. She goes to hug him and he sobs in her arms. After a while, he slowly calms down and thanks her for helping him. "It's how it has to be" he says.

~ Hunhow Grabs His Gear & Goes to Basic Training ~

~ Time Skip ~ Few Hours Later ~

Hunhow goes to the front gates of the Furry National Guard. He signs in and goes to report to his commander and squad. Kane and Rivers notice his grimm state and ask what is wrong. He explains his girlfriend has to leave and go back to Egypt. They sit in silence and finally decide to help him. Rivers and Kane both sit on both sides of Hunhow and give him words of support. He starts to feel a little better. He is still devastated but tries to act normal. He enters the Guard cafeteria and orders food. He sits with Kane, Rivers, Teresa and Fredrick. They talk and then report for basic training.

~ Time Skip ~ 9 Hours Later ~

Hunhow finishes duty with his squadmates. He eventually goes to shower, pack up, report to his commanding officer and finally leave. But before he leaves, he talks to Kane. Kane has grown closer to Hunhow especially after the family incident overseas in Afghanistan. He sits down with Hunhow and offers his services to help him out whenever he needs to talk. Hunhow accepts this offer without hesitation. They exchange addresses and then go to fist bump each other before leaving to go home. He gets in his truck and decides to listen to a song he wanted to sing to Crystal the next time he took her to school in his truck....