When the Water's Dried

Truth Hurts

A/N: Sorry for the long-awaited update. Stuff got in the way as usual. 

Just like what happened at the Good Samaritan Awards, the Bad Guys were once again being paraded over towards the S.U.C.M police van, with all eyes watching on the sidelines. This time, the police were not going to let them weasel their way out of their grasp, evident by them exercising harsh constraint on their respective captives.

"Hey, you're making a mistake, we didn't do it!" Wolf frantically pleaded as he was now the last one to be tossed into the S.U.C.M van, his wrists restrained behind his back by none other than Chief Luggins. One of his wrists was now encircled by one of the cuffs, the other being held by the chief. "I know we always say that, but this time it's actually true!"

"A-la-la-la, can't hear you, guilty guilty guilty!" Chief Luggins mockingly sang as she half-pushed, half-threw Wolf into the van whilst forcing the chainlink of his manacle behind a vertical bar that was plastered on the wall before cuffing his other wrist. He had been allowed to join his comrades, who were all now confined in silver chains and cuffs. To say that Chief Luggins was feeling ecstatic was an understatement. An angry, yet delighted smirk crossed her lips. "Looks like you won't be seeing your little friend anymore, Wolf! She's going further away than you can ever hope."

"Talk to Marmalade! We're really good now! He'll tell you! Professor!" Wolf desperately called out, his chains clanking against the railing bar that only allowed them to flail left to right. His attempt to persuade Chief Luggins was only in vain however as she rapidly flung the doors shut in his face.

"Tonight's headline is that change is impossible. You should always judge a book by its cover, and all stereotypes have been affirmed," Tiffany reported, facing the news camera. "Although I believe there still may be hope for young Luna, if the damage can be undone fast enough, that is."

Luna mentally rolled her eyes at Tiffany, but couldn't say she was surprised, considering the latter was a bit of an airhead. As much as I'd love to tell her off, I have more important matters to take care of...

Her streetlit ice blue eyes were locked on the feisty police chief (who looked like she was about to break out into a happy dance at any moment), Luna started to fast-walk over to the S.U.C.M van, her golden heels clacking onto the pavement with each step, trying her best not to stumble over.

Maybe she'll listen to me...

As if she was being chased after by a ravenous pack of wolves with blood dripping from their mouths, Luna's movements became quicker, as she feared the van would speed off into the night before she could have a chance to say anything. She continued to weave her way through the packed crowd, making zig-zags with every few steps, praying she'd reach the van in time. She was only a little more than halfway there when she detected a familiar face no more than ten steps away.

The street lamps and lights spreaded throughout the palm trees illuminated the woman's dark, wavy auburn hair, which descended past her shoulders. Thanks to the early July summer heat, it was quite easy to smell the jasmine-scented perfume that wafted out from her ivory skin.

"A-Aunt Lydia?" Luna croaked, not knowing why her negligent aunt out of all people, was here. While the gang never pried her for information as to why her other extended family members, even the ones who lived so far away such as Aunt Marnie, never hesitated to talk to her, they couldn't help but wonder why Aunt Lydia tossed her into a worn-down apartment before completely ghosting her.

"Luna..." Aunt Lydia trailed off, a look of guilt twinging at her face.

"What are you doing here?" Luna asked. "Why are you–"

"So this is what I get," Aunt Lydia sighed, giving a slight laugh. "I save you from staying in the homeless shelter, or worse, going into foster care, only for you to abandon it halfway through the leasing period to go live with some high-rate criminals. But I guess I can't blame you, can I?"