Post by J on Jun 11, 2021 12:57:06 GMT -5
((DISCLAIMER: In case you feel lost this piece a follow up to an earlier instalment which you can find here Part 1 ))
Monday
May 31st 2021
Thunder Ministries
While Thunder Ministries was a non-profitable charitable organization and the usually busiest day for them was the Sunday service and lunch this Monday, the last one of May in 2021 was a special one.Adults and children, young and old all showed up to a hearty meal, beverages and drinks to enjoy, all of course free of charge. This special occasion saw people in all states of life, some with wheelchairs, crutches or prosthetic limbs, some who had lived through harder times than some of the luckier ones. Military style outfits, worn and tattered, with patches and stains, some with medals others with a political message. It was allowed on today, it was: Memorial day after all and a holiday.
Luther Thunder watched at the people, there was an uncertain look across his face.
“Not sure if this was a good idea..people will twist and turn it to something sinister.”
The woman next to him squeezed his hand.
“You did the right thing Luth, these are people who need help, let them enjoy a day where they don’t have to worry about food, shelter or clothing. People have donated a lot of things to be passed around, everyone is working overtime, nobody expects to get paid. What’s wrong with looking after those who the system has overlooked, who the government forgot after they sacrificed so much for their country?”
She leaned up to him, saw something twitch on his neck, there was a hint of bitterness in his tone when he responded to her.
“I’m not American, these are the same people who chanted USA at me, who mocked and ridiculed me for not being one of them for years..and now--”
Esme cut him off.
“..and now you have a chance to show not just them but everyone how much of a better man you were than what they assumed you to be. How many of your peers or employers would do anything like this? Without promoting it and trying to whitewash their own public image, without an ulterior motive? You are a good man Luther, I know that. You are not the man you were, you have changed for the better. You got a chance to do things right, a second chance, don’t these poor people deserve the same as you? So you are not American, so what? You are a child of God just like everyone else here, with all your faults and quirks and you're still loved, unconditionally, by our lord..and by me.”
He felt something choking him up, his voice almost a whisper.
“Which is more than I would ever deserve to have, thank you Esme.”
His wife didn’t get a chance to respond when someone nudged his elbow.
“Brother Luther…”
He looks at what seemed to be a trio of boys, elementary school aged to his observation, all three in shorts and t-shirts supporting what he only assumed to be sports teams, or maybe bands. Do kids listen to bands anymore since Spotify and other streaming services are more about individual songs, clicks and such than artists?
“Yes little brothers? What have you three gotten enough food and sodas? I’m sorry we only have the basic ones but there is some selection at least..”
The three of them look at each other.
“We don’t drink sodas brother Luther” said the one in the middle who seems to be the spokesperson of the trio.
The older man chuckled at the response.
“Smart choice, better for your teeth, healthier too. They do have some juice options over there..Tara would know about those..”
“No Brother Luther, we drink energy drinks.
Oof, he manages to avoid his anger.
“I see, well I can’t help you with any of that with a clear conscience .”
Before he starts lecturing them about the dangers of energy drink consumption to someone who is still growing, Luther is interrupted by a nudge from his wife.
“Luther, these boys are here on their day off, it’s a Memorial day. Why don’t you take them to your office, show them some of those pretty cool championships you collected over the years?”
“..health does not take holidays Esme, they gotta learn while they are young or--”
She paid him no attention.
“How’d you three like that? Not just anyone gets to hang out with a champ on a monday..”
The trio cheers out in unison and if anyone looked they could see the disappointment across Luther’s face, he was not winning this fight.
“Oh alright..but just the three of you. I don’t like to drag everyone up there and have you three done your homework?”
“Yes Brother Luther.”
“You aren’t trying to pull my leg on this one, I will call your teacher if I have to.”
“No Brother Luther.”
He looked at the boys, one by one. Their faces looked sincere but didn’t it always even when the youngsters were up to no good?
“Come on Luther, it’s memorial day. Give the boys something worth remembering?”
It was very rare when he could resist his wife, there had been few instances when Luther Marcellus Thunder put his foot down and defied Esmeralda’s wishes. This was not one of those times.
“Fine, come along you three, up those steps.”
He heard the trio cheer and start storming up the steps, the third one of them stayed a few steps behind his buddies and exclaimed.
“Thank you Mrs. T!”
Before heading up the steps.
Esme hollered after them.
“You are welcome.”
Before turning to her husband.
“..and you think kids these days don’t have manners. What little charmers. Have patience with them my love. They have enough adults in their lives with rules and regulations. Loosen up a bit and leave your preaching for the services, please for me?”
He arched a brow looking at her.
“Mrs. T, huh?”
She scoffed.
“I pity the fool who doesn’t get along with the growing generation these days, you might as well be a damn default.”
Now he was flabbergasted.
“A WHAT?”
She chuckles at his confusement.
“You get your out of touch Dutch ass upstairs and give those kids something to remember from today and later on if you can behave even half as good as they did, I can educate you on something..”
“Promise Mrs. T?”
She slaps at him playfully.
“Oh you ain’t getting it that easy, don’t keep those three tiny gents waiting.”
Making his way up the steps to his office Luther was sure the three boys would have gone in and probably rummaged through his office for secrets. Imagine his shock when he got to the door and all three of them stood there in perfect posture, their palms together and smiling at him.
“Right, first things first you three. Since this is a special visit for just you three we’ll skip being formal. None of that Brother Luther or Mr. Thunder or even Sir for now amongst the four of us. Got it?”
“Yes sir Brother Luther”
…
“That’s a start. I’m Luther and you three, what are your names?”
The three of them looked at each other on who’d start. Before the one on the left wearing a pair of glasses smiled. “I’m Tommy” Next to him the smallest and scrawniest of the three with freckles all over his face looked up at Luther. “I’m Artie” and the third one the one who had called Esme Mrs. T was a bit more heavy set than his two chums, Luther assumed the little butterball was already mastering his verbal skills for his future, what he lacked in looks he would no doubt try to fix with being clever, funny and whatever. It would work too, there were tons of comedians and entertainers who were fat and made a killing. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. T I’m Donny” Luther smirked.
“I appreciate the compliment Donny but I look nothing like the guy, do I?”
He looked at the trio, seeing them completely lost at his attempt of pop cultural humor.
“Mister T, I pity the fool, A-Team..?”
The three shrug and Luther opens up his office’s double doors.
“What do you kids use the internet for?”
Before they got a chance to respond he pulled it back.
“Don’t tell me, I’m supposed to be able to look at your parents' faces after this..”
As he went in Donny wobbled behind Luther and Artie nudged Tommy.
“..the fuck is he talking about man?”
Tommy shrugs.
“Beats me, probably some prehistoric streaming service commercial or something. My dad always yaps on how they had to wait for shows to be on TV at specific day and time, can you imagine living like that? Timing your free time for a show and not just streaming it whenever?”
Artie gagged.
“I’d rather die, when are you supposed to play Fortnite if you have to be watching shows on specific times? That’s like school..sucks.”
They walk in and Luther was leaning up against his desk casually opening his arms.
“What you see here boys are some of the championships I’ve won over the years, there are some framed pictures of matches, posters and news articles too..I know it ain’t much but, that’s my life you are looking at. I spent years with it..”
The three walk around Donnie seems most interested about what he sees.
“Wow these are some wacky names and places Luther.. Alaska, Elite Wrestling Championship, GWW, EWF, huh SVW..hey Luther what’s Sex and Violence Wrest--wait, you are a Hall Of Famer?”
Luther seemed a bit taken back.
“Yeah, multi-time world champion too. Look boys, I gotta level with you. There was a time when I thought All I could ever be was a wrestler, I’ve been to plenty of places and while you see some of the accolades, trophies and accomplishments displayed here. Not all of those things just happened, to every win there are dozens of losses and disappointments, for every championship there are countless missed chances and for every company, every letter combination you see..there is a history. Some of those places still exist, some of them are long gone, but me? I was in them, they are with me, they are part of my life and what made me who I am..”
Donnie seemed to follow Tommy however seemed more interested in the shiny championships and Artie..well he had something he wanted to mention.
“Scott Mackenzie says wrestling is fake anyway. That the results are fixed and that the people who own the companies decide who wins and loses so wrestlers aren’t real fighters or athletes anyway..”
“He does huh.:” Luther said in thought, mention of this conversation brought Tommy around.
“Not like MMA though, that’s real you know! I’ve seen some of those matches and those dudes gets seriously fucled u--”
“HEY!” Luther barks and Tommy looks down.
“..messed up I mean. Look Luther, these are cool and all but..is it real though?”
He took a moment to look at the three kids, from one to the other and back.
“Is it real? Well Tommy, I’ll tell you what is real. I’ve spent 13 years of my life as part of that. Those years were very real. I’ve had countless friends, peers and enemies over those years and while I don’t have too many of them left, not the same ones at least. I’ve faced some people that would make any MMA fighter wonder if they had what it takes. Because while they may get 3 or so 5 minute rounds, wrestling matches. The ones I’ve been in can take up a lot longer, and it’s not just going in and throwing a quick move and leaving. There’s a lot that goes into preparation, training, diets, workouts and psychological preparation, that is all very real, as is the time spent traveling from one place to another. Especially when you start out with nothing, sleep in some horrible places, if you even have a place, live on what you can afford, away from everyone you care about, on your own second guessing and wondering if you made the right choice..all of that is very real Tommy.”
“Brother Luther I didn’t mean to..” Tommy tries to interject but Luther turns to Artie.
“Scott Mackenzie may think he knows what he’s talking about, when he’s probably read it online written by someone who has never even been in the ring. I’ve been injured, I’ve injured people, spent weeks or months healing up after those so called fake matches Artie, I’ve faced some people who wanted to just flat out hurt me and end me, not for a payday a knockout bonus or petty fame but because of the things I said or did and the things that I have said and done over the years..those are all very real and I live with the consequences of those choices every day of my life, Artie.”
He sees the shock in both Artie and Tommy’s face. Realizing he went a bit too far so he tries to liven it up and chuckles.
“Look, boys what I’m trying to say here..”
Now he gets cut off instead by Donny who had stood there silent watching it all unfold.
“What Luther is trying to say is that Scott Mackenzie is a lying piece of shit who is talking out of his ass and has no right to judge others based on their profession or what he assumes them to be.”
The man gulped looking at the chubby kid, had this damn tons of fun figured him out..maybe he had misjudged the little butterball as well.
“Well, Donny..I’m not sure if I’d use that kind of language for your friend but--”
“No, fuck Scott Mackenzie, that little shit!”
That was Tommy, Luther was shocked looking at him then Artie spoke up.
“Yeah, fuck him and his brother. They are always hanging around near the school. Scott’s brother is older, he and his buddies go around offering free stuff that you can try that’s supposed to be real cool, one time we saw them beat up this older kid real bad, I think he owed them money or something..”
Mr. Thunder was putting two and two together and he didn’t like the result, his voice was soft yet stern.
“Look, just because we live in a nice community and you think you know people. You have to be careful out there boys, even amongst people you know, other kids too. Because evil exists and is very real, bad things happen to good people all the time and sometimes the people you would least suspect are the ones to do it. There are good people too, yeah and there are people who are worth your trust and time but don’t trust too heavily on people before you are absolutely sure. I made some horrible mistakes in my judgment when I was younger and if I had been smarter with it, maybe I would have been better off.”
Tommy tilts his glasses.
“What do you mean Luther?”
Before Luther got a chance to respond Donny piped in.
“He means he put his trust in the wrong people and they fucked him over, you know like the time you borrowed Todd Carelli your new bike to go get us all some sodas and he crashed into a truck?”
Tommy grumbled
“My parents took the WiFi out for a month and I had to save up my allowance to get a new bike..fucking Todd.”
Luther had a hard time not smiling at the exchange. He wanted to lecture the kids about their language but then he remembered what Esmeralda told him, let them be, go easy on them. So that was what he did, he tried to reel the conversation back on track.
“You three seem like good friends and that is nice to see. You don’t need to have too many friends, but a few good ones you can trust is a blessing of its own because somewhere down the road, years from now you may fall down on your luck and you could use some help..that is when you find out just who those true friends really are.”
Donny nodded at Luther.
“I’d hope stumbly would have a friend like that?”
Thunder arched a brow.
“Who?”
“Stumbly, he’s this old dude we’ve seen around town now and then, kinda raggedy looking, he stumbles forward when he walks. Babbles on to himself about things, goes on these long rants when there’s no one there..I mean he might see someone but I’ve never seen one..”
That made Luther think, he wondered if Stumbly was amongst the people downstairs..oh shit! He should probably get these three back there.
“Anyway, enough of chit-chat I bet you guys could eat a burger or a hotdog by now, right? How about we go back down with the others and see if we can find you something good?”
While Artie and Tommy run down screaming Donny stayed at the desk, looking at picture of Luther holding some championships with his wife Esme smiling there an arm around him.
“Luther..”
“Yeah Donny?”
“You think I could ever be a wrestler like you?”
He pondered a bit and nodded.
“Sure, but it won’t be easy. You might lose every friend you ever had, have to fight the friends you thought you had, face your biggest fears and end up worse than you came in to the business when it’s over..not everyone can be a champion Donny and nobody stays a champion forever if they become one, in the end everyone loses something..some more, some less. Are you okay with that?”
The kid looked at him and nodded.
“Yeah, I think I am. Now about these burgers..think I could have two?”
Luther snorted.
“Donny, you can have three or as many as you can eat.”
“You are on pastor!”
Donny woddled over and Luther went to lock his office door.
“Let the little butterball enjoy himself, he’d have time to drop that weight and get in shape later..”
***
After the dinner was over Donny had convinced his friends Artie and Tommy to stay behind to help clean up, their parents agreed after Luther said that he will accept the help if he can drive the boys home afterwards. The neighborhood wasn’t dangerous per say but as Luther told the parents, he wanted to make sure the boys would get home safely.
Esme agreed to take the wheel while Luther sat next to her, the boys had climbed to the backseat and they were driving to downtown when suddenly Donny exlcaims from behind Luther.
DONNY
“That’s him! That’s stumbly!”
Artie and Tommy turned to look too and indeed what they saw as an older man being shoved around by some younger ones, shady looking types.
ARTIE
“That’s Scott Mackenzie’s brother!”
Tommy just looked at the men in shock.
LUTHER
“Pull over.”
ESME
“Luther, what the..”
LUTHER
“I said pull over Esme!”
He grabbed the wheel and turned the car to the curb, jumping out of the car before it even came to a stop. Stomping on forward to them. Hearing a crooning cracked voice
STUMBLY
Look man, I don’t have anything worth taking
*WHACK*
That was a needlessly harsh shot to the side of the head, Luther watched a punker looking dude with piercings, studded leather jacket and gloves doing some dancing hops as if shadowboxing.
MACK
Maybe we’ll just take what you have then..
Next to Mack stood a spikey haired dude with a Punisheresque black shirt
SKULL
Hehehehe, yeah, let’s take all he has Mack!
Stumbly tried to get away but before he managed to get too far a third one of the punks tripped him up. His hair was dyed to look like flames were blazing up form his skull.
FLAMES
Oops.
The three of them laughed as Mack hocked a spit at Stumbly.
MACK
Pick him up.
Skull and Flames went to yank Stumbly up and the old man stutters out.
STUMBLY
I s-swear I don’t h-have anything worth taking
Mack got right into the old man’s face.
MACK
Sure you do, everyone does..
STUMBLY
W-what?
MACK
Your life.
Skull and Flames cackle as the three hear a bellowing voice.
LUTHER
LET HIM GO, PUNK!
They turn to look at Luther Mack being the first to speak up.
MACK
Who are you, his social worker?
LUTHER
Maybe.
Mack pushes Stumbly at Luther, the big man manages to move the old timer away from him, doing his best not to trip the elderly man, while he took this time though Mack manages to lunge a kick to the broad of Luther’s back a swift kick no doubt and painful one but Luther had taken worse, he turned just in time for another kick to grab the extended leg and kicking the supportive leg from under him. Using his wait Luther crashes on op of Mack and drops a few fists to his face.
MACK
HELP ME!
SKULL rushes at Luther first who gets up to acrouching position and shoulder tackles at his attacker, using his power to bring Skull on his back to the pavement. Pressing a forearm down on Skull’s throat cutting of his chance to breathe. Luther leaned in more watching Skull’s face change colour. He headbutts the defenseless punk knocking him out cold. Getting to his feet he grabs Flames by the hair and slams him face first to his knee repeatedly, a welcome crunch could be heard as a sign of Luther’s knee meeting the intended target. He heard a crack and shattering of glass, then a hoarse voice.
STUMBLY
BEHIND YOU!
Luther grabbed Flames who was still holding his broken nose blood gushing from between his fingers and turned to throw the stumbling punk at Mack who was running at him with a broken bottle. Flames manages to slow down the momentum enough, Lutrhe uses his own body as leverage grabs Flames by the neck and smacks him right into Mack managing to knock the broken bottle off his hand. Mack throws Flames off him but by then it was too late Luther stood in front of him with a wicked smirk and started a barrage of wicked punches, elbows and knees at the opponents head, chest and ribs. Mack staggers on back as Luther just keeps coming at him. He has no idea just how many fists, knees and kicks went out of him through that assault. Because that was just what it was, plain and simple assault. Finally he hoisted Mack up on his shoulders and slammed him down on what looked like a bunch of cardboard boxes.
He stood there watching his handy work, Flames bleeding, Skull out cold and Mack barely moving. Luther noticed the broken bottle Mack had dropped, grabbing it he leaned over the defenseless man holding the bottle to Mack’s throat.
LUTHER
You are Scott Mackenzie’s brother, right?
MACK
W-what?!
LUTHER
ANSWER ME!
MACK
YES!
Thunder pressed the broken bottle to Mack’s throat, enough to break open some skin.
LUTHER
If I ever see you around here, or anywhere else bullying those smaller and weaker than you for thrills, you won’t get another chance to say sorry..got me Mackenzie?!
MACK
Yes..
LUTHER
What was that?!
MACK
YES!
Thunder chuckled.
LUTHER
Good, now apologize to this old man..
He looked over at Stumbly who had scurried his way over damn near silently.
MACK
I’m sorry…
LUTHER
Louder, and be polite.
MACK
I’M SORRY SIR!
With a growl Luther got up yanking Mack along and turned him to look at the boys in the car with Esme.
LUTHER
You see those three boys there?
MACK
Yeah.
LUTHER
If anything happens to them, and I do mean anything I can even assume was your doing. Even if it’s food poisoning, tummy ache or just an unexpected and uninformed day off school. I’ll come find you..stay away from these kids, and every other kid too. Tell your asshole friends that too. Kids are allowed to be kids and anyone who looks to score easy profit of them will have to answer to God..if there is anything left of them when they’ve done answering to me. Got that?
MACK
YES SIR.
Luther
Good boy..oh when you get home. Tell something to your kid brother for me..tell him how you got punked by a fake ass wrestler who’s not even a real fighter, will you do that for me?
Mackenzie sniffled.
MACK
Yes sir..
Luther dropped the bottle, kicking Mack on the ass
LUTHER
Get the hell out of here!
He watched Mack run down the street, and Luther had to admit he’s never seen anyone dressed like that running as fast. Wonders never cease in God’s green earth it seems. He stomped on the bottle on the pavement and took the old man by a shoulder.
LUTHER
I want you to meet someone..
Stumbly made his way to the car with Luther who smiled at the kids dissarmingly.
LUTHER
Boys I want you to meet..what was your name sir?
STUMBLY
Eddie, my name is Eddie.
LUTHER
Well Eddie say hi to three upstanding youngsters. Donny, Tommy and Artie, boys say hello to Mr. Eddie.
BOYS
Hello Mr. Eddie!
The old man cackled.
STUMBLY AKA EDDIE
That’s funny, and I don’t even look like a horse.
Both him and Luther laugh but the boys seem puzzled. Esme leans over to them.
ESME
Don’t worry about it, it was wayyy before Netflix.
LUTHER
Eddie, I’m glad we met today because I was just telling these young gentlemen how in life it’s good to know who you can trust and who you can’t because you never know where you end up. What do you think boys did you learn something about friends today.
TOMMY
Friends don’t gang up on picking on others.
ARTIE
Friends aren’t leaving their friends behind no matter what.
LUTHER
Very good, and Donny?
Donny
Don’t mess with Brother Luther!
ARTIE
Yeah!
TOMMY
Yup you sure fucked Scott Mackenzie’s brother up!
Esme frowned looking at Luther who shakes his head.
TOMMY
I mean, messed him up.
Eddie looked over at Luther
EDDIE
Oh I know who you are! Pastor Thunder, I’ve heard about you from your sister..
This was Luther’s turn to be surprised.
LUTHER
Tara...how do you know Tara?
Eddie shook his head.
EDDIE
Doesn’t matter, I’ve just met her once..nice girl, helpful even to an old fool like me, real helpful.
ESME
Well if there is anything we could do for you Eddie, just ask? Need a lift somewhere?
The old man shook his head.
EDDIE
Why? Why would I need a ride? It’s not like I am in a hurry to be anywhere.
Luther wanted to help the old man out somehow, but he had to make sure the boys got home, he had to be a man of his word. So he sat back next to Esme and handed a card to Eddie.
LUTHER
Well if you ever happen to change your mind or need something, don’t hesitate to drop by. We got this little ministry just nearby and..
Eddie nodded.
EDDIE
Yeah, I know I’ve been there. Thanks again Pastor but I’ll be fine.
LUTHER
Don’t thank me Eddie, God watches over everyone.
Eddie chuckled.
EDDIE
Who needs God when I got someone like you!
He started to stumble his way down the pavement as Esme started the vehicle heading on the opposite direction. Luther watched Eddie stumble long enough until they turned a corner then Donny spoke up.
DONNY
He had a point though, I don’t think God could have whooped ass like that!
The boys didn’t see it but Esme did.
That hint of a smile on Luther’s face.
Looks like the boys weren’t only ones with memories of today.
//OFF CAMERA//
Monday
May 31st 2021
Thunder Ministries
While Thunder Ministries was a non-profitable charitable organization and the usually busiest day for them was the Sunday service and lunch this Monday, the last one of May in 2021 was a special one.Adults and children, young and old all showed up to a hearty meal, beverages and drinks to enjoy, all of course free of charge. This special occasion saw people in all states of life, some with wheelchairs, crutches or prosthetic limbs, some who had lived through harder times than some of the luckier ones. Military style outfits, worn and tattered, with patches and stains, some with medals others with a political message. It was allowed on today, it was: Memorial day after all and a holiday.
Luther Thunder watched at the people, there was an uncertain look across his face.
“Not sure if this was a good idea..people will twist and turn it to something sinister.”
The woman next to him squeezed his hand.
“You did the right thing Luth, these are people who need help, let them enjoy a day where they don’t have to worry about food, shelter or clothing. People have donated a lot of things to be passed around, everyone is working overtime, nobody expects to get paid. What’s wrong with looking after those who the system has overlooked, who the government forgot after they sacrificed so much for their country?”
She leaned up to him, saw something twitch on his neck, there was a hint of bitterness in his tone when he responded to her.
“I’m not American, these are the same people who chanted USA at me, who mocked and ridiculed me for not being one of them for years..and now--”
Esme cut him off.
“..and now you have a chance to show not just them but everyone how much of a better man you were than what they assumed you to be. How many of your peers or employers would do anything like this? Without promoting it and trying to whitewash their own public image, without an ulterior motive? You are a good man Luther, I know that. You are not the man you were, you have changed for the better. You got a chance to do things right, a second chance, don’t these poor people deserve the same as you? So you are not American, so what? You are a child of God just like everyone else here, with all your faults and quirks and you're still loved, unconditionally, by our lord..and by me.”
He felt something choking him up, his voice almost a whisper.
“Which is more than I would ever deserve to have, thank you Esme.”
His wife didn’t get a chance to respond when someone nudged his elbow.
“Brother Luther…”
He looks at what seemed to be a trio of boys, elementary school aged to his observation, all three in shorts and t-shirts supporting what he only assumed to be sports teams, or maybe bands. Do kids listen to bands anymore since Spotify and other streaming services are more about individual songs, clicks and such than artists?
“Yes little brothers? What have you three gotten enough food and sodas? I’m sorry we only have the basic ones but there is some selection at least..”
The three of them look at each other.
“We don’t drink sodas brother Luther” said the one in the middle who seems to be the spokesperson of the trio.
The older man chuckled at the response.
“Smart choice, better for your teeth, healthier too. They do have some juice options over there..Tara would know about those..”
“No Brother Luther, we drink energy drinks.
Oof, he manages to avoid his anger.
“I see, well I can’t help you with any of that with a clear conscience .”
Before he starts lecturing them about the dangers of energy drink consumption to someone who is still growing, Luther is interrupted by a nudge from his wife.
“Luther, these boys are here on their day off, it’s a Memorial day. Why don’t you take them to your office, show them some of those pretty cool championships you collected over the years?”
“..health does not take holidays Esme, they gotta learn while they are young or--”
She paid him no attention.
“How’d you three like that? Not just anyone gets to hang out with a champ on a monday..”
The trio cheers out in unison and if anyone looked they could see the disappointment across Luther’s face, he was not winning this fight.
“Oh alright..but just the three of you. I don’t like to drag everyone up there and have you three done your homework?”
“Yes Brother Luther.”
“You aren’t trying to pull my leg on this one, I will call your teacher if I have to.”
“No Brother Luther.”
He looked at the boys, one by one. Their faces looked sincere but didn’t it always even when the youngsters were up to no good?
“Come on Luther, it’s memorial day. Give the boys something worth remembering?”
It was very rare when he could resist his wife, there had been few instances when Luther Marcellus Thunder put his foot down and defied Esmeralda’s wishes. This was not one of those times.
“Fine, come along you three, up those steps.”
He heard the trio cheer and start storming up the steps, the third one of them stayed a few steps behind his buddies and exclaimed.
“Thank you Mrs. T!”
Before heading up the steps.
Esme hollered after them.
“You are welcome.”
Before turning to her husband.
“..and you think kids these days don’t have manners. What little charmers. Have patience with them my love. They have enough adults in their lives with rules and regulations. Loosen up a bit and leave your preaching for the services, please for me?”
He arched a brow looking at her.
“Mrs. T, huh?”
She scoffed.
“I pity the fool who doesn’t get along with the growing generation these days, you might as well be a damn default.”
Now he was flabbergasted.
“A WHAT?”
She chuckles at his confusement.
“You get your out of touch Dutch ass upstairs and give those kids something to remember from today and later on if you can behave even half as good as they did, I can educate you on something..”
“Promise Mrs. T?”
She slaps at him playfully.
“Oh you ain’t getting it that easy, don’t keep those three tiny gents waiting.”
Making his way up the steps to his office Luther was sure the three boys would have gone in and probably rummaged through his office for secrets. Imagine his shock when he got to the door and all three of them stood there in perfect posture, their palms together and smiling at him.
“Right, first things first you three. Since this is a special visit for just you three we’ll skip being formal. None of that Brother Luther or Mr. Thunder or even Sir for now amongst the four of us. Got it?”
“Yes sir Brother Luther”
…
“That’s a start. I’m Luther and you three, what are your names?”
The three of them looked at each other on who’d start. Before the one on the left wearing a pair of glasses smiled. “I’m Tommy” Next to him the smallest and scrawniest of the three with freckles all over his face looked up at Luther. “I’m Artie” and the third one the one who had called Esme Mrs. T was a bit more heavy set than his two chums, Luther assumed the little butterball was already mastering his verbal skills for his future, what he lacked in looks he would no doubt try to fix with being clever, funny and whatever. It would work too, there were tons of comedians and entertainers who were fat and made a killing. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. T I’m Donny” Luther smirked.
“I appreciate the compliment Donny but I look nothing like the guy, do I?”
He looked at the trio, seeing them completely lost at his attempt of pop cultural humor.
“Mister T, I pity the fool, A-Team..?”
The three shrug and Luther opens up his office’s double doors.
“What do you kids use the internet for?”
Before they got a chance to respond he pulled it back.
“Don’t tell me, I’m supposed to be able to look at your parents' faces after this..”
As he went in Donny wobbled behind Luther and Artie nudged Tommy.
“..the fuck is he talking about man?”
Tommy shrugs.
“Beats me, probably some prehistoric streaming service commercial or something. My dad always yaps on how they had to wait for shows to be on TV at specific day and time, can you imagine living like that? Timing your free time for a show and not just streaming it whenever?”
Artie gagged.
“I’d rather die, when are you supposed to play Fortnite if you have to be watching shows on specific times? That’s like school..sucks.”
They walk in and Luther was leaning up against his desk casually opening his arms.
“What you see here boys are some of the championships I’ve won over the years, there are some framed pictures of matches, posters and news articles too..I know it ain’t much but, that’s my life you are looking at. I spent years with it..”
The three walk around Donnie seems most interested about what he sees.
“Wow these are some wacky names and places Luther.. Alaska, Elite Wrestling Championship, GWW, EWF, huh SVW..hey Luther what’s Sex and Violence Wrest--wait, you are a Hall Of Famer?”
Luther seemed a bit taken back.
“Yeah, multi-time world champion too. Look boys, I gotta level with you. There was a time when I thought All I could ever be was a wrestler, I’ve been to plenty of places and while you see some of the accolades, trophies and accomplishments displayed here. Not all of those things just happened, to every win there are dozens of losses and disappointments, for every championship there are countless missed chances and for every company, every letter combination you see..there is a history. Some of those places still exist, some of them are long gone, but me? I was in them, they are with me, they are part of my life and what made me who I am..”
Donnie seemed to follow Tommy however seemed more interested in the shiny championships and Artie..well he had something he wanted to mention.
“Scott Mackenzie says wrestling is fake anyway. That the results are fixed and that the people who own the companies decide who wins and loses so wrestlers aren’t real fighters or athletes anyway..”
“He does huh.:” Luther said in thought, mention of this conversation brought Tommy around.
“Not like MMA though, that’s real you know! I’ve seen some of those matches and those dudes gets seriously fucled u--”
“HEY!” Luther barks and Tommy looks down.
“..messed up I mean. Look Luther, these are cool and all but..is it real though?”
He took a moment to look at the three kids, from one to the other and back.
“Is it real? Well Tommy, I’ll tell you what is real. I’ve spent 13 years of my life as part of that. Those years were very real. I’ve had countless friends, peers and enemies over those years and while I don’t have too many of them left, not the same ones at least. I’ve faced some people that would make any MMA fighter wonder if they had what it takes. Because while they may get 3 or so 5 minute rounds, wrestling matches. The ones I’ve been in can take up a lot longer, and it’s not just going in and throwing a quick move and leaving. There’s a lot that goes into preparation, training, diets, workouts and psychological preparation, that is all very real, as is the time spent traveling from one place to another. Especially when you start out with nothing, sleep in some horrible places, if you even have a place, live on what you can afford, away from everyone you care about, on your own second guessing and wondering if you made the right choice..all of that is very real Tommy.”
“Brother Luther I didn’t mean to..” Tommy tries to interject but Luther turns to Artie.
“Scott Mackenzie may think he knows what he’s talking about, when he’s probably read it online written by someone who has never even been in the ring. I’ve been injured, I’ve injured people, spent weeks or months healing up after those so called fake matches Artie, I’ve faced some people who wanted to just flat out hurt me and end me, not for a payday a knockout bonus or petty fame but because of the things I said or did and the things that I have said and done over the years..those are all very real and I live with the consequences of those choices every day of my life, Artie.”
He sees the shock in both Artie and Tommy’s face. Realizing he went a bit too far so he tries to liven it up and chuckles.
“Look, boys what I’m trying to say here..”
Now he gets cut off instead by Donny who had stood there silent watching it all unfold.
“What Luther is trying to say is that Scott Mackenzie is a lying piece of shit who is talking out of his ass and has no right to judge others based on their profession or what he assumes them to be.”
The man gulped looking at the chubby kid, had this damn tons of fun figured him out..maybe he had misjudged the little butterball as well.
“Well, Donny..I’m not sure if I’d use that kind of language for your friend but--”
“No, fuck Scott Mackenzie, that little shit!”
That was Tommy, Luther was shocked looking at him then Artie spoke up.
“Yeah, fuck him and his brother. They are always hanging around near the school. Scott’s brother is older, he and his buddies go around offering free stuff that you can try that’s supposed to be real cool, one time we saw them beat up this older kid real bad, I think he owed them money or something..”
Mr. Thunder was putting two and two together and he didn’t like the result, his voice was soft yet stern.
“Look, just because we live in a nice community and you think you know people. You have to be careful out there boys, even amongst people you know, other kids too. Because evil exists and is very real, bad things happen to good people all the time and sometimes the people you would least suspect are the ones to do it. There are good people too, yeah and there are people who are worth your trust and time but don’t trust too heavily on people before you are absolutely sure. I made some horrible mistakes in my judgment when I was younger and if I had been smarter with it, maybe I would have been better off.”
Tommy tilts his glasses.
“What do you mean Luther?”
Before Luther got a chance to respond Donny piped in.
“He means he put his trust in the wrong people and they fucked him over, you know like the time you borrowed Todd Carelli your new bike to go get us all some sodas and he crashed into a truck?”
Tommy grumbled
“My parents took the WiFi out for a month and I had to save up my allowance to get a new bike..fucking Todd.”
Luther had a hard time not smiling at the exchange. He wanted to lecture the kids about their language but then he remembered what Esmeralda told him, let them be, go easy on them. So that was what he did, he tried to reel the conversation back on track.
“You three seem like good friends and that is nice to see. You don’t need to have too many friends, but a few good ones you can trust is a blessing of its own because somewhere down the road, years from now you may fall down on your luck and you could use some help..that is when you find out just who those true friends really are.”
Donny nodded at Luther.
“I’d hope stumbly would have a friend like that?”
Thunder arched a brow.
“Who?”
“Stumbly, he’s this old dude we’ve seen around town now and then, kinda raggedy looking, he stumbles forward when he walks. Babbles on to himself about things, goes on these long rants when there’s no one there..I mean he might see someone but I’ve never seen one..”
That made Luther think, he wondered if Stumbly was amongst the people downstairs..oh shit! He should probably get these three back there.
“Anyway, enough of chit-chat I bet you guys could eat a burger or a hotdog by now, right? How about we go back down with the others and see if we can find you something good?”
While Artie and Tommy run down screaming Donny stayed at the desk, looking at picture of Luther holding some championships with his wife Esme smiling there an arm around him.
“Luther..”
“Yeah Donny?”
“You think I could ever be a wrestler like you?”
He pondered a bit and nodded.
“Sure, but it won’t be easy. You might lose every friend you ever had, have to fight the friends you thought you had, face your biggest fears and end up worse than you came in to the business when it’s over..not everyone can be a champion Donny and nobody stays a champion forever if they become one, in the end everyone loses something..some more, some less. Are you okay with that?”
The kid looked at him and nodded.
“Yeah, I think I am. Now about these burgers..think I could have two?”
Luther snorted.
“Donny, you can have three or as many as you can eat.”
“You are on pastor!”
Donny woddled over and Luther went to lock his office door.
“Let the little butterball enjoy himself, he’d have time to drop that weight and get in shape later..”
***
After the dinner was over Donny had convinced his friends Artie and Tommy to stay behind to help clean up, their parents agreed after Luther said that he will accept the help if he can drive the boys home afterwards. The neighborhood wasn’t dangerous per say but as Luther told the parents, he wanted to make sure the boys would get home safely.
Esme agreed to take the wheel while Luther sat next to her, the boys had climbed to the backseat and they were driving to downtown when suddenly Donny exlcaims from behind Luther.
DONNY
“That’s him! That’s stumbly!”
Artie and Tommy turned to look too and indeed what they saw as an older man being shoved around by some younger ones, shady looking types.
ARTIE
“That’s Scott Mackenzie’s brother!”
Tommy just looked at the men in shock.
LUTHER
“Pull over.”
ESME
“Luther, what the..”
LUTHER
“I said pull over Esme!”
He grabbed the wheel and turned the car to the curb, jumping out of the car before it even came to a stop. Stomping on forward to them. Hearing a crooning cracked voice
STUMBLY
Look man, I don’t have anything worth taking
*WHACK*
That was a needlessly harsh shot to the side of the head, Luther watched a punker looking dude with piercings, studded leather jacket and gloves doing some dancing hops as if shadowboxing.
MACK
Maybe we’ll just take what you have then..
Next to Mack stood a spikey haired dude with a Punisheresque black shirt
SKULL
Hehehehe, yeah, let’s take all he has Mack!
Stumbly tried to get away but before he managed to get too far a third one of the punks tripped him up. His hair was dyed to look like flames were blazing up form his skull.
FLAMES
Oops.
The three of them laughed as Mack hocked a spit at Stumbly.
MACK
Pick him up.
Skull and Flames went to yank Stumbly up and the old man stutters out.
STUMBLY
I s-swear I don’t h-have anything worth taking
Mack got right into the old man’s face.
MACK
Sure you do, everyone does..
STUMBLY
W-what?
MACK
Your life.
Skull and Flames cackle as the three hear a bellowing voice.
LUTHER
LET HIM GO, PUNK!
They turn to look at Luther Mack being the first to speak up.
MACK
Who are you, his social worker?
LUTHER
Maybe.
Mack pushes Stumbly at Luther, the big man manages to move the old timer away from him, doing his best not to trip the elderly man, while he took this time though Mack manages to lunge a kick to the broad of Luther’s back a swift kick no doubt and painful one but Luther had taken worse, he turned just in time for another kick to grab the extended leg and kicking the supportive leg from under him. Using his wait Luther crashes on op of Mack and drops a few fists to his face.
MACK
HELP ME!
SKULL rushes at Luther first who gets up to acrouching position and shoulder tackles at his attacker, using his power to bring Skull on his back to the pavement. Pressing a forearm down on Skull’s throat cutting of his chance to breathe. Luther leaned in more watching Skull’s face change colour. He headbutts the defenseless punk knocking him out cold. Getting to his feet he grabs Flames by the hair and slams him face first to his knee repeatedly, a welcome crunch could be heard as a sign of Luther’s knee meeting the intended target. He heard a crack and shattering of glass, then a hoarse voice.
STUMBLY
BEHIND YOU!
Luther grabbed Flames who was still holding his broken nose blood gushing from between his fingers and turned to throw the stumbling punk at Mack who was running at him with a broken bottle. Flames manages to slow down the momentum enough, Lutrhe uses his own body as leverage grabs Flames by the neck and smacks him right into Mack managing to knock the broken bottle off his hand. Mack throws Flames off him but by then it was too late Luther stood in front of him with a wicked smirk and started a barrage of wicked punches, elbows and knees at the opponents head, chest and ribs. Mack staggers on back as Luther just keeps coming at him. He has no idea just how many fists, knees and kicks went out of him through that assault. Because that was just what it was, plain and simple assault. Finally he hoisted Mack up on his shoulders and slammed him down on what looked like a bunch of cardboard boxes.
He stood there watching his handy work, Flames bleeding, Skull out cold and Mack barely moving. Luther noticed the broken bottle Mack had dropped, grabbing it he leaned over the defenseless man holding the bottle to Mack’s throat.
LUTHER
You are Scott Mackenzie’s brother, right?
MACK
W-what?!
LUTHER
ANSWER ME!
MACK
YES!
Thunder pressed the broken bottle to Mack’s throat, enough to break open some skin.
LUTHER
If I ever see you around here, or anywhere else bullying those smaller and weaker than you for thrills, you won’t get another chance to say sorry..got me Mackenzie?!
MACK
Yes..
LUTHER
What was that?!
MACK
YES!
Thunder chuckled.
LUTHER
Good, now apologize to this old man..
He looked over at Stumbly who had scurried his way over damn near silently.
MACK
I’m sorry…
LUTHER
Louder, and be polite.
MACK
I’M SORRY SIR!
With a growl Luther got up yanking Mack along and turned him to look at the boys in the car with Esme.
LUTHER
You see those three boys there?
MACK
Yeah.
LUTHER
If anything happens to them, and I do mean anything I can even assume was your doing. Even if it’s food poisoning, tummy ache or just an unexpected and uninformed day off school. I’ll come find you..stay away from these kids, and every other kid too. Tell your asshole friends that too. Kids are allowed to be kids and anyone who looks to score easy profit of them will have to answer to God..if there is anything left of them when they’ve done answering to me. Got that?
MACK
YES SIR.
Luther
Good boy..oh when you get home. Tell something to your kid brother for me..tell him how you got punked by a fake ass wrestler who’s not even a real fighter, will you do that for me?
Mackenzie sniffled.
MACK
Yes sir..
Luther dropped the bottle, kicking Mack on the ass
LUTHER
Get the hell out of here!
He watched Mack run down the street, and Luther had to admit he’s never seen anyone dressed like that running as fast. Wonders never cease in God’s green earth it seems. He stomped on the bottle on the pavement and took the old man by a shoulder.
LUTHER
I want you to meet someone..
Stumbly made his way to the car with Luther who smiled at the kids dissarmingly.
LUTHER
Boys I want you to meet..what was your name sir?
STUMBLY
Eddie, my name is Eddie.
LUTHER
Well Eddie say hi to three upstanding youngsters. Donny, Tommy and Artie, boys say hello to Mr. Eddie.
BOYS
Hello Mr. Eddie!
The old man cackled.
STUMBLY AKA EDDIE
That’s funny, and I don’t even look like a horse.
Both him and Luther laugh but the boys seem puzzled. Esme leans over to them.
ESME
Don’t worry about it, it was wayyy before Netflix.
LUTHER
Eddie, I’m glad we met today because I was just telling these young gentlemen how in life it’s good to know who you can trust and who you can’t because you never know where you end up. What do you think boys did you learn something about friends today.
TOMMY
Friends don’t gang up on picking on others.
ARTIE
Friends aren’t leaving their friends behind no matter what.
LUTHER
Very good, and Donny?
Donny
Don’t mess with Brother Luther!
ARTIE
Yeah!
TOMMY
Yup you sure fucked Scott Mackenzie’s brother up!
Esme frowned looking at Luther who shakes his head.
TOMMY
I mean, messed him up.
Eddie looked over at Luther
EDDIE
Oh I know who you are! Pastor Thunder, I’ve heard about you from your sister..
This was Luther’s turn to be surprised.
LUTHER
Tara...how do you know Tara?
Eddie shook his head.
EDDIE
Doesn’t matter, I’ve just met her once..nice girl, helpful even to an old fool like me, real helpful.
ESME
Well if there is anything we could do for you Eddie, just ask? Need a lift somewhere?
The old man shook his head.
EDDIE
Why? Why would I need a ride? It’s not like I am in a hurry to be anywhere.
Luther wanted to help the old man out somehow, but he had to make sure the boys got home, he had to be a man of his word. So he sat back next to Esme and handed a card to Eddie.
LUTHER
Well if you ever happen to change your mind or need something, don’t hesitate to drop by. We got this little ministry just nearby and..
Eddie nodded.
EDDIE
Yeah, I know I’ve been there. Thanks again Pastor but I’ll be fine.
LUTHER
Don’t thank me Eddie, God watches over everyone.
Eddie chuckled.
EDDIE
Who needs God when I got someone like you!
He started to stumble his way down the pavement as Esme started the vehicle heading on the opposite direction. Luther watched Eddie stumble long enough until they turned a corner then Donny spoke up.
DONNY
He had a point though, I don’t think God could have whooped ass like that!
The boys didn’t see it but Esme did.
That hint of a smile on Luther’s face.
Looks like the boys weren’t only ones with memories of today.