Zuina's birthday [Bonus 7]

October 25th 2016...

Zuina let out a loud sigh as she sat at a table.

"Are you sure you just want a small side of breadsticks?" Itsuki asked.

"Breadsticks are simplistic and can be paired with nearly anything. You can even alter the flavor of them with garlic, but I prefer the bare-bones, but hand-kneaded ones," Zuina nodded.

"Alright, today's your birthday though so no need to hold back and be modest."

"I'm not. I truly just want a small basket of hand-kneaded breadsticks and a glass of milk."

"Then why do you look so somber?" Rika asked as she strolled up.

"Because I was thinking about my life in England. I told you before, but I was raised by poor farmers. We didn't have much, but I was able to learn how to grow produce and make meals from everything on the farm. "

"Is that why you're good with farm animals?"

"Yes. I know how to milk cows and goats and take care of chickens. Though I tend not to be the greatest when cooking meals out of farm animals."

"You're a vegetarian, right?"

"Correct, an octo-lavo vegetarian to be precise. Though I guess since I have no problem eating bivalves, I'm more of a pesceterian. Though while I'm not a meat eater, I have no problem with those who do eat meat nor do I have an issue aiding in the cooking of meat based dishes. We all have different diets and appetites after all."

"You eat fish?"

"Just bivalves. I don't like killing animals, but for some reason, don't seem to have a problem eating bivalves. Maybe its because I just consider them edible seashells even though they're living creatures. Well, I'm not losing sleep over it, and will continue eating bivalves for the rest of my life. Besides, clam chowder does make a good dipping sauce for breadsticks."

"In that case, I'll whip some up. We also got some fresh oysters in, so want them cooked or not?"

"Wait, I didn't say I wanted a full blown meal!"

"Your grumbling stomach says otherwise."

Zuina's face went read as her stomach let out a loud growl. "Perhaps I do need to eat a bit more," she sighed.

As she waited for her food, Zuina began to think back to one of the worst days in her life. "Mummy said she's descended from ninjas and received training. But on that day, she went limp and was assaulted and killed. She didn't overexert herself, so why? Why am I having this same hell over and over-"

"Oi, food's here, birthday girl," Waki hollered as she waved her hand in front of Zuina's face.

"AH!? Oh, thanks..."

"Somethin on your mind? You were talking about a mummy."

"Was I talking out loud? Ugh, I was just having flashbacks of the day my parents died, mainly my mum."

"Rika definitely didn't do-"

"I know she didn't. But ever since she told me about Hinari, I've been having nightmares about that day since."

"And you didn't tell anyone?"

"I guess I'm good at bottling up my negatives."

"How bout you lay it on me and maybe I can make sense of it."

"Well, if it would help me, why not," Zuina sighed as she nibbled on a breadstick.

...

"You gonna pay me fee, wanker?" a large intimidating man sneered.

"We don't got no money, Lad. None for you anyway," a farmer in an ascot glared.

"How bout your wife then? She's a real beaut?"

"Wanna eat lead!?" the farmer yelled as he whipped out his shotgun and fired at the hoodlum.

"You'll be sorry!" the hoodlum yelled as he ran off.

"We wouldn't be in this mess if you would just grow organic produce instead of this slop!" a young 7-year-old Rebelle glared.

"Reina, we've gotta make due with what we got. Besides, the crops are organic. We grow em, then ship em to the stores, then folks eat em," the farmer smiled.

"THAT'S NOT ORGANIC! Organic is elite!"

"That lanky goon brainwashed you dammit! Come on, why don't you go help Zuina and Miyoko at the mill?"

"I'm not touching the weeds you deem grain, Rebelle huffed as she stormed away.

She passed by a young 5-year-old Zuina, whom was carrying a basket of bread.

"Look Daddy, I was able to help Mummy make some nice bread!" Zuina smiled.

"Good going, girl. You milk the cows too?"

"Mummy's gonna try makin cheese with it."

"Tell her not to forget the butter. I caught a big fish in the morning and wanna eat it for dinner. Bugger's takin up the whole damn fridge."

...

Zuina happily sat with her family at the table as the giant mackerel was placed on the small dinner table.

"I don't eat meat," Rebelle glared.

"I don't like looking at the fish's eyes," Zuina frowned.

"More for me then," the farmer laughed.

"Casper! The girls need to eat," a woman glared as she placed a dubious looking cheese wheel on the table.

"Mum, I don't eat dairy either," Rebelle glared.

Zuina meanwhile, dug into the cheese wheel. "Tastse great, Mummy," she smiled.

"Glad you liked it. Hmm, we also have some fresh strawberries from the fields. Want some of those, Reina?"

"I refuse to eat that inorganic slop!" Rebelle fumed.

"Your father's right. Ever since you attended that demonstration by that snob, you've been refusing to eat basic necessities in favor of so-called, "organic" meals."

"You two are the ones not feeding me proper!"

"Reina, I understand you want to eat luxuriously, but we don't have the money. You spending money to buy your foods doesn't make sense when you could just eat free here."

"I hate you, you damn sods!" Rebelle fumed as she grabbed a salad from the fridge and stormed away. "Tch! That damn fish contaminated my salad!" she fumed as she threw the meal at the wall.

...

The next morning, people descended on the farm as Zuina's family opened their farmer's market for the day. Zuina happily walked around with baskets of fruits and vegetables, attempting to get sales. As she was walking, she noticed Rebelle smiling as she talked with a woman with slicked back sludge-green hair. Thinking nothing of it at the time, she continued on her way.

...

As the sun set, Zuina cried and hugged Rebelle tightly as the farm was burned by a gang of hoodlums. Casper attempted to shoot them, but was surrounded and beaten to death. Miyoko grabbed Zuina and Rebelle and attempted to flee with them, however, she suddenly went limp, causing Zuina to tumble to the ground with her. Rebelle, meanwhile managed to stick the landing and watched as the hoodlums had their way with her mother before they killed her.

"Looks like its just the brats left," a hoodlum sneered.

Zuina began to cry more uncontrollably as Rebelle glared at the hoodlums. "Now that I'm the de-facto owner, I want you to invest in this place so it will become an organic farm!" Rebelle glared.

"Well aren't you actin tough... No deal, but we'll let ya and your sis live. Though as soon as you're on the streets, we're snatchin you two up an sellin ya," the hoodlum sneered as he and his buddies headed out.

Zuina was shaken and cried for days on end. To make matters worse, the farm didn't have any insurance, meaning Zuina and Rebelle could not even get money to start a new life. That was until Rebelle suddenly returned one day with insurance money.

"Onee-sama? Where'd you get the money? I thought the man said he wasn't going to give us any," Zuina sniffled as she wiped her tears away.

"Oh, I heard he was arrested after his illegal side gig came to light. The insurance company then realized the error of their ways and awarded us a larger sum. I also met a courageous woman from Japan that agreed to help get us back on our feet," Rebelle smirked.

"Japan? That's where Mummy's from."

"Correct, and that is where we will be heading. We will be learning the culinary arts proper, so that we can open our own organic restaurant."

At the time, Zuina was unaware of the nefarious methods Rebelle had used to get them the money. As she grew older, she quickly learned of Rebelle's blackmailing and began to harbor resentment towards her. After learning from Rika that Rebelle ultimately caused the death of her sole friend, Hinari, Zuina began outright hating her. However, what she had kept to herself is that she had begun having nightmares about the day the farm was burned ever since then.

...

A grave expression appeared on Waki's face as Zuina finished recounting her tale. "Zuina, I think I know why your mother died. If my theory's true, though it might really mess you up. I would feel awful droppin something like it on you on your birthday," she warned.

"I'll be more messed up not knowing. Tell me," Zuina nodded.

"I think she was immobilized with a poison needle. It would explain why she suddenly went limp like that. But there's more. Based on what you can remember from that day, I think I know who did it."

"Who?"

"Rebelle."

Zuina's eyes widened as a torrent of realization slammed into her. "I remember, that morning the woman she was talking to, it was Ookuma. If so, that would mean the reason the farm was burned, the reason they were killed..." Zuina began to tremble as her face slowly began to contort in rage. "I'll kill that piece of shit the next time I see her!" she seethed as tears rolled down her face.

"Why the murderous look? Is the food THAT bad?" Rika asked as she walked by.

"My apologies, I just learned a disturbing truth about Reina. No need to worry, everything tastes fine, even the clam chowder and oysters I didn't know I needed to eat," Zuina nodded as she cleaned her plate.

"I can always give you more. Birthday policy is as much as you can eat of the meal of your choice."

"Thank you. Though... actually I think I'll indulge you on your offer."

"You seem more relaxed. Glad Waki was able to help you out," Rika smiled.

"Yes, thank you Waki. Your guidance was appreciated," Zuina smiled.

"Wouldn't call it guidance, but whatevs. I'm just tryin to help everyone here get their grievances off their chests now that I'm free of mine," Waki shrugged as she smiled and headed back to the kitchen.