LOYAL [TWD] (third book to TROUBLE)

seperation for union

"Nice cat," Glenn teases Sakiko.

"Dude," she scoffs.

"Where'd you find the little guy?" he asks, setting his drink down.

Sakiko looks down at the fox. He sniffs the floor before hopping up on the couch, curling into a ball.

"Stuck in a fallen tree. Figured his cries would attract walkers, so why not?"

"Kiko," Maggie greets, walking into the room, "Any food?"

"Few squirrels and a snake. Weather is getting hot, I think everything is trying to bunker down somewhere. I already dropped it off at the smoker."

"Thank you," Maggie exhales, "We're starting to run low on food. I might have to send someone to Alexandria if they don't stop by soon."

"Jesus, Sasha, and Nana should be back soon, no?" she wonders, sitting next to the fox.

Maggie speeds around the room, a quick comment of 'pretty' when she sees the animal, "Should've been back yesterday. I guess they stayed the night? I don't know."

"Do you have like twin powers? Can you tell when he's close?"

"What the actual fuck does that mean?"

"Like the Wonder Twins.." Glenn looks between Sakiko and Maggie, "No? Neither of you watched Wonder Twins?"

"Sakiko!" Nanami's voice calls.

"Hey, Glenn, I think Nanami is near," Sakiko says as she stands up.

"Cop out," Glenn blames causing Maggie to laugh and swat his shoulder.

"Sup, dude?" Sakiko opens the door to see Nanami, Sasha, and Jesus.

"We.. We.." Nanami pants, bending over, "Goddamn I'm out of shape."

"You two have to go somewhere," Jesus helps him out.

"Go.. where?" Sakiko questions.

"Kingdom. King Ezekiel is letting you and Daryl stay there for as long as needed."

"I'm good here."

"The Saviors don't go into the Kingdom. They do their drop offs outside the walls. The King's people don't even know about the deal with the Saviors."

"I don't know those people. That's literally why I didn't go to begin with."

"Kiko," Nanami coughs, standing up straight, "It's safer for you there. The Saviors won't find either of you there. Plus, we could talk Ezekiel into fighting with us. You can fuck his head up and make him see the truth. Maybe if he sees you, he'll understand."

"So.. You want me to go into this 'Kingdom' place and play the sad, grieving widow and manipulate this guy- a King- I don't even know into marching into war with us?"

".. Yes?"

Sakiko shrugs, "Okay."

"Give me like five minutes to breathe," Nanami holds a hand up, sitting on the steps of the big house.

"I gotta pack anyway. I'll meet you at the gate."

She walks back inside. She didn't have anything. She had her knives and herself. She just wanted to say bye to Maggie and Glenn.

Sasha was already inside, filling the couple in on the plan.

"You be safe, okay?" Glenn tells Sakiko, opening his arms for a hug.

"You, too," she frowns, burrowing in his arms.

"If anyone can get through to him, it's you. You got this, Kiko," he whispers.