LOYAL [TWD] (third book to TROUBLE)

punishment

"Take this, too," Sakiko holds her sword out.

"What?" Nanami asks, taking it hesitantly.

"I've mastered the blades. I think it's time I master something else."

"Like..?"

"Go," Sakiko knees him in the leg, "Before I throw you out myself."

Nanami gives her a look, reaching for one more hug, "I'll see you in a few days."

"Yep," Sakiko nods, stepping back from the hug.

"You want to come back anytime before, you just make the trip. You hear me?" Daryl orders, getting a hug of his own.

"Yes, father," she scoffs.

"Be safe-"

"Don't die," she finishes.

Daryl kisses her temple, rubbing her arm. He and Nanami trade a look before walking out of the Kingdom gates.

They both glance back and Sakiko gives a smile, waving farewell.

--

"Hey, baby," Nabila greets.

"What's up, moms?" Sakiko smiles, sitting on the bench.

"Oh, the Royal Gardens.. It is absolutely infested. We're gonna have to go through and dig all the roots up. Burn everything."

"Damn.." Sakiko frowns, "Need some help?"

"Sure, honey. We'll start probably after Jerry and the rest get back."

"'Get back'? Where are they going? Why the hell did Jer-Bear not tell me 'bye'?"

"I think they're going on a run to a nearby shelter They brought plenty of supplies to fortify the place. Not sure. I didn't really ask."

Saviors.

Sakiko panics, standing up.

"I totally forgot.. I promised Benjamin that I would make sure Henry got to class.. I'll catch you later, moms!"

Sakiko darts off in a run to the gates. On the way, she slides another lie that she had to go out and check her hunting traps so that she could grab a bow and few arrows.

The gates opened slow. She couldn't handle it and squeezed through the tiniest space, running as fast as she could down the road.

"Hey!"

Sakiko doesn't slow down, "Not now, Sophia!"

Sophia's footsteps begin chasing after her, though she wasn't able to catch up.

"Where are you going? Where are Nanami and Daryl?"

"Sophia, not fucking now!" she shouts, pushing her feet to run faster.

Sakiko takes a turn, heading down an alleyway. The meetup spots were always the same. Goddammit why didn't Jerry say anything? If Nanami were here, Benjamin would've told him. What if things go wrong?

"Sakiko!"

Sakiko turns, slamming her hand against Sophia's mouth. They tumble to the concrete ground as Sakiko straddles the other girl, keeping her still and quiet.

Panting, Sakiko peers through the chain link fence, making sure the Saviors didn't hear anything.

Sakiko glares down at Sophia who had wide eyes, hand gripping Sakiko's wrist. She leans closer to whisper in Sophia's ear.

"There's Saviors here. Make a fucking sound, I'll gut you like a fish, understand?"

Sophia nods and Sakiko gently eases her hand away. The two girls stay on the ground, looking out to the Saviors.