The Little Thief

Chapter 2

Saya's POV
I woke up, on a fluffy bed, to the sun shining through the window. Those men yesterday, I hope they keep their word about helping Mommy with money. I get up and go down to the lobby where all the others already are.

"Morning," I said.

"Well, good morning, little lady," said Baba.

"Are you hungry? Baba just finished making breakfast," said Ota.

"I don't need it. Give it to some people who actually need the food instead of me," I said.

"Of course you need it. You need to eat to keep up your strength," said Baba.

"But Mommy rarely eats and she's strong."

"Your mom doesn't eat?"

"Well, she always says she isn't hungry and gives the food she has to me. Then she gives the leftovers to some homeless people."

"You have a very nice mom."

"I know. That's why I'm doing everything I can to help her."

"Well, you can't help her on an empty stomach. What would your mom say if she knew you didn't eat?"

"She'd probably be mad at me. I guess I have some time before I have to go."

"Go? Go where?" Eisuke asked.

"To the hospital to see my mommy. Visiting hours start in an hour. You can come with me if you want."

"Alright! Let's go everybody!" Baba exclaimed. We all jumped into a long car they called a limo and left for the hospital. As we enter, a nurse greets me,

"Good to see you again, Miss Saya. Unfortunately, your mother is going through some more tests right now. You'll have to wait outside the room until they're done."

"Okay," I replied. I walk over to Mommy's room and waited outside until the doctors say I can go in. The guys follow me. As soon as I see the doctor and some nurses walk out, I run up to them. "Good morning, Doctor. Can I see my Mommy now?"

"Ah. Saya, good morning. Yes, you can see your mom now," the doctor responded.

"Thank you." I walk into the room, followed by the guys. "Hi, Mommy. I brought some friends this time. They wanted to see you so please wake up soon. Mommy, I saw Daddy's men around our house again. It seems like they're still looking for us. Daddy scares me, Mommy. Please wake up."

"So, this is your mom," said Soryu.

"Uh huh. Isn't she pretty?"

"Uh..."

"You don't think my mommy's pretty? Does that mean you don't think I'm pretty? I guess I am the child of your enemy," I said crying.

"Way to go, Sor. You made her cry," said Baba.

"Who made my baby girl cry?" a voice asked. I look behind me and see...

"Mommy, you're awake!" I exclaimed.

"Of course I'm awake. No way am I letting that man get you. He'll have to get past me first. Oh? Who are these gentlemen?"

"Mommy, this is Baba, Ota, Mamoru, Soryu, and Eisuke."

"Is that so?" She narrowed her eyes at Soryu. "Soryu Oh of the Ice Dragons?"

"Yes," he responded.

"What the hell is the mafia doing here? I'm not letting you take us back to him."

"Mommy, you don't understand. Mr. Soryu was taking care of me with the others for a bit. He's super nice. Nothing like Daddy," I said quickly to avoid an unnecessary fight.

"Is that so? I appreciate you taking care of my daughter then, even if it was for one night."

"How did you know?"

"Do you forget who I am, Saya?"

"Of course not."

"Listen, I know you don't exactly trust the mafia," said Soryu.

"That's the understatement of the year," Mommy responded coldly.

"But we want to help."

"But you said you couldn't help just because we needed help. You said you didn't want to start a war between the two mafia groups and get innocent people involved," I said.

"You heard our conversation late night?" Eisuke asked.

"Uh huh. You guys aren't the quietest people and I'm a really light sleeper."

"If you wanted to help, why did you say all those things?" Mommy asked.

"Please. I would like to ask you a few questions," said Soryu.

"For what purpose?"

"We are quite fond of your daughter. We want to help her in any way we can," Baba said. Mommy won't fall for that obvious lie. She's too smart for that.

"What's the real reason you want to know?" Mommy asked annoyed. I knew it. Mommy isn't stupid enough to fall for Baba's charms. Everyone was shocked at Mommy's response and went quiet. "Look, my five year old daughter was able to see through that lie. What makes you think I wouldn't?"

"Your daughter is quite smart for her age," said Ota.

"Of course she is. She's probably more intelligent than me. Anyway..." Mommy started to pull out all the wires and IVs attached to her.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Mamoru asked.

"What does it look like? I'm getting out of here. It's not safe here anymore." Mommy tried to stand up but then she fell. Before she reached the ground, Soryu caught her.

"Careful," he said.

"How long have I been out?"

"2 years," I responded.

"2 years? I've been out for 2 years? That's not good. Being out that long, my legs won't work properly and if they won't work properly, I can't protect us from him."

"But we've been safe for 2 years now."

"No, we haven't. He has already infiltrated this hospital. The doctor...he kept inserting some drug inside of me whenever I feel like I'm about to wake up. It puts me to sleep again. Today, I assume he stopped midway because he saw you and the guys watching him. That's why I was able to wake up, but the doctor is not an ally. He probably knows I'm not asleep anymore so he'll probably notify Akio and tell him. We need to get out of here quickly."

"But what about your condition? You're in no condition to move let alone run."

"You're right. Listen, baby girl, you get out of here and run."

"What about you?"

"I'll stay here. It's me they're after anyways. If I go with them, they'll leave you alone. As we are right now, it would not end well if we tried to fight and I don't want you to get hurt, baby girl."

"But Mommy..."

"It'll be fine. I'll make sure you will never be in danger again. Okay?"

"But I wanna be with you, Mommy. I don't want to be safe if I can't be with you." I began to cry.

"Don't cry, baby girl. I promise we'll be reunited again."

"No! I want to be with you now!"

"I have a proposition to make," said Eisuke.

"Oh? And what's that?" Mommy asked.

"You both can come with us and we'll provide you with protection until you are on your feet again."

"And what's in it for you?"

"Information."

"On the Black Pythons or Akio Ito?"

"Both."

"Very well. Let's get out of here first. If you don't recall, we are in danger here." With that, Soryu carries my mommy to the limo with the rest of us right behind. Then we drive off toward the hotel.