Chapter 11
“Alright, I think that about covers everything.”
Harry actually breathes a sigh of relief as the Summit comes to a close. So does Zoey, who has been hiding her increasing yawns behind her hand. They’ve been speaking for hours, hammering out details of the alliance, brainstormed ideas on clearing out the army base, went over maps for potential alternatives and even went shared information on potential buildings to check for untouched supplies due to infestation levels. The level of information sharing that happened in this room for the past several hours eclipses what they had shared before.
Harry hopes this continues well into the future. It’ll make their future plans much easier to enact.
“What now?” Paul asks, spreading his hands from where they were clasped.
“Now Harry will vaccinate you three and you’ll be free to head back to your respective communities,” Lucille answers.
“May I ask what the plan is to vaccinate our respective communities?” Ezekiel speaks up, making everyone pause expectantly.
Lucille and Negan exchange glances, the latter replying, “We were thinking in a week. Harry’s not really in the best condition to be leaving Sanctuary at the moment.”
Harry tries not to grimace; that has also been a sore point for a few days. Harry isn’t bound to Sanctuary – Negan kept his word on that – but Lucille’s overbearing concern for his health and weight has kept him here anyway. He’s been eating almost constantly and while it has filled him out a bit, he’s nowhere near where he had been. Harry isn’t even sure he can even make it back to his old physique.
George straightens, “A week? That’s too long. He looks – Harry, you look fine. Are you able to come out sooner?”
Harry glances at Lucille’s unhappy face and says leadingly, “I am better now.”
Lucille shakes her head and addresses George, “You don’t know what condition he came to us in and lack important information on recent events. Suffice to say, Harry still needs time to regain his strength before I’m comfortable letting him out of Sanctuary, even with a contingent of Saviors. I wanted a week but I will settle for five days, no sooner.”
Harry expected that response.
Ezekiel, Paul and George look at each other. George is the most unhappy about the decision. Paul seems neutral, if a bit distracted. Ezekiel doesn’t seem too bothered but his eyes are calculating.
“Excuse me for pointing out, again I might add, that my area isn’t very secure right now?” George brings up.
“I told you I’m going to be sending some Saviors with you to clear the roads,” Negan puts his hand up to stop the topic from going any further. “Besides that, you are the one that refuses to relocate your people to either Hilltop or Sanctuary here. We can’t be held responsible for your decisions.”
“You don’t have space here and Hilltop has it’s own problems – no offence, Jesus,” George shoots at Paul, who just shrugs with wry amusement. “The problem isn’t the roads, we have a bunch of kids. Most teens but none old enough to help with our defences. I don’t know how I can go back and tell them they finally got hope but they gotta wait another week for that to happen.”
Lucille holds firm, “Well, you are certainly free to drive them here to be vaccinated instead. I’m sorry it cannot be sooner but Harry’s health is important, too.”
“What happened, if I might ask?” Paul speaks up, gaining everyone’s attention.
Negan and Lucille exchange another glance.
Harry decides a bit of trust is in order, “I revealed my abilities to the wrong sort and how you see me now is the result of that mistake. I am told by my Doctor-” here, Harry nods to Carson. “-that my abilities demand more from my body than I’m able to currently handle. No doubt I won’t be just vaccinating your people, I’ll likely be healing them of their issues as well. For that, I need to regain more strength. I know waiting longer isn’t ideal but I can’t help any of you effectively if I’m running myself ragged.”
That nugget only gains Harry more considerate glances.
“No one will be asking any more of you than you are willing to give,” Sirius assures Harry but addresses the room, his tone heavy with meaning.
“I second that,” Negan says meaningfully, looking to all three Leaders.
George goes a bit red, his face dropping unhappily, “Fine. What’s the vaccination plan, then? Who gets to be first?”
Lucille takes the reins, “Negan and I have discussed this a bit but we’d like your input. George, since you’re the furthest and our convoy will pretty much have to drive past Hilltop and The Kingdom to get to you, Shirewilt will need to be last.”
George reddens even more in building fury, “What? So what? They can hit the others on the way back!”
“Calm, my friend,” Ezekiel tells George soothingly. “Let us hear the rest before we start changing things.”
George shoots Ezekiel a nasty look, “You’re not gonna be last, so maybe shut the hell up.”
“Hey!” Negan slaps his hand on the table. “Watch it, George or you’ll be trucking your people here on your own dime!”
“I thought this alliance was supposed to make us equal? Why the hell am I and my people being shit on like this?” George demands to know.
“Will it make you calm down if I volunteer Hilltop to go last?” Paul offers.
George rounds on Paul, “Actually, that just might.”
“Can you stop?” Harry sighs. “George, you need to calm down. I understand your frustrations-”
“You do, do you?” George spits meanly. “Sure seems like it when you don’t need to fucking worry about you and your people being overrun any day, hm?”
“George, I think you need to make a call to your wife,” Lucille says, her voice tight.
George stops, the red draining from his face to leave his skin pallid. Then, he clears his throat, “That’s not needed.”
Harry doesn’t know why George’s wife terrifies him to the point of backing down but he’ll take it. Anything to get the man to stop riling everything up. Good on Lucille for somehow knowing how to handle George’s ire.
“If you’re sure,” Lucille demurs, taking back control of the situation. “Anyway, as I was saying. It’s a toss up between Hilltop and The Kingdom to be first but we decided The Kingdom made a bit more sense. Since The Kingdom has more residents than Hilltop, Harry will go there first and stay the night. The next day, they will go to Hilltop to do the same. Since Hilltop has so few, Harry will head down to Shirewilt the same afternoon. They will stay the night within Shirewilt and return to Sanctuary in the morning. If all goes well, this should only take two, three days tops. Are there any questions?”
“Is there a method in which we can determine the order of vaccination?” Ezekiel asks first.
“We were going to leave that up to each community,” Negan answers. “A lottery of some kind is preferable to keep it all fair and equal but ultimately, its up to you guys.”
“What do you mean by healing our people?” Paul addresses Harry.
“I’m able to heal much more than physical wounds. If anyone is suffering from a disease or sickness that requires consistent medical intervention, I’ll do my best to cure it,” Harry replies.
“Do you know your limits? What can’t you heal?” George wonders, now subdued.
“Harry got rid of my sister’s dependence on insulin just this morning,” Sherry inserts cheerfully.
“More tests need to be done until I am sure,” Doctor Carson interjects but it doesn’t seem to take away from Sherry’s happiness.
“He saved my life from a chronic disease as well,” Lucille offers.
Feeling increasingly awkward from them mentioning his deeds, Harry clears his throat, “I haven’t explored the full breadth of my abilities just yet. Are there any other questions that don’t pertain to me in any way?”
“Will both of you be coming with Harry?” Paul asks, looking to Lucille and Negan.
Negan raises his hand briefly, “I will be. Lucille will remain here to keep Sanctuary well greased.”
“Give me a solid time frame to give to my people,” George demands gruffly.
“Five days from now, Harry will head to The Kingdom. Six days until he gets to Shirewilt. Is that acceptable?” Lucille supplies.
George looks away, “Do I have a choice?”
Lucille seems to ignore that, “Alright. Now that that’s done, please approach Harry for your vaccinations. Everyone else, you are dismissed. Thank you for your time.”
There is a general sound of chairs being pushed back, the squeak of the slide just barely heard under the sudden murmurs. Harry stands as well, Sirius backing just out of the way to allow the younger out. Harry gives Sirius a quick nod, receiving a wink in return.
Harry channels his magic to his hands, feeling the normal tingle down his forearms to pool in his palms. Ezekiel is the first to reach Harry, having been sitting the closest. He sticks out his hand without hesitation, regarding Harry with warm respect, “It was nice to finally meet you, Harry. You are quite an interesting person, I cannot wait to host you at The Kingdom.”
Harry takes the hand and vaccinates the man as he shakes it, “I look forward to meeting your people.”
Ezekiel jumps at the tingle, a quick grin breaking out on his face from the sensation, “What a strange feeling. Thank you for your time today, I hope your recovery goes smoothly.”
You and me both, Harry laments to himself, already resigned to being pretty much idle for the next five days. Lucille’s gotten pretty unbearable in her concerns since Harry’s collapse a week ago. It’s just easier to let her get her way now so that he can get more work done down the line.
Paul and George take Harry’s hands at the same time. While George jumps and curses as he stomps off, not even giving anyone a quick farewell, Paul says, “I’ll let the others know you are doing well and that you are not quite as big as we were assuming.”
Harry chuckles, ignoring George’s reaction with seasoned experience, “I appreciate it. I’m sorry we’re making you guys wait so long, Lucille is rather insistent these days.”
Paul shrugs as he takes his hand back, having not reacted to the vaccination at all, “I’m sure it’s going to take time to draw Gregory around anyway. Our supply levels are good right now, so we might be able to just wait it out.”
“If waiting isn’t possible and you have to head out, bring anyone that gets badly hurt or bitten here immediately. I’ll be more than happy to attend to them,” Harry offers.
Paul hesitates but nods, “Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind.”
---
That evening, after supper is eaten and dishes are done, the five sit at the table together. Zoey is visibly wilting under the long day but she valiantly hangs on. Harry would reach out to mess with her hair but now isn’t the time.
“A few things I wanted to go over with you guys before we start actually preparing for the trip,” Negan starts, looking around at everyone. His eyes stop on Zoey as he continues, “The first being; I’m dropping the investigation into the strange symbol. Nothing new has been found on it and no new symbols have cropped up, as far as we’re aware, so I’m benching it.”
Zoey perks up, excitement lighting up her eyes, “Does that mean I’m not grounded anymore?”
Negan reluctantly nods,”For now. I’d prefer it if you didn’t head out on any runs but if you must, our deal still stands.”
Zoey pauses in her mini-celebration, “Wait, really? But Harry is-”
“Harry’s not gonna be heading out on any runs, either,” Lucille points out firmly. “After all this is done, we’ll talk about it again. Okay?”
Zoey sinks back into her chair with a huff, “Fine.”
“Glad to see her Highness agrees,” Negan teases, poking at Zoey’s upper arm with a grin. Zoey glowers at him and pushes the questing hand away glumly.
“I want to get you two into an actual training regiment,” Sirius says. “So you won’t have time to even head out anyway. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be too exhausted to even think about it.”
Zoey rolls her eyes, “Sure. Okay. Sounds good.”
Harry knows she’s going to regret those words tomorrow evening. Something tells him that Sirius isn’t going to go easy on either of them.
“Lucille and I have decided to be more open with you guys about what’s going on in Sanctuary,” Negan says. “Anything major come up, we’ll discuss it together. Kind of like we have been the last few days but in a broader sense.”
“Like what?” Harry asks curiously.
“Well, for starters, the day the herd nearly knocked down our front door. That cluster fuck was several weeks in the making, if I have the story straight,” Negan sits back and rubs at his furry chin. “John, one of the three dispatchers that are on rotational duty, managed to stash away enough alcohol to give himself a real American party. He had the night shift and I guess figured since nothing actually happens around here, he’d certainly have a rager. He was found him passed out and soaked in his own fuckin’ beer right in front of the radio. We’re lucky he didn’t fuckin’ break the damn radio in his stupidity!”
Harry feels disappointment in a man he’s never met. He had a responsibility to his community to attend the radio and report any incoming threat. If he hadn’t been so irresponsible, it’s likely Zoey’s friends would have been found and recovered a lot sooner and may have actually avoided drawing a herd.
“He’s been punished?” Harry asks.
“He’s still in the Pit and will be for the next week. He insists he doesn’t remember drinking but it’s kind of hard to disprove it by how he was found. He’ll be a sober fucking Saint by the time he gets out of there,” Negan replies darkly.
“Good,” Zoey nods, still unhappy with what befell her friends.
“How are they doing, anyway?” Harry asks.
Zoey shrugs, her nail lightly scraping the table, “I don’t know. Cindy won’t talk to me and Sandra’s being super weird about it. Diego’s been heading out on hunts with Owen, so I don’t see him very often.”
“Sorry, dear. You’ll need to give them a little more time,” Lucille smiles comfortingly at Zoey.
Zoey wilts a little, “So you keep saying. How much time?”
“That’s up to them, don’t rush it,” Sirius answers. “You’re not going to be worried about them too much in the next few days, anyway.”
“So you keep saying,” Zoey rolls her eyes but drops it. “Whatever.”
Harry glances at Lucille and sees his worry for Zoey reflected in her eyes.
“On that front, Diego and Sandra’s account of what happened has me concerned,” Negan steps in. “The only reason they were ambushed was because they were approached by Savior look-alikes.”
“They looked like Saviors?” Harry clarifies, frowning in thought. That doesn’t bode well – it’s a bold strategy but for what purpose? “Like the ones Zo and I spotted outside Sanctuary?”
“Yes. Diego and Sandra could only speculate on why they do. On the how; they were apparently in a pickle and desperate for cover. The Savior-clones lured them in with promises of safety and then jumped them after. They were questioned at first – mostly about Sanctuary but they did ask some very pointed questions about you, Harry.”
Harry should have expected that... but...
“That can only mean there’s a mole in Sanctuary,” Sirius states soberly. Negan and Lucille wince. “Do you guys have any clue on who that can be?”
Negan shakes his head and Lucille shrugs, “We only have hunches, which isn’t nearly enough to jump the gun on this. We’d need to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they had a hand in it, otherwise we risk alienating our people even more than we already have.”
“Despite what I’ve told the Summit earlier, I’ve been walking on thin ice with my men. I’m not gonna be pointing fingers willy nilly and expect them to just take it,” Negan supplements reluctantly. “Lucille’s absolutely right. We need to keep this knowledge to ourselves for now, at least until the Summer Summit Tour is done.”
“How will you two go about weaseling them out?” Sirius asks curiously.
“We’re not sure yet. We’ll be discussing that when the time comes,” Lucille replies, shrugging. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll slip up and save us the work.”
“If only it worked that way,” Harry murmurs, feeling troubled and wary.
“Harry, do you happen to feel anything... particular?” Negan asks carefully, leadingly.
Harry considers it and shakes his head, “No, not even when we were outside Sanctuary. If they are after something, it’s not me.”
That seems to trouble everyone, even Zoey. She regards him silently, both relieved and bothered at the revelation.
“It’s a discussion we’re going to have when we either have more information or after you guys return from the trip,” Lucille puts an end to the conversation. “Until then, to bed with you two. Sirius wasn’t kidding when he said he’s going to keep you two busy.”
Sirius grins, looking almost too innocent for how menacing his eyes become, “Yep, we’re going to have a lot of fun!”
Zoey rolls her eyes again but Harry feels a shiver of anticipation. It’s been too long since he’s trained with Zoey – or trained at all. He’s eager to get back into it. Sitting in that Room all day, every day for hours and hours...
Harry is eager to get it all out of his system. One spar at a time.
---
Zoey doesn’t stop complaining as she drags herself into the bathroom the next evening.
Harry eagerly awaits his turn, every limb shaking and his muscles singing in exhaustion. Sirius washes his hands in the sink, idly speaking to Lucille as she finishes up supper. Harry’s Godfather doesn’t seem tired from the long day at all.
Zoey very quickly learned just how much she underestimated Sirius’ intent to get them into fighting shape. Though Zoey had improved by leaps and bounds under Alex’s tutelage, Sirius showed them both that she was let off easy. Harry thoroughly embraced being pushed past his limits, not giving up even when his limbs feel like jello with every step. Zoey didn’t have the breath to complain most of the day but she started right up as they stopped.
Sirius’ promise to make her stop complaining fell on deaf ears. Harry knows she’ll learn sooner than later. Sirius is completely serious about training them and he swayed Negan and Lucille into his way of thinking. Zoey will appreciate it later when the training ends up saving her life.
Harry is already appreciating the burn he hasn’t felt in a long while. The ache is gone but his muscles are still thrumming tiredly. The walls don’t reach for him as much as they did this morning and his mind is blank in a very blissful way. Harry missed being physical like this, he missed tussling around with Zoey and hearing her shrieks of frustration when he pins her. Despite the harsh start, he knows Zoey started feeling the same way by the end. She’s just too stubborn to admit it.
Negan walks in, pausing as he closes the door to study Harry’s sweaty, boneless form. “Heard he didn’t go easy on you two. You okay?”
Harry nods, bringing his hand up to rub at his face, “I’m fine, great even. It wasn’t anything I wasn’t expecting. Zo’s gonna be sore, though, so I’d steer clear.”
Negan nods, toeing off his boots, “I’m expecting that. Thanks for the warning, though I’m probably going to end up eating my own foot again.”
Harry snickers, “Haven’t you gotten tired of the taste yet?”
Negan stops and glares, “Ha ha. You’re a real comedian, kid.”
Harry laughs. The walls ease back and don’t move again for the rest of the night.
---
“Dennis is under careful watch,” Negan tells them in a low tone over supper.
“Margo denied everything when I asked,” Lucille supplies with a grimace. “I tried to push but she was adamant.”
“Margo is definitely stiff and awkward with her husband,” Sirius reveals. “But that could just mean they’re fighting. I don’t think its a good idea to broach the topic again until you have some tangible proof.”
“I know,” Lucille sighs into her food. “It’s just bothering me.”
“I could tell her I know the truth,” Harry suggests halfheartedly, not particularly wanting to but knowing it needs to be put on the table.
“As much as that’s a good idea, it’s also a bad one,” Negan cuts in. “The people may have come to regard you in a good light but Dennis can just as well turn around and accuse you of trying to destabilize Sanctuary. Dennis and his family have been one of the longest standing residents of Sanctuary and he’s respected among the people for it. We can’t go waggling fingers on just your word, not when you haven’t even been here long enough for them to properly trust it. I brought it up because Lucille and I promised to keep you guys updated on what’s going on but we can’t act on it right now.”
Harry accepts it, albeit reluctantly. He’s never been very good at waiting on pertinent information but for now, he has no choice.
---
The next four days pass by in a blur of exhaustive training that leaves Zoey and Harry utterly wiped out. Thought his sister rises to the occasion (after realizing that complaining is literally getting her nowhere), she becomes steadily more distant. Her Savior friends worry her with their continued isolation and avoidance and Harry can see it starting to seriously grate on her. Not even the hard training makes her stop thinking about them.
Harry is hoping the trip will get her to loosen up a little. He knows her worry comes from sheer lack of knowledge, as no one will tell her why Cindy won’t talk to anyone and why Sandra refuses to leave her alone. Sirius told Harry that the only reason Cindy hasn’t been forced out to start working again is because Negan promised them as much time as needed for their loyalty when captured. They didn’t tell the Savior-lookalikes anything, even under all that torture, so they pretty much earned it.
It’s not making things easier on Zoey but she’ll eventually get over it when Cindy finally emerges. It’s just going to take time.
---
The day of their trip is hot and humid and likely to become even more so as the day wears on.
Lucille is beside herself. She has bags packed for each of them, even though they could have packed their own. Harry has an extra hip bag that has a large stash of snacks and a single bottle of water. Lucille's talking to Zoey and picking away invisible imperfections on her clothes and hair as they do. Zoey bats the questing hands away from her freshly braided hair but otherwise allows the fuss with barely restrained patience. Lucille's anxious energy over them leaving is just so palpable that everyone else is picking up on it.
“Hey, Harry,” Tina greets as she's walking by. It's very early, just after sunrise and most of Sanctuary is still running on the overnight skeleton crew.
“Hey,” Harry returns, waving a little.
Tina changes course and comes to a stop next to him, “You guys going somewhere?”
“Yeah.”
“Mind if I ask where?” Tina asks curiously.
Harry doesn't see anything wrong with telling her. He answers, “We're heading out to the neighbouring communities to vaccinate them. We're going to be gone for a while.”
“Oh,” Tina breathes, watching Lucille baby Zoey. “Well, I guess that would make anyone nervous.”
Harry just nods, watching Lucille finally disengage from Zoey. His younger sister looks very annoyed with the extra fuss. Harry hopes she didn't say anything about Lucille's mothering. The older woman is just very nervous and as one of two leaders of Sanctuary, she has to stay behind to manage everything. Simon will be staying as well to lead the Saviors in Negan's place.
“When will you be back?” Tina asks into the ensuing quiet.
Harry shrugs, “Two days, maybe three. Lucille doesn’t like us being gone longer than that.”
“So long,” Tina half pouts, crossing her arms unhappily. “That's not cool.”
Harry gives her an amused look, “Join the club.” Zoey may be bearing the brunt of Lucille's anxiety but Harry has had many of the residents currently awake wish him luck and a quick return. None of them seem very happy to see him leave, even with Harry's assurance that he'll be back.
Everyone is still a little overbearing and he still has a consistent stream of snacks being handed to him on the daily that they won't allow Harry to give back. In fact, it's getting ridiculous. He's been sharing most of his snacks with Sirius because there's just too much. His Godfather almost gave both of them away the morning of the Summit to Lucille. That would have ended badly.
Harry is at least getting used to them.
Anton is too much, though. Harry has been dodging him as well. He doesn't want to be some religious figure at all.
“Harry!” Lucille approaches quickly. Harry had gotten distracted by his thoughts.
“Good luck, Harry,” Tina says, waving goodbye as she leaves. Tina nods to Lucille as they pass each other.
“Harry,” Lucille smiles anxiously, coming to a stop in front of him. Harry can see how hard she holds herself back from doing the same motions she had done to Zoey.
“Lucille,” Harry says, amused. “Please calm down. Getting all worked up isn't good for you.” He says it meaningfully, glancing down at her stomach. Lucille smiles bashfully, her hands twitching down but controlling herself. Harry assures her, “I don't feel anything and we'll have the very capable Sirius guarding us. We'll be fine.”
“Oh, that makes me feel a little better,” Lucille responds, her shoulders relaxing a little. “But the actual reason I came to you is because of this,” Lucille glances around quickly and then shows Harry a piece of paper. As Harry takes it and reads, Lucille crowds in a bit closer and whispers, “Sirius gave it to me. Do you really trust this man, Harry?”
Harry abruptly realizes what it is and pushes it back into Lucille's hands, taking his own careful look around as he says in a low tone, “I trust Sirius with Zoey's life. If he gave this to you, it's for a really good reason. Memorize it and burn it.”
No one is watching them, as far as Harry can tell but that doesn't mean anything. Snakes are good at sneaking around.
Instead of getting scared, Lucille takes a deep breath and hardens herself. She nods, half turning to hide the paper inside her shirt and then smoothing down her clothes as she turns back.
“If you feel like things are weird, raise us on the radio,” Harry continues. “Say something like… hm, like the weather being strange. I'll let Sirius know and if you say it, we'll know to rush back. Okay?”
Lucille sighs, “Okay, just-try to be quick? I don't like this at all.”
“I'll try my best, Lucille,” Harry promises.
Lucille smiles, pulling Harry in for a hug. Just like the hug they shared when they were reunited, this hug felt like coming home. For once, it feels like it ends too soon as Lucille pulls away.
“Okay, well,” Lucille sniffs, smiling bravely through her renewed anxiety at them leaving. “You'd best be going. Please be careful.”
Harry waves as he heads to the van. Henry, the Savior guard usually on rotation to guard the penthouse, is driving. Sirius is standing next to the door, Zoey already buckled in on the far side. Harry climbs in, Sirius hopping in as well. In front of the van is a truck that Negan will be driving. A handful of Saviors sits in the bed of the truck while some more get in the passenger side. There’s another truck behind them packed with some more Saviors but toting most of their food and supplies. Negan didn’t want to take any chances.
Harry clips himself in just as the van starts. The vehicles pull out of Sanctuary smoothly and quickly pick up speed.
“Finally!” Zoey groans dramatically, stretching in her seat. “It feels so good to get out of there!”
It would be better if they’d gone by foot but Harry can appreciate her point.
“I agree,” Sirius states. “It was starting to feel kind of smothering.”
“It always feels like that,” Zoey replies emphatically. “So boring. Barely any space to run around.”
“Oh, yes,” Sirius nods gravely. “Just terrible.”
Harry smirks at their conversation. Zoey seems to have become really comfortable with Sirius and it's really nice to see. Harry had hoped Zoey would at least tolerate Sirius and it seems like it's grown beyond that. Of course, only Harry can hear the teasing note to Sirius’ voice that gives him away. He's teasing the hell out of her and it doesn't sound like it. She doesn't seem to have picked up on it.
“How long until we're there?” Zoey asks out loud.
Henry answers, “It's about an hour to The Kingdom.”
Zoey purses her lips unhappily but doesn't make a fuss about it.
“Aw, come on!” Sirius ribs, poking Zoey's shoulder. Harry smiles at Zoey's arm whipping out to try to hit Sirius’ hand but his Godfather grins as he dodges it. Harry watches Sirius and Zoey mock fight. It's a funny little match that keeps Zoey busy and distracted for the entire hour.
The Kingdom wasn't what Harry had been expecting. The walls don't look that solid, even though they are almost entirely made of scrap metal. The gates remain firmly closed until Negan shows his head through the window of the truck. Once the gates slide open, the rest of the community is laid bare. Groups of people walk around, looking mostly happy. Some sneer at the truck and van as they pull in. Harry unbuckles his seatbelt, leaning forward into the window to get more of a look around.
Zoey sighs in disappointment, “I was expecting a carnival and I don't know why.”
Sirius snickers, “I think the tiger gave you ideas.”
Zoey scowls at Sirius, “You thought it would be, too!”
“Nuh uh!” Sirius responds maturely, sticking his nose up in the air. Harry grins when Zoey huffs, unbuckling her belt and boldly leaving the van before Negan said to. She scowls at Sirius again and slams the door shut moodily. Sirius snickers some more, “She's so much fun to tease.”
“I know, right?” Harry replies, sharing mischievous grins.
“I'll come get you two when Negan says,” Henry informs them, leaving the van as well. The door closes firmly behind him.
Sirius abruptly turns around in his seat, “Lu showed you?”
Though not expecting it, Harry knows what Sirius is talking about and nods, “Yeah. You sure?”
That list of names... Sirius must have been busy since they got here.
Sirius nods quickly, “Yes. We don't have much time to talk, so listen. I'm positive about all those names but I don't have any actual proof because I can't say I heard them talking while I was a dog. They're getting restless and antsy. They weren't expecting someone like you who poses a real threat to their authority, so that's why they haven't done anything just yet. This trip of ours is the perfect time to make their move and I think they'll take it.”
“I told Lucille to warn you of ‘strange weather’ if she felt in danger,” Harry says, seeing their Savior driver approaching the van. “I hope you have a plan for when we go back.”
“I do,” Sirius nods grimly and then, just as the van door opens, Sirius’ facade is back up.
“Come on,” the man says, gesturing for them to follow with his head. “Boss man and Ezekiel are asking for ya.”
Sirius and Harry exit the van. The settlement is so much bigger than Harry had imagined. Sanctuary would probably only fit in about a quarter of the overall grounds, so it's no wonder they get all their fresh produce from here. There are also so many houses for the survivors to use for shelter that Harry is honestly wondering why there are more people in Sanctuary. Even from where he is, Harry can see the sectioned garden areas that are currently being carefully tended to.
“Harry,” Negan calls and when Harry looks, the leader of the Saviors gestures him over. Negan is standing with a man Harry doesn't know. It barely takes thirty seconds for Harry to meander over, Sirius following right behind. Negan says to the Saviors, “Stay with the vehicles.”
“Where's Ezekiel?” Harry asks as he comes to a stop.
The man half-bows, “His Majesty is in the Throne Room. I shall take you there myself. Are you ready?”
What? Harry draws a blank. Majesty? Throne Room?? What?
Negan responds with, “Yeah, let's get this shit show over with.”
The man sighs at Negan's language, “Very good. Please, follow me.”
Harry looks at Negan with wide eyes and raised brows. Negan grimaces and shakes his head, waving one hand in a dismissive gesture. Harry settles back down, wondering why the hell Ezekiel is being referred to as royalty. As far as Harry understands, the States isn't a Monarchy, so why?
Why didn't Negan warn them?
“He talks funny,” Zoey notes under her breath.
They follow the man to a particular building, which leads down a dark hall that ends in a large, bricked room. There is a raised platform at the far end that holds a fine looking table and chair set. Along the back wall near the left corner is a door. In the opposite corner, Shiva raises her head at their entrance, quickly standing from the large mattress that makes her bed. Ezekiel is sitting on a chair that is a little larger than the others, planted right in the middle of the platform.
Ezekiel stands as he sees them, arms spread out and grinning widely, “My friends! Welcome to The Kingdom! I hope your trip here was safe and peaceful!” Shiva weaves herself around him with a warning growl. Harry feels his metaphorical bristles raising.
“Hey ‘Zeek,” Negan says informally, gaining a searing glare from the man still standing nearby.
“That's King Ezekiel,” the man corrects Negan.
Ezekiel raises his hand, “It's fine, Jerry. These are honoured guests, Harry here especially!” Ezekiel motions to Harry and Shiva snarls, glaring daggers. A prickling feeling creeps up from the back of his neck into his hair, like fingernails spreading out from a fist.
Jerry straightens, caught off guard, “The one you spoke of?” Neither of the men seem to pay any mind to the tiger.
Ezekiel nods gracefully, “Yes, indeed. Jerry, will you fetch some refreshments for-”
“Actually,” Harry interrupts boldly, not playing into whatever game they have going on. He doesn't want to be here longer than he needs to. The original plan is only two days but that list Sirius gave to Lucille hangs heavy on his mind. He may not have a bad feeling now but that doesn't mean something bad won't happen while they are gone. On top of that, something about Shiva's attitude today is grating on Harry's last nerve. Everyone looks at Harry, seeming thrown by the interruption. “If you don't mind, I would like to get started. I'd like to get to Hilltop today.”
Negan perks up at that. Ezekiel frowns in disappointment, “Are you sure? The people are very excited to meet your acquaintance, Harry. So much so that they've been preparing a celebration in your honour.”
Now Harry really doesn't want to stay but Negan sighs, “Better not, Harry. Lulu wants us to stick to our schedule for a reason.”
“Please! We insist!” Ezekiel booms out in a grandeur voice. “The Kingdom offers its bounty to our honoured guests!”
“I kinda wanna explore,” Zoey murmurs to herself quietly. Harry peeks at her, already feeling himself give in. His little sister probably hasn't been able to safely explore a new place in quite some time. Zoey looks at Harry then and his resolve crumbles.
Harry sighs, “Fine. Do you have the lottery system in place?”
Ezekiel tilts his head, “Not exactly. My people have decided among their own who will and won't receive your vaccination. I was going to discuss this with you over refreshments while my people are given the go ahead to finish preparations.”
“Well, since we're sticking to our schedule, it won't hurt to play catch-up,” Negan shrugs but then looks at Shiva. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that your tiger should be put into a separate room, ‘Zeekie-boy.”
Ezekiel rolls his eyes at the nickname, “Negan.”
“What?” Negan asks, grinning. “I thought we were all friends here and friends give friends dumb nicknames! It's practically in every teen magazine!”
Zoey covers her mouth, her shoulders shaking in mirth. Harry can hear Sirius’ quiet snickers from behind.
Ezekiel's brow raises, “Very well, Neggie-” Zoey bursts out into uncontrollable giggles and Sirius’ snickers grow louder. Negan's face drops a little. Ezekiel pauses, as if something suddenly came to mind and then says, “Oh, you’re right. Friends do call friends dumb names. Very good idea, Negster.”
Harry can't help his grin. Ezekiel knows how to give as good as he gets and it's hilarious to see Negan's dismay at what he started.
Shiva's cold, angry snarl startles everyone sober. Harry grits his teeth. Ezekiel automatically places a calming hand on Shiva's forehead, no fear at her ire at all and says in a soothing voice, “Calm, my dearest friend. There is no enemy here.”
Shiva doesn't calm. As Harry boldly stares her down, she gets only angrier. Her tail, unnoticed by Ezekiel, starts puffing out as it waves back and forth in agitation. Jerry becomes very wary and says, “Your Majesty, I think their words bear weight. I've never seen her like this before.”
Ezekiel frowns, finally conceding, “Very well, I will-”
The blood curdling shriek precedes Shiva's sudden pounce by mere seconds. Zoey screams. Sirius curses and Negan trips backwards. Reacting instinctively, Harry stomps forward and commands, “Enough!!”
Shiva stops abruptly, claws scratching lines on the floor. Her eyes are wide and startled. Her ears flatten straight against her scalp and her tail curls against her backside. It is a far cry from the aggressive menace she started as.
Harry doesn't give her time to respond. He points to the bed and orders angrily, “Go lay down!”
Shiva growls deep in her throat, going with clear reluctance. She snaps at Harry halfheartedly, winding around a thoroughly shell-shocked Ezekiel to weasel to her bed. She makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like a grumble as she lays down, giving Harry a baleful glare.
Jerry plops onto his ass, visibly shaking and sweating. He's blankly staring into nothing, clearly trying to collect himself. Ezekiel himself had flinched away from Shiva so badly that he's leaning on the Throne, staring at Shiva in complete turmoil.
“Jesus fucking Christ in fucking wrinkly ballsacks,” Negan wheezes, standing shakily.
Harry finally breaks eye contact with the large cat to check on Zoey. Sirius had stepped halfway in front of her, his gun out, finger on the trigger and still aimed at Shiva. His face is pale but he's not shaking, his hand unerringly steady in the face of death. Zoey turns her face out from where she had it hiding against Sirius’ side, her eyes wide in residual terror.
“Maybe next time get out of the way instead of in the way, Harry,” Sirius states lightly, his voice tight.
“Sorry,” Harry replies sheepishly. He doesn't know what happened right then. It had felt like… something else just… took over. It was strange, yet not, as if… as if Harry stepped back into a role he doesn't remember.
“Negan-Harry-” Ezekiel stutters, trying to pull himself together. He looks at them with a pained face, “My friends, I'm so very sorry. I don't know what has gotten into her, she is not normally like this.”
“Just put her away, Ezekiel,” Negan snaps impatiently. “For fuck sakes.”
Ezekiel immediately nods in agreement, “That I shall. One moment. Come, Shiva.”
Shiva gives an unimpressed yowl but stands anyway, slinking after Ezekiel with her ears still pinned. She avoids looking anywhere near Harry, slowly disappearing through the door Ezekiel held open. He closes the door and grimaces as he approaches them, “Are you all well?”
“Cut the shit, Ezekiel!” Negan growls. “No more crap! I have no patience for it now.”
Ezekiel pauses at that. Then, he sighs and nods, his entire demeanour completely shifting. “Okay, Negan,” Ezekiel says, his shoulders dropping and the tone of his voice losing the grandiose lilt. “There's nothing I can say that can make this better. I was arrogant to believe that I could keep her in hand and ignored the signs. Harry, I'm very sorry for my error in judgment. Please don't retract the offer of vaccination because of my stupidity.”
Harry shakes his head, “It never crossed my mind. Can we stop with these formalities now? I would really like to get to work, if it's all the same to you.”
Ezekiel slumps a little in relief, “That's good to hear. Yes. Yes, I think that would be the best course of action. Jerry.”
Jerry snaps out of his daze, scrambling to his feet with a, “Yes?”
“I'm sorry for the scare. Can you please go let them know to finish the preparations?”
Jerry nods quickly, looking more than happy to get out of there for now, “Of course.” He openly stares at Harry as he goes, admiration and respect in his gaze. Harry ignores it. At least the ball is going to start rolling soon. He wants to return to Sanctuary as soon as possible.
“‘Zeek, buddy, pal,” Negan says, finally recovering from the scare. “Mind showing me where the little boy’s room is? Asking for a friend.”
As Ezekiel leads Negan out of the room, asking everyone remain for now, Zoey hugs Harry. He can feel her rapidly beating heart gradually slowing as she draws comfort from him. He places a hand on her head and asks in a wry tone, “Still want to pet the tiger?”
“Nope,” Zoey replies emphatically.
Sirius finally puts his gun away with a pout and admits, “I wanted to pet the tiger, too.”
Harry gives Sirius a deadpan look, “I really should have expected that.”
“What?” Sirius shrugs it off with a quirky grin, continuing to gush in excitement. “When would you ever get the chance to see a real Bengal tiger, much less pet one. Of course I want to! Who wouldn't?!”
Harry would be exasperated but seeing the playful side of his Godfather is both relieving and nice. Harry had worried if Sirius had changed too much from his experiences. Living ten years as a completely different man, committing terrible deeds with such callous regard for life would weigh heavily on his Godfather, regardless of the fact that he isn't at fault.
“I'm not healing you if she bites you,” Harry says with a matching grin.
Sirius considers that and nods, “Fair enough.”