This Is Not a Cat

Today in particular Ezekiel is very happy, not only because someone very special is interested in interacting with his community in a peaceful way, but because he can get apparent benefits. 

After a few exchanges, Ezekiel was surprised to discover that this man named Airon seems to be very knowledgeable and a very versatile leader who can adapt to any situation without much trouble. 

On the way to a more suitable place to talk, no matter what aspects they were talking about, along the way he gave him a lot of advice on constructive suggestions. The details seem simple, but by Airon's words this will serve him in some way in the future. 

Most importantly, this conversation erased a lot of strangeness between the two groups, and Ezekiel got a lot of data about the group that came to his door. Although he doesn't understand exactly why Airon is coming all the way from Atlanta, but at a glance you can see that they are not bad people and were originally interested in trading. 

But Ezekiel was not the only one who learned a lot from the unknown, Airon got the exact data and of which was one of the important reasons when interacting with the Kingdom, and that was if this community knew about the Salvation Army. 

But all he got from Ezekiel was that he had never heard of a community oppressing others, evil groups of people or any kind of relationship that connected them to the Salvation Army. 

When he asked that general answer question, he looked at Richard and found that there was nothing abnormal in his eyes. It should be known that Richard, Ezekiel's most loyal soldier after he lost his family, was one of the few who was willing to go to war against the Salvation Army going so far as to openly ally himself with Rick's group at one point. 

This made Airon a bit confused. According to his understanding of events, the Salvation Army was supposed to appear shortly after Hilltop was founded. Although he had not directly interacted with Hilltop at this point, the shelter was already active. So you are left to only think that the Salvation Army's plot will come later. 

Could it be that their appearance is too early for even the Salvation Army to come into action? If it was due to another factor it would not be likely since the only changes he has made are in Atlanta, Airon could not know for sure if he himself made any changes he is unaware of. 

Inside, Daryl and Glenn were the only ones accompanying Airon on the walk, their eyes were equally as curious as anyone else, so they looked at the smallest details they could find along the way. 

The more he conversed with Ezekiel, the more Airon analyzed the situation currently in his mind as usual. 

Ezekiel seemed to be in a very good mood. It's been a year since the end of the world. He hasn't had such a happy chat with someone in a long time, not to mention that this person seemed to have a lot of knowledge about the general situation outside. 

When he thought Airon didn't seem like a bad person, he looked back and Ezekiel had to question his thoughts. At least Daryl and Glenn, heavily armed and with serious expressions made him wonder if he was thinking correctly. 

Ezekiel looked at the table where several people were gathered and saw that all this time he hadn't offered them a glass of water, feeling a little guilty, Ezekiel turned his head and looked back. 

"Jerry, why don't you pour water into the glasses for the guests, where is the etiquette in our Kingdom?" 

Jerry nodded with a smile, twisted his sturdy but lithe body and ran to the side to fetch water. 

"Airon, now that we both understand each other, let's talk about the deal you want to strike." 

"I agree." 

Just as Airon was about to receive a list Glenn was about to hand him, Glenn suddenly opened his eyes wide, looked back and let a sentence escape from his mouth.

"Holy cow!"

Seeing that the people behind him took precautions by raising their weapons, Airon instantly understood in his heart that Shiva should have appeared.

As Airon spun backwards, he saw a huge tiger slowly emerging from a bush and let out a slight growl at the figures that were unfamiliar to him. Glenn and Daryl had already retracted the gun's bolt ready to open fire.

Seeing everyone's panicked expressions, Ezekiel's vanity was instantly satisfied, he laughed and patted the back of Shiva who walked beside him, and the tiger obediently lay down beside him.

Ezekiel then explained, "Everyone, don't be scared, this is Shiva and he is my good companion."

After speaking, he looked back at the crowd, but when his eyes fell on Airon's face, he discovered that the other party was not panicking, but was looking at Shiva beside him with a smile.

"Airon, aren't you afraid?" 

Airon shook his head, the undisguised love in his eyes made Ezekiel feel a little puzzled, what's going on with the other party? 

When Daryl averted his gaze to Airon, he knew what he was thinking. "That's a very big cat Airon..." 

"Cat? You're crazy, that's not a cat..." Glenn turned his head towards Daryl in surprise. 

When Shiva was bitten to death by the walkers trying to bite Ezekiel, Ezekiel felt very sorry for Shiva. The animal world is very simple. They will identify with a person for something, and will even be willing to sacrifice themselves out of love for their friend.

Looking back, Airon took the note in Glenn's hands, handed it to Jerry and then continued, "Your highness, this is the list of what you will receive and what we ask for in return." 

Ezekiel looked at the list of results and was immediately drawn to the rich resources. He looked at everything he wanted and finally his eyes fell on the last few lines, which clearly indicated the various elements of the transaction. The exchange rate for a few simple items. 

After looking at it for a moment, Ezekiel slowly put the paper down in his hand, lowered his head, pondered for a moment and said, "Airon, you must know that this exchange is needed by my people. I agree to the transaction, but may I ask you a question?" 

"Of course, I will listen." 

"What is your purpose for doing this? This transaction has no real meaning to you. I think your organization should not be interested in such a small amount of supplies that they could get with the least amount of effort." 

Airon nodded and then said, "The main purpose of our visit is very special. First, we want to observe you and find out if you are worth saving. With the help of this transaction, I will make the decision whether your people are worth saving or not in the future." 

"We like to help people, especially groups that care for the elderly and children. We, the S.C.T. the community can bring them medicine, soldiers, weapons, food, strategy and vehicles so they can survive much easier." 

"As I said before, I belonged to the military and that's the least we can do for good people today." 

Airon's words not only satisfied Ezekiel, but also instantly filled his group's excitement and pride. 

"Now that our communities came to an agreement, we can proceed and I would like to have a few words alone with you if you agree, your Majesty." 

These words puzzled Ezekiel, just as he was about to ask what the reason was, Airon added, "Of course, your cat can stay." 

"Then that's fine." Ezekiel was curious what Airon wanted to talk to him alone.