Disclaimer: Check out Chapter 1 for this – Thank you!

"The Pathway of Fate"

Chapter 5: Faith

Season 2, Episode 1: "What Lies Ahead"

Main Pairing: Kagome Higurashi/Daryl Dixon

Author's Note: It's been a little more than a year since I've last updated this story... I am so sorry! A lot has happened, a lot of personal stuff, but I'll try my best not to make you, the loyal readers, wait that long again. Please enjoy, and remember to review at the bottom! I'd love to hear from you guys again (:

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The Next Morning

At dawn, Kagome had gone out, but not far, to hunt in the woods for Sophia. She knew the little girl had to be practically starving by now, and she knew they would have to travel quite a distance that day. No food equaled no energy.

Now, the raven haired beauty sat before a small fire, dull amethyst orbs watching as the rabbit roasted over the flames on a thin, sharpened stick. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, not caring when the blood from her wound seeped through her makeshift bandage to stain her jeans. It hadn't stopped bleeding since last night but it had slowed a little.

Kagome wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to tell Sophia, let alone have the younger girl see the bite. She would surely panic and cry, but Kagome needed her to focus and stay alive long enough to get back to their group. It was Sophia's only shot, and Kagome wasn't going to let her down because of this. She'd figure something out.

She had to.

Snap!

In an instant, the raven haired beauty was on her feet and aiming an arrow in the direction the noise came from. Her once-dull gaze was filled with fiery determination and an inner strength she'd thought was gone the moment she'd been bitten by a Walker.

"Who's there?" she called out, eyes narrowed. "Come out. Now."

When the figure stepped out of the tree line, hands raised, and rifle held in the air in a nonthreatening manner, Kagome didn't let down her guard. She tightened the hold she had on her bow, pulling the string taut. Her arrow would shoot straight and true, her hands still and solid.

"Who are you?" she demanded to know, suspicious.

The heavy-set man gulped, clearly nervous. "Otis. M-My name is Otis."

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With Daryl & the Others

After Rick armed the group and explained how they would search for signs of Sophia and Kagome in the woods, Daryl walked back to his motorcycle to grab Kagome's messenger bag and sling it across his body. He knew she'd want it, and it had supplies if the search party needed something.

The hunter only listened with half an ear as Andrea – once again – demanded her gun back. He rolled his eyes, knowing what the blonde woman was thinking. Unlike Kagome, who thought Andrea's behavior would be fixed given enough time, he didn't have such faith. Andrea was a loose cannon, who thought being able to shoot a gun would make everything better. She was wrong, and Daryl agreed with Rick and the others when they dismissed her request, though for different reasons.

The group, especially Dale, thought Andrea wanted to commit suicide. Losing her younger sister had snapped something inside Andrea, and Dale saving her during the CDC incident hadn't helped matters. If anything, it made things worse. She was bloodthirsty, constantly trying to convince herself she was okay by learning everything she could about shooting and owning a gun. If anything, she was compensating for the numbness she had inside – and that was dangerous. She was going to think of herself first before the welfare of the group.

In all honesty, Daryl wouldn't be surprised if Andrea had already convinced herself that Sophia and Kagome were dead. She most likely thought the search was a waste of time. But it was also an opportunity to get her gun back, so she'd play along with everyone else.

Daryl clenched his jaw as he double-checked his crossbow. If Andrea even made one comment about Kagome being dead, he was finally going to put that blonde in her place. Everyone else was treating her with kid gloves, but Daryl wouldn't. Fuck that.

Kagome was alive. And because Kagome was alive, Sophia was alive too. They were both okay – or would be once they were reunited with the group. Daryl had to have faith – and it had nothing to do with a religious belief or depending upon a higher power. He had faith in Kagome, just like he did from the beginning. It was all he needed.

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With Kagome

"How much further to this farm you mentioned?" Kagome asked, keeping a close eye on Otis, while making sure Sophia stayed by her side. She still had her bow out, ready to take out any targets that came upon them. All she needed was a direction to shoot.

Otis, who was trudging in front, rifle aimed straight ahead, answered, "Not far. Not far, at all. The farm belongs to Hershel Greene. I'm sure he'll be more than able to help you little ladies."

"We're not planning to stick around long," the raven haired beauty stated. "Just long enough to find our friends." She needed Sophia safe then she could figure out what to do about the bite on her arm. So far, she had managed to hide it but it wouldn't be long before the blood seeped through the makeshift bandaging once more.

Sophia quietly, nervously asked, "Miss Gome? Are you sure about this?"

Kagome did her best to smile reassuringly at the young girl. "Don't worry," she whispered, "I'll make sure these people won't hurt you. I promise, Sophia."

Nodding, she silently continued walking, holding her doll protectively to her chest. If Miss Gome had thought Otis was a threat, she would've taken care of it. Sophia knew that to be absolutely true.

But for some unknown reason, she felt as though Kagome was planning to go far, far away soon. And she didn't like the thought of that.

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With Daryl & the Others

Feeling angry and embarrassed about the group dismissing her request for her gun back, Andrea chose to confront Dale instead. The older man always acted like he was on a moral high horse, but she knew the truth. Dale was nothing but an interfering hypocrite who liked to hear himself talk. He at least got to carry a gun, unlike her, so she didn't understand why he kept denying her right to carry her own damned weapon. It didn't belong to him, it didn't belong to anyone else, except her.

From the sidelines, Daryl and the others watched the scene with avid interest. They were mostly uncomfortable, though the hunter was more annoyed. Why Andrea chose now, when they were practically ready to leave, was beyond his realm of understanding. But he could suspect it was because it would make her 'exit' more dramatic. Maybe even make the others feel guilty about taking away her gun, especially when she was going into the woods with them to 'save' Kagome and Sophia.

Rolling his eyes, the hunter scoffed. Andrea didn't need to make this sort of scene to reinforce the fact that she was a bitch and wasn't afraid of flaunting it.

"You took away my only chance of dying peacefully," Andrea continued yelling in Dale's face, not caring who heard. "Just like you took away my gun. You robbed me of my choice to die how and when I wanted to, because you forced me to save your life. What did you expect, Dale? Huh? What did you expect from doing that to me?"

Dale seemed to struggle with a response, and finally settled on, "I don't know. Maybe some gratitude?"

She scoffed, "Gratitude? Let's make one thing clear: I'm not your little girl. I'm not your wife. And I'm sure as Hell not your problem." Her piece said, she stalked off without another look in Dale's direction.

Meanwhile, the others pretended they hadn't heard their conversation. Daryl, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes. A part of him could understand Andrea's frustration and anger, but he didn't like the attitude or the chip on her shoulder that came with it. If he planned on staying with the group with Kagome, Andrea needed to stop acting like a selfish bitch that was being victimized by the entire world. The blonde needed to remember that she was a grown-ass woman and start acting like it.

Then again, Daryl didn't believe that was possible for her.

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Later That Day

It had been hours since the group started their search for Sophia and Kagome. Daryl, who was used to wandering for days in the forest, wasn't too affected by the hike and humidity, but he could tell the others were getting tired and worn out. The only ones who seemed okay were Shane, Rick, and Carl. The hunter wasn't too surprised about the former police officers since their previous job entailed physical fitness, and Carl was young enough that he had energy reserves to keep going. That, and Daryl knew the kid was worried about Sophia.

Hell, the hunter was starting to worry about Kagome, to be honest. He knew she wouldn't travel far at night. She would have found somewhere safe – or easily defensible – until morning. He was starting to second guess their decision of going out to search for her and Sophia. What if they had made their way back to the highway?

Daryl scowled even as he continued to carefully scan the forest floor and shrubbery. At worst, they had just wasted a day of fruitless searching. At best, they would find Kagome and Sophia.

Don't matter, anyway, he thought. RV's still busted. The group, with or without Kagome and Sophia, wouldn't be going anywhere until Dale found all of the parts he needed to fix his mobile home.

Daryl just hoped the missing females were back before that happened. People like Shane would want to move on, writing Kagome and Sophia off as forever lost or already dead. Then there were group members like Andrea who would agree with the former officer because it served her purposes.

Regardless, the hunter refused to travel any further without Kagome. Sophia would be reunited with her mother, and that was final.

Moving some overhanging branches out of his way, Daryl paused when he saw a tent. Stiffening, he raised a fist, signaling the group to halt their progress. There was no way he'd allow himself, let alone the others, fall into a trap or be ambushed.

"What's up?" Rick asked. His voice was low and only meant for Daryl's ears to hear. "Do you think they're inside?"

The hunter brought up his crossbow, aimed and ready. "One way to find out." He didn't like the setup. There wasn't any sense of life to the area, and Kagome was nowhere to be seen. He was positive she would've heard the group's approach and come out if she was inside. "Get Carol just in case." As unlikely as it seemed, Sophia could still be alone and hiding.

Rick nodded, seeing the benefit of having Carol call out for her daughter versus one of them. Scared, Sophia may not respond but she would if she heard her mother's voice.

While Rick softly instructed Carol on what to do, Daryl stealthily moved closer to the tent. He closely examined the flimsy structure, checking for holes or any signs of use or disturbances. Finding none, he stood to the side of the entrance, pulling out his hunting knife.

"Sophia," Carol weakly called out, clutching the strap of her bag. Hope colored her tone, shined in her desperate eyes. "Sophia. It's mommy. Are you in there? Sweetie, it's us. You can come out now. You're safe."

Not even a rustle was heard from inside the tent.

Daryl gave Rick a look. When the former sheriff gave a single nod, the hunter cautiously unzipped the entrance. Swiftly slipping inside, knife poised and raised, it didn't take long to realize that there wasn't any danger.

The smell alone painted a disgusted scowl on his face, and he sheathed his blade. There was nothing in the tent worth taking, except the handgun the former owner had used. Daryl grabbed it and was stashing it in the back of his jeans when he exited.

"Anything?" Rick asked.

Carol, in despair, inquired, "Sophia…?"

Daryl shook his head. "Nah," he answered. "Just like Kagome and Doctor Jenner said: guy inside 'opted out'."

"We'll continue our search then," Rick said with finality. "We'll find Sophia." His eyes locked with Daryl's. "And we'll find Kagome. Let's move."

The hunter nodded, appreciating that the former sheriff was putting as much importance in finding Kagome as Sophia. While looking for a missing child was a higher priority, it was also clear that Rick already considered the raven haired beauty as a valued member of the group. Daryl accepted and appreciated the gesture.

Now it was time to get back to searching for the missing girls.

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Greene Farm – With Kagome & Sophia

It didn't take a genius to figure out that Hershel and his family were good people. But Kagome didn't take any chances, especially since she was leaving Sophia with them, if only temporarily.

Otis and Patricia were nice, and Patricia had helped Hershel with his veterinary practice before the world had decided the dead should walk again. Maggie, Hershel's oldest daughter, was a tomboy and smart. Kagome could instinctively tell that Maggie would be a lot like Sango, so becoming friends would be easy and natural. Beth was a sweetheart, a little awkward and shy. In some ways, the youngest Greene girl reminded Kagome of Rin. Lastly, there was Jimmy, Beth's boyfriend. He seemed eager to please, wanting to be helpful around the farm, like an overgrown puppy.

"Thank you for allowing Sophia to stay here," Kagome said to Hershel once Beth led Sophia away to clean up and rest. Patricia and Maggie were in the kitchen, while Jimmy went outside to chop more firewood upon Hershel's request. The raven haired beauty stood in the living room with Hershel and Otis, knowing this conversation was important and needed.

Hershel nodded. "It's not a problem," he said. "Otis tells me he found you two and looked as though you needed help."

"We got separated from our group. We were on the highway when one of our vehicles broke down. As we were searching for parts and supplies, a herd of Walkers blazed through."

"I know which highway you're talking about. There's a huge pileup. Do you think your group is still there?"

Kagome's brows furrowed. "They could be," she conceded. "I think they'd search for us, so it's important we find them." How long they would search was the real question, though she had faith Daryl wouldn't give up.

Hershel nodded in agreement. His wise, old eyes stared at the young woman before him. "Why are you leaving the girl here? You could take her with you." It was curious. Why would she leave a child with a bunch of strangers? He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Were you bitten?" It seemed like a logical conclusion – and it made the most sense. If she was worried about turning while in the company of a defenseless child, leaving her somewhere else gave her a higher chance of survival. Staying in one place could also up the chances of the group finding the farm, thus Sophia.

The smile that appeared on the raven haired beauty's face was enigmatic. However, all she said was, "I still have a few hours of daylight left. I really appreciate you and your family watching Sophia for me." She bowed formally, a show of respect and gratitude. "Thank you again. I'll try to make it back before I'm missed."

The Greene patriarch pursed his lips, but accepted her words. "You're welcome," he gruffly replied. Although mysterious, he could learn to really like Kagome. She had a good head on her shoulders. He could tell that much by just spending a few minutes in her presence. "Come back in time for dinner. You understand?"

Kagome straightened. Her unique amethyst eyes shined with amusement. "I understand, Mr. Greene. I'll see you and your family later."

"Good." He nodded once in satisfaction.

Without another word, Kagome left the warm, comfortable house. She hadn't wanted to leave Sophia behind like that, but she had been feeling a little feverish since that morning. It had only gotten worse as the day wore on, the Sun steadily making its way across the sky. Now she was sure the infection was making its way throughout her veins, making her sicker until she finally died. She'd seen it all before.

Eyes set in determination she walked across the field, headed back into the forest. Finding the group and reuniting Carol with Sophia was her first priority. She would do it even if it was the last thing she did.

And in the meantime Kagome would figure out a way to say goodbye to Daryl.

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With Daryl & the Others

When the church bells started ringing, the group had been overjoyed. They all had taken it as a signal that Sophia was trying to catch their attention, let them know she was nearby and safe. Daryl wasn't as hopeful, but he followed because it seemed like too much of a coincidence to pass up. His uncertainty mostly came from the fact that Kagome would never draw attention like that to her position. She wouldn't have risked Sophia's safety for any reason.

Entering the small Baptist church, Daryl, Rick, and Shane made quick work of the Walkers gathered inside. Due to the lack of steeple, which Shane kept shouting about, it was doubtful it was the correct church but they continued inside anyway.

"Sophia," Daryl called out. "Kagome!"

"They're not here," Shane insisted once more, scowling. "This isn't the right church. There has to be another one around here, somewhere."

It didn't take long for the group to find no traces of Sophia and/or Kagome. Daryl was close to kicking one of the benches, frustrated. He'd known neither would be present but it was still disheartening to be faced with another dead end.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The sound of the bells jangling again caught their attention. They stiffened, realizing the sound was coming from their location but unable to pinpoint where the noise was originating from.

"Find it and shut it off," Rick ordered, already rushing back outside to find the source. Glenn was on his heels, as were Daryl and Shane.

Around the side of the building, they discovered the automated bell toll. With a disgusted, frustrated sound, Glenn unhooked the wires. The chiming instantly stopped, and it was almost too quiet now after the ruckus it had caused.

"It was on a damned timer," Daryl growled, mostly to himself. Now what?

In a defeated voice, Carol announced, "I'm going back inside the church for a while." Carl, Rick, and Glenn followed the distraught woman, not wanting her to be alone. Everyone was downtrodden and needed a break.

Daryl hesitated, his immediate instinct to continue searching for Kagome and Sophia. However, the last thing they needed was their group splitting up even more. They had already left Dale and T-Dog behind with the RV.

Not seeing another option, he headed into the church with the others. His eyes narrowed suspiciously, though, when he saw Lori and Shane go off to the side to have a private conversation. Andrea, on the other hand, had taken a seat in the shade but her own gaze was locked on the former lovers.

As the hunter reentered the church, he couldn't help but think that he really didn't like the calculating gleam in the blonde woman's eyes.

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Inside, Daryl watched with an unreadable expression as Carol knelt before the statue of Jesus and begged Him to punish her instead of Sophia. She pleaded for Him to spare her fearful daughter, begging to give her the chance to raise her right and to not make the same mistakes Carol had. The older woman confessed to praying for Ed's death and, because of her wicked deed, she now feared for Sophia's safety and salvation. She wanted – and wished – for mercy concerning her young child.

Daryl wasn't sure what the point was. Out of everyone, he knew bad things happened to good people. Sophia was innocent, as was Kagome, but he believed in grasping for what one wanted with both hands and never letting go.

God wasn't going to do that. To Daryl's way of thinking, if there really was a God out there, anywhere, He would have never let the world end like this. The virus that infected the population and allowed the dead to walk once more to devastate countless lives would have never been released.

Finally, the hunter looked away from Carol. Kagome had grown up on a shrine in Japan. She had learned the ancient arts of spiritual guidance and practices born to priestesses. While he didn't understand where her faith came from, he could believe that there was hope for humanity. Praying to a Higher Power for intervention, for salvation, for answers, wasn't for him.

But maybe having a strong, unwavering faith in the right people was.

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After it was decided that the search party would split up into smaller groups, Rick calmly walked back into the small church. He wasn't ready to call it a day yet. Sophia and Kagome hadn't been found, and they were fresh out of clues and guesses to where the two could be. The former sheriff just needed a moment alone to get his head straightened.

As a cop, he knew the first twenty-four hours were the most important when investigating a missing individual – or in this case two individuals. Finding them would be harder because of the world's current circumstances but it wasn't impossible. Or so Rick told himself.

Locating and reuniting Sophia and Carol was the top priority, but Kagome had proven to be a valued member of their group. The raven haired beauty had helped them escape the CDC, and she hadn't hesitated to help Sophia when she had been spotted by Walkers on the highway. Those selfless acts had shown Rick everything he'd needed to know about her.

She was… integral. And not just to Daryl, and not just because of what she had done so far for the group. Doctor Jenner's whispered words floated through Rick's mind. Her blood could be the answer they all had been hoping – praying – for. He didn't understand how or why. He wasn't a scientist, he wasn't a doctor. He didn't know anything about chemical reactions, mixing unknown substances, or peering through microscopes to stare at colored, oblong shapes in equally colorful liquids for countless hours. It was all written and coded into a foreign language not seen on Earth as far as he knew.

But Kagome… Kagome might have the answer. She may know what Doctor Jenner was talking about. She may even be the answer humanity needed in these uncertain and dangerous times.

Rick stopped and stared at the statue of Jesus on the cross. "I guess you already know I'm not much of a believer," he started, feeling slightly foolish but determined to say what he needed to let out. His faith in God had all but run out but the act itself was cleansing. "Thing is, I could use a little something to help keep us going. Some kind of acknowledgement, some indication I'm doing the right thing." He wanted to find Sophia and Kagome, safe. He didn't want to lose anymore members of the group. He wanted to protect his family, keep them whole.

He wanted a lot of damned things. His inner cop, the cynic, knew he couldn't have it all.

Turning, Rick gave one last look at the statue. "Hey," he added, "look, I don't need all the answers. Just a sign. Any sign will do." With that, he exited the church to continue the search with Carl and Shane.

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With Daryl & the Others

He was so busy mentally grumbling and bitching about the group being further split up, Daryl barely noticed when Carol started expressing her frustration at the lack of new leads that would help them find Sophia. It was Andrea, however, verbally attacking Lori that finally gained his attention enough to stop his inward ranting.

Scowling, he wanted to roll his eyes. The remaining members of the search party had stopped, Carol losing hope of finding Sophia and becoming more angry at Rick's incompetence, so Andrea – like she did with Dale – chose that moment to criticize Lori for having a gun while she remained unarmed and denied one for two days.

Who gave a fuck? Daryl thought, highly annoyed and irritated enough that he gave serious consideration to lobbing his own harsh words at the blonde woman. Why did she get to feel so entitled when barely anyone else could carry a gun? Most had been stashed with Dale, and everyone seemed fine with the decision – except Andrea, of course.

Daryl opened his mouth, deciding – fuck it – he was going to give her a piece of his mind, but Lori stopped him with her sudden actions.

The darker haired woman, obviously angered, didn't hesitate when she took the gun out from where she'd placed it. She handed it to Andrea, challenge in her eyes. "You want it? I'm tired of all the looks you all are givin' me," she said. She included Carol within her gaze. "You need to stop blaming Rick for what happened to Sophia. He can see it – Hell, everyone can see it whenever you look at him with those accusing eyes. He's the only one who went after your little girl. Him, and Kagome. No one else ran after her the way they did."

At that, everyone else looked down, ashamed, including Daryl. He'd been buried under dead bodies to hide his scent. When he'd heard Sophia screaming for help, he'd known Walkers had to have found her but couldn't move. It wouldn't have been safe, and he'd had an injured T-Dog to worry about. But it wasn't an excuse, and he knew it. He accepted it, which was partially why he was trying so hard to find Sophia and Kagome, now.

Lori continued speaking, becoming passionate and forceful. She hated the situation they were all in. She wished none of it had happened. But this was reality – her reality – so she had to swallow it and keep going.

"I'm tired of you all not trusting my family." She paused for the barest second, making it clear how thin her patience was. "If you wanna leave, you're free to any time you want."

The words seemed to wiggle something loose in Andrea. With a guilty expression, she silently handed the gun back to Lori.

The Grimes matriarch accepted it with a small nod, and placed it once more in the back of her jeans.

Carol also gave Lori an apologetic glance, saying with just her eyes that she would stop thinking of Rick as the bad guy. Her own guilt and anger at not being able to protect her daughter had been eating away at her conscience. The former sheriff had been a handy target, and she regretted that, especially when she honestly considered everything he'd done afterwards.

Now that estrogen wasn't flying in all directions, and raging emotions had been aired and seemingly cleared, Glenn cleared his throat. Between him and Daryl, it was obvious the Korean male would be less likely to earn a scornful look from the ladies at the interruption. He was softer, one could say, compared to the hunter's rough and tough exterior.

"We should continue back to the highway," he said.

With nods of agreement, Daryl led the way once more without a word.

Thank Christ, he couldn't help thinking. If that had continued, he might've 'opted out' just to get away from a potential cat fight. If a physical altercation had broken out, there was no way he was getting in the middle to stop it.

After all, from his own personal experience sparring with Kagome, Daryl knew women fought dirty.

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Baptist Church – With Kagome

Using the back of one wrist, Kagome wiped the sweat from her brow. However, despite the obvious sign of perspiration, her skin was clammy and she could feel shivers racing up and down her spine. Her fever was getting worse. Time was slipping too quickly through her fingers. She hadn't found Rick and the others. She hadn't reunited Sophia and Carol.

She hadn't found Daryl.

Entering the long-abandoned church, the raven haired beauty panted lightly as she shut the heavy doors behind her. She just needed a moment to rest. Just a few minutes to catch her breath before she went out again to search for the others. The highway couldn't be much further than her current position. All Kagome had to do was find that long strip of road and she'd be that much closer to finding everyone.

I can do this, she thought, determined. She had to do this. It was the only option.

There was a slight sway to her steps as she closed the distance between herself and the statue of Jesus. Although it wasn't the deity that Kagome normally prayed to, she wasn't going to be picky. At one point or another since the dead started walking, she'd worshipped countless deities to keep her faith strong and to survive traumatic experiences. It was the only thing keeping her sane.

"I don't think I've prayed in a long time," she started out loud, amethyst eyes focused on the statue. "I have a confession to make, if you're willing to listen…"

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With Rick, Shane, and Carl

Rick was keeping a sharp eye out for any signs of the missing girls as he continued walking with Shane and his son through the woods. He wasn't an expert tracker the way Daryl was, but his years of being in law enforcement helped in situations like these. It wasn't his first time looking for a lost child, though the circumstances were very different and a lot more dangerous. All the former Sheriff wanted was to find Sophia – and Kagome – safe and unharmed.

His last words to the statue of Jesus replayed within his mind. He was still waiting for a sign that his prayers had been received.

Snap!

The sound of a twig snapping caught Rick's attention, and he instantly looked in the direction it had come from. He didn't have to look to know Shane was doing the same, both men keeping Carl within sight.

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Baptist Church – With Kagome

A single tear rolled down her cheek but went unnoticed. "I lost my faith," she said, with a gut-wrenching honesty that was torturous. With the flat of one hand, she thumped the appendage against her chest, right over her heart. "Why?" she cried out, more tears leaking down her face.

"Why would I be reunited with Daryl only to get bitten? Answer me!"

She'd seen – too many times – what happened to people who were bitten. The sickness and inevitable death was nothing compared to the grief and sheer loss that those who cared about them felt in the aftermath. She couldn't do that – not to Daryl. He'd already lived through so much. How could she leave him like that? She'd made him so many promises…

Suddenly, a boiling anger seemed to take control of Kagome's body. With a scream of frustration, she kicked out with a foot that glowed with her priestess powers. The heavy church bench skidded and fell on its side – exposing the unmoving corpses.

And the crossbow bolt imbedded within one head.

The abrupt surge of rage evaporated. "Daryl," she gasped out, eyes widening with shock. And hope. "He must've been here." She must have missed the group only by minutes. She still had a chance to see him again, still had a chance to reunite Sophia and Carol. She still had time.

Ba-dump.

Kagome clenched a hand over her heart, eyes squeezed shut. "What…?" she murmured, confused.

Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

Her heart was pulsing. It had never done that before. What did it mean? She felt like she was burning, from the inside out.

"What's happening…?" These symptoms didn't match with anything that had been recorded thus far. She couldn't be dying, not now. Not when she was so close to seeing Daryl again. They had to be one of the most dysfunctional couples in the known universe. Coming together – being together – only to be separated over and over.

Kagome grit her teeth. "I'm not dying," she snarled to herself, as if saying the words aloud would make it so. "It's not my time. I'm not leaving him."

Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump!

"Daryl doesn't have faith in anything holy," she went on, determined to get everything out in a house of the Lord. It was her last resort, if these were going to be her final moments. She would plead with any deity to keep Daryl safe. "But he does have faith in people. In me. I can't let him down."

She took a deep breath, letting the inner fire consume her. Her eyes opened, unknowingly blazing with her lavender-colored priestess powers. Her entire being seemed to glow.

"I'm not leaving him!" she screamed at the statue of Jesus. Even if her physical body was destroyed, she'd stay by his side and watch over him like a guardian angel. Her faith may have been shaken but it wasn't broken.

Then, with a soundless scream, Kagome's body was completely engulfed with her priestess powers. Light shot out in all directions, blinding and pure. And the raven haired beauty was in the center of it all.

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With Rick, Shane, and Carl

Rick watched, smiling, as Carl slowly approached the deer. He had never seen his son so enchanted by something so simple in a long time. It helped to reinforce that Carl was still young and a child, still innocent. Sometimes, the former Sheriff wondered if Carl was too innocent and pure in this new, cruel world.

With everything that Carl would inevitably be exposed to, what sort of young man – adult – would he become? It was something Rick wasn't sure how to answer. He worried daily that his only son would become too hard, too cynical, too soon. As it stood, he knew Carl would have to grow up too fast. There was no changing that, and Rick was damned sorry about that. He'd do anything to protect his son, his family.

But this moment – this sign – made him believe everything would be okay.

Until it suddenly wasn't.

BANG!

Horrified, Rick watched – as if in slow motion – as Carl's body jerked and he fell backwards. Blood started spreading across his T-shirt, crimson and rapid. His heart stopped.

No, he thought, numb and in shock. No… Not Carl. Not my son…

"Carl!" he yelled out. His feet moved before he realized what he was doing, eating up the distance between him and his boy. "CARL!"

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

Baptist Church – With Kagome

Amethyst eyes abruptly opened, wide and surprised. A gasping breath left the raven haired beauty, and she sat up slowly as she took inventory of her being, not aware of when she ended up on the ground. She wiggled her toes within her shoes, and her fingers flexed as they should. Her head wasn't dizzy or lightheaded. She felt… perfectly fine. Healthy.

She pressed a hand to her forehead, checking for a fever. Nothing. Her skin was cool and normal. Almost desperately, she tore the makeshift bandage off of her arm. Nothing. No bite mark. There wasn't even a scar to suggest she'd been injured.

Kagome dropped her hand into her lap, dazed and confused. "What in Kami-sama's name is going on…?" she whispered out loud, knowing she wouldn't receive an answer.

Why hadn't she reacted the same way as everyone else that had gotten bitten? Why was she… different?

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