Apocalyptic Love

Chapter 42 Settling In For the Moment

While Rick was in Kagome's hospital room, caring for his newborn son and his wife, Officer Licari, now in charge of the hospital, offered Daryl and the group a place to stay, “You can stay as long as you want. We could use more people like you,” Officer Licari told Daryl.

But Daryl knew that was out of the question. He wasn't sure how long they had left until So'unga took control and turned the Earth into hell, but Daryl knew their time was limited. He told the officer they would stay long enough for Kagome to recover enough to travel. After that, he would need to talk to Rick. Officer Licari agreed and had her people escort Daryl and the others to the maternity wing close to Kagome's room.

She set them up in rooms, and Daryl ensured two people shared rooms. He, Shippou, Michonne, and Abraham decided to stay closest to Kagome's room, just in case. Once the group was settled, Daryl radioed the others that the hospital was safe and secure and to head to the hospital. The rest left the warehouse and traveled through the city streets, Kirara carrying Hershel, Carl, and Judith on her back in case they needed to make a quick getaway.

They arrived without incident, though the police were wary of Kirara, but she regained her smaller size not to seem as threatening. Daryl and Maggie met Carl at the entrance, and Carl looked at the man he considered his uncle with a questioning look. Maggie smiled at the young man, “It's okay, Carl. Your mom is fine; she gave birth to a healthy baby boy,” Maggie told Carl and smiled.

Carl hugged Maggie, “Can I see my mom and the baby?” He asked.

“Your mom is asleep, but your dad is with your brother. Let me take you to them,” Maggie said as she handed Judith to Beth. The little girl squealed in happiness when she saw Beth.

Carl was trembling with excitement to meet his new baby brother. At first, Carl thought Kagome would love her biological child more than him, but Kagome assured Carl that he would always be her firstborn son and that she loved him dearly. So, with his insecurities soothed, Carl knocked on the door. He thought of taking Judith in as well but thought in her excitement, she might wake up the baby.

Rick looked up from staring at his youngest child and saw Carl at the door. He smiled at his son and beckoned him inside. Carl carefully and quietly snuck toward his dad to get a better look at his baby brother. He peered down at the child in his father's arms and smiled. The baby already had a full head of black hair, like his mother, and had a few Asian features, but for the most part, the child was a perfect combination of his parents. The infant stirred and opened his eyes; Carl gasped when he saw his brother's eyes. They were beautiful shades of blue like his and Rick's.

“What's his name?” Carl asked.

“Caleb Souta Grimes,” Rick replied, “Do you want to hold him?” Rick asked.

Carl smiled brightly at his father, and Rick gently put Caleb in Carl's arms. Carl stared at his new baby brother, “Souta, Dad? After Mom's brother?”

Rick nodded, then he stood and let Carl take his place. A knock was at the door; Michonne, Amy, Carol, Sophia, and Maggie came in after Rick invited them. Maggie looked at a sleeping Kagome, “How is she doing?” Maggie asked.

Rick smiled and ran his hand down Kagome's cheek, “She's good. The delivery took a while, but there were no complications. Her healing powers are already working,” Rick made clear.

The women nodded and filled in Rick on what was going on outside. “T-Dog, Bob, Carol. Maggie and I are going to do a run for more supplies. We can't depend on what these people have,” Michonne informed Rick, “I think I'll go too, just in case.”

“Be careful. You know this city is overrun. Don't take any chances.”

Michonne nodded. Before she left, though, Kagome woke up and greeted Carl and the women in the room. Carl would fling himself on his mother until Rick warned him to be gentle. Carl nodded and carefully hugged his mom.

Kagome groaned a bit, and Rick helped her sit. She held out her arms, and Carl carefully embraced her, “I missed you so much,” Carl sniffled.

Kagome kissed Carl on the cheek, “I missed you and your sister. Your dad told me what happened. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, we're okay. Lord Sesshomaru saved us,” Carl told his mom.

Kagome looked around, expecting to see her pack leader, “Where is he?”

Sesshomaru materialized from a dark corner of the room, “This Sesshomaru is here, Miko. I am here to make your children part of the pack.”

Kagome smiled in relief. She knew that by joining Sesshomaru's pack, the kids would be safer and taken care of. Rick looked confused, but Kagome explained what it meant to be part of Sesshomaru's pack. Sesshomaru eyed Rick momentarily, then decided, “This Sesshomaru will induct your mate, as well. The others still need to prove their worth.”

Sesshomaru looked at the women in the room, though his eyes lingered on Michonne. Everyone agreed. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Rick, “Will you be traveling with us to Japan?”

“No. This Sesshomaru needs to inform the Youkai and continue his rule. The Kit will join you. He has progressed from only using illusion magic. He will help.”

Sesshomaru instructed Carl to bring his sister. Carl quickly left, grabbed his sister, and returned to his mom's room. Sesshomaru first took baby Caleb and unwrapped his swaddle. He looked the boy over and found him to be acceptable. Then he pinched his finger and let a drop of blood fall into the baby's mouth. Caleb shivered, and a silver light engulfed the child. With the ritual completed, Sesshomaru moved on to Judith, though he gave her two drops since she was a bit older, then three drops to Carl. When Sesshomaru stood in front of Rick, Sesshomaru pinched his finger again and gave the man six drops of his blood. Sesshomaru found Rick more than exceptional and wanted the human to have more strength. Having more blood meant that he'd be immortal as Kagome was. He explained as much. If Sesshomaru approved of the others, he would give them the same gift.

Rick asked if Sesshomaru's blood would affect his children like that; Sesshomaru responded, “The pups are too young. When they reach maturity, I will give them the gift,” Sesshomaru explains.

With everything explained, Sesshomaru took his leave, but he promised to check on his new pack members and the others. When Sesshomaru left, Michonne couldn't help but feel an emptiness in her heart; she wasn't sure what that meant, but Michonne knew she'd find out eventually.

After saying goodbye, the group left the hospital to scroung for supplies. Maggie and Carol decided to find the nearest baby shop and gather as many supplies for Judith and Caleb as possible. Nearby, Michonne, Sasha, and the men saw a grocery store that had been untouched. Michonne reasoned that there had been too many walkers for anyone to get in.

After gathering all the food and clothes, they could see a box landing on the emergency door, setting off the alarm. The store was quickly filling with Walkers. Bob was attacked and was bitten in the chest. Bob knew nothing could be done, and he doubted the officers would allow him to enter the hospital so Kagome could save him. He decided that the best thing he could do was buy the others more time. Bob yelled for them to go and rushed into the crowd of Walkers. The minute he was bitten, Bob raised his gun and shot himself. Falling to the floor, the Walkers, distracted, began feeding on his body. Sasha nearly screamed, but Michonne covered her mouth and led them out of the store. They gathered Maggie and Carol and drove back to the hospital. The news of Bob's death was devastating. They knew that Kagome would blame herself for not getting the chance to save him. But Bob and the others knew it wasn't an option this time. Kagome was too weak after giving birth, and her powers were healing her. Nevertheless, the news was going to kill her and make her feel helpless.

The group decided to tell Rick first. He would find the right time to tell Kagome about Bob.