Apocalyptic Love

Chapter 6 Envy

Morales guided Rick down the freeway until they reached the off-ramp that led to a quarry. They drove up to the top of the quarry, where there was a group of people waiting for them. The back of the van opened, and Andrea jumped out and was greeted by a blonde teenager. From what Kagome could hear the girl's name was Amy.

Amy hugs her sister, and they fall to the ground crying. Morales looked at Kagome and Rick, “Come meet everyone,” He said, then got out of the truck and was greeted by his family. Kagome and Rick sit in the truck for a while until everyone has had a chance to welcome their friends. Morales is talking to someone that has his back towards Rick. When Morales calls for Kagome and Rick to get out of the truck, the guy turns around, and Rick is shocked to see that it's his best friend, Shane.

Shane's mouth falls open when he sees Rick. At the same time, Carl turns and sees his father, “Oh my god,” Rick whispered.

“Dad! Dad!” Carls screamed and ran towards Rick.

Rick takes Carl into his arms and starts crying. He hugs his boy tightly to him, and they both fall to the ground. Rick kisses Carl on the cheek and approaches Lori. Rick hugs them both. Shane is surprised to see Rick but isn't as happy should be. He feigns a smile as Lori looks at him. Rick smiles at him, and Shane smiles back.

In the meantime, Kagome hangs back, watching the happy scene. She delighted that Rick has found his family but can't help feeling a little hurt. Kagome knows she doesn't have the right to feel that way, but she can't help it. She saw how happy Carl is to have his father back, but she also noticed the looks that Rick's wife and friend gave each other. Kagome carefully flares her aura toward the two adults and can feel their guilt and lust for each other. It sickens Kagome.

The camp dispersed to give Rick and his family a little privacy, and Kagome went to the back of the truck to get her yellow backpack and her bow. She also got down the back of guns that they had taken from the Sheriff's station and was taking out a few handguns for herself. She did her job; she got Rick back to his family. It was time to move on.

Lori started asking Rick how he got out of the hospital, “Kagome saved me,” Rick said.

“Kagome, who's Kagome, Dad?”

“Kagome Higurashi, she's a doctor that was passing through town and decided to stock up on medical supplies at the hospital. She found me in my room and treated me. When I woke up, Kagome told me what had happened and helped me adjust,” Rick explained.

“Well, I'd like to thank her in person for saving you,” Lori said.

“Hold on, I'll go get her,” Rick told his wife then took off towards the truck.

When he got to the back of the van, he was startled to see that Kagome was taking a few handguns and was hefting her backpack, “What are you doing, Kagome?”

Kagome smiled at Rick, “It's time for me to go. I helped you find your family; my work is done.”

A sudden sense of dread entered Rick, the kind he had never felt before. The last thing he wanted was for Kagome to leave him, “Kagome, you don't have to go. There is safety in numbers; you can't survive out there on your own. Besides with your skills as a doctor, you'll be invaluable to the group.” Rick said, trying to convince Kagome to stay.

“I don't know if it's a good idea, Rick. I do better on my own,” Kagome said, and she sees a sadness enter his eyes.

Kagome sighs, “Alright, I'll stay for a little while. Maybe the night, and that's it.”

Rick's face brightens, and he takes Kagome's pack from her and slings it over his shoulder and puts his other arm over her shoulders. Kagome carried the bag of guns. They start walking back towards Carl and the others; Kagome can see that Shane and Lori are having a private conversation, and she can only imagine what. Carl turns his head and runs up to Rick.