Weeks passed, and each group unknowingly headed for the same destination except Daryl, Kagome, Beth, and Kirara. Daryl's main goal was to find somewhere safe for Kagome and Beth. Every day, Kagome came closer to giving birth; the longer they were out in the open, the more dangerous it became for Kagome. True, Kirara was a big help in protecting them and finding food, but the trio couldn't stay out in the open much longer. What was worse was the tremors they had been feeling for months were getting worse. Mild earthquakes were now becoming more frequent, and there had been an increase in Walkers and spirits.
Before the prison fell, Rick and Kagome decided to tell the group about the Shinigamis and other spirits that Kagome could feel and see. Kagome said to them that every day she could feel an oppressing aura spreading; though she wasn't sure what it was, it did feel slightly familiar. Kagome was confident that the increased spiritual and demonic activity and the earthquakes were related, and it scared her to think what that implied. She knew it was nothing good.
After wandering around for days, Daryl spotted a house in the middle of a cemetery. They headed towards the building, walking through the cemetery. Kagome looked around, uneasy. She knew something would happen, but she didn't know what. They arrived at the house, and Daryl ensured it was clear with Kirara's help. Once he was sure it was safe, Daryl led his companions inside. They were surprised to find the place was stocked with food. They sat and ate the available food, then found a place to rest for the night.
The following day, food had been laid out for them, making the little group suspicious. Who could have done that? They tried not to dwell on it and enjoy what little peace they had. Suddenly they heard moans and growls outside. Daryl looked out and was horrified to see the dead rising from their graves and joining the approaching herd of Walkers.
"Oh shit! We have got to get out of here!" He yelled and led the women towards the back door.
They rushed through the morgue only to be confronted by two Walkers that were supposedly dead in the morgue. Kagome quickly shot an arrow at the Walkes, and they turned to ash. Kirara transformed and stood with Daryl to help him fight off the Walkers giving the girls a chance to escape.
Kagome and Beth ran as fast as they could out of the cemetery, though Kagome had a hard time because of her enormous belly. As they reached the road, Beth tripped and twisted her ankle. Kagome helped her up, and they hobbled their way down the road. Suddenly a car with a white cross raced toward them. It skidded to a stop, and two men grabbed Kagome and Beth and forced them into the car. Daryl and Kirara arrived just in time to see the girls' kidnapping and raced after them. But Kirara was too tired after a fight with the undead that she fell behind. They ended up losing sight of the car; still, Daryl and Kirara raced after the car on foot. They never caught up.
Meanwhile, each group was heading towards Terminus. Abraham complained the entire time, insisting that Eugene had to be protected. But Glenn and Tara pushed on until they arrived at a train tunnel. It was then that Abraham told them they would part ways. Glenn and Tara agreed and continued through the tunnel while Abraham, Rosita, and Eugene looked for a car to continue their journey to Washington.
But Eugene felt guilty, and while Abraham slept, he directed Rosita back to the railroad tracks, and they waited for Glenn and Tara to emerge from the tunnel. Instead, they found Maggie's group. Rosita introduced herself and the two men and Informed Maggie that they were waiting for Glenn and Tara. Maggie and the others hurried back into the tunnel to save Glenn and Tara. After that, Abraham explained their mission; Bob, Sasha, and T-Dog agreed to go with them if Abraham and the others went to Terminus. After some discussion, Abraham and his team agreed. So, now they drove to Terminus, hoping to meet up with the others. They were not ready for the reception they received.
Meanwhile, Daryl and Kirara chased the car that took Kagome and Beth. Kirara transformed and picked up Daryl. They flew for a while, but the car had disappeared. The duo searched for hours until Kirara was tired, and they landed. Daryl got down and slumped to the ground, feeling helpless and sad. Kirara transformed and mewed at her friend, trying to comfort him. They sat there for a while until several men showed up and encircled them.
"Don't transform, Kirara," Daryl whispered to the Neko. She mewed in agreement.
Eventually, Daryl agreed to join Joe and his group and discovered they were hunting a man that killed their friend. Several weeks passed, and Daryl began feeling increasingly uncomfortable around the group of men, wildly when Kirara growled and spit at them. A few times, he had to get away from the group to calm the Neko down. Daryl knew it was a bad idea to be with these men, but he had no choice. Though he had Kirara, Daryl didn't want to risk running into another herd.
Everything changed on New Year's Eve. Daryl decided he and Kirara to leave the group of criminals. Daryl couldn't handle being around them anymore after listening to all the horrendous things they had done. The group parted ways earlier in the day and went in opposite directions. As night began to fall, Daryl and Kirara made camp; suddenly, Kirara growled and transformed.
"What is it, Kirara?" Daryl asked.
Kirara didn't waste any time; she grabbed Daryl and hoisted him onto her back, and leaped into the sky. Kira headed South as quickly as she could. She landed in the dark, and Daryl got down. Daryl was still confused until he heard Joe talking to someone. He instantly recognized Rick's voice. The man and the Neko listened to Carl crying and struggling; then they heard the leader describe what they would do to Michonne, Amy, and Carl. Enraged, Kirara sprinted toward her family; she roared when she saw one of the men trying to rape Carl. The Neko didn't hesitate; she launched herself at the disgusting man and knocked him off, Carl. Quickly, Kirara crushed the man's skull and then ripped it off the man's shoulders.
Everyone was stunned at the gruesome sight, but that gave Rick a chance to rip out Joe's throat and Michonne to shoot the other man that held her hostage. Daryl loosed an arrow from his crossbow, killing another man, then stabbed the last one in the head. Meanwhile, Kirara stood over Carl protectively. The large feline was furious; Rick tried approaching Carl, but Kirara growled at him. Rick held his hands up in surrender, "It's alright, girl, I'm not going to hurt him," Rick tried assuring the cat, but Kirara took a menacing step towards him.
"Her instincts are in overdrive, Rick. With all that blood on your face, she thinks you're a threat," Daryl explained.
Rick nodded and looked at Michonne. Michonne approached Kirara and Carl carefully; This time, she let Michonne come to Carl. Michonne kneeled and took Carl into her arms. Carl grabbed Michonne, and she hugged him tightly. Kirara noticed the boy shaking, so she transformed into her smaller size and jumped into his arms. She purred, trying to comfort the boy she considered hers.
Michonne and Amy helped Carl into the suburban and then got in with him. Kirara followed them and curled into Carl. Meanwhile, Rick sat outside the vehicle shaking. He couldn't believe what he had done, but to protect Carl, Rick had no doubt he would do it again. Daryl offered Rick a rag and water so Rick could wipe the blood off his face. They sat in silence for a while until Daryl broke the silence,
"I didn't know what they were."
"How'd you wind up with them?" Hershel asked.
"I was with Beth and Kagome," Daryl explained.
Rick immediately perked up, "What happened to them," Rick asked grimly. Praying nothing happened to his pregnant wife or Beth.
"They're gone," Daryl told Rick, "I saw a car with a white cross on the window pick them up. Kirara and I tried to follow, but she was so tired, and we couldn't keep up. She was too tired after our fight with the walkers to fly."
Daryl stayed quiet, "Rick, there's something strange going on with the dead. There were two bodies in the morgue; we thought they were 'dead,' but when the Walkers attacked, they were reanimated."
Rick and Hershel looked at Daryl in surprise and started to worry. That was all they needed; for the dead to rise from their graves. Rick hoped that wouldn't happen, but with the appearance of the Shinigamis and other demons, Rick didn't know what other horrors they were in for.
Daryl then explained hooking up with those men and how they were tracking some man. He assured Rick and Hershel that he had no idea they were hunting for Rick, Hershel, Amy, Carl, and Michonne.
"It's not on you, Daryl. You and Kirara were alone. You and her being here is everything. You're my brother, Daryl; never forget that."
Daryl sniffled and nodded, "Are we going to Terminus?"
"Yeah. They have to be strong to let people in. But we're going to be smart about this and take precautions."
Daryl nodded. They rested for a while longer, the group was close enough that they could afford to slow down a bit. Rick knew that Carl needed to come to grips with what happened last night. He was positive Carl overheard their conversation about his mom, and that Rick was worried about his wife. For now, Carl needed to rest.
It was midmorning when the group headed out again. That gave Daryl enough time to hunt and for the group to have something filling to eat. Once, they were ready, Rick, and the others left for Terminus. When they got closer, Rick told the others that they needed to scout the place out. Rick refused to lead his group into more danger.
Rick and the others split up with Carl going with Michonne, Amy with Daryl, and Hershel with Rick. Once Rick was satisfied that it was safe, he buried their extra weapons and climbed over the fence. Rick asked Kirara to wait in the woods, just in case.
After hopping the fence, the group went in through the back door, where they found people working on signs and broadcasting their location. The Terminus group was surprised to see a group of people walk into the back room. One of the men sighed, "Well, I bet Albert is on Perimeter watch," The man said.
"Are you here to rob us?" Another man asked.
"No, we wanted to see you before you saw us," Rick explained.
"Makes sense. We usually do this where the tracks meet. Welcome to Terminus. I'm Gareth, looks like you've been on the road for a while," The man named Gareth said.
"We have," Rick answered, looking at Gareth suspiciously, "That's Hershel, Amy, Daryl, Michonne, and Carl," Rick told the man in front of him.
Gareth smiled, "You're nervous, I get it. We were all the same way. That is what you're here for?" Gareth asked.
Rick eyed him suspiciously, "Yes."
"You found it, Hey Alex?" Gareth looked at his brother and motioned him forward.
Gareth informed the group that they needed to see their weapons first. Everyone looked at Rick and he nodded. Everyone laid their weapons in front of them. After searching for them, Alex gave the group back their weapons and led them to the front where the tracks meet.
When they arrived in the front, there was a woman grilling meat. She looked up and smiled at Rick and the others.
"I heard you came in the back way, smart. You'll fit right in."
"Hey Mary, will you fix these new folks a plate."
The woman named Mary fixed a plate for Carl. While this was going on, Rick noticed that Alex had Glenn's pocket watch and that other people had stuff that belonged to Rick's friends. He suddenly pulled out his gun and grabbed Alex, the others followed his lead, "Where did you get that watch," Rick demanded.
Gareth tried to calm Rick down, but it didn't work, "Where are our people," Rick asked.
At that moment the sniper shot Alex and Rick and the others began firing back. They ran from the shooters, trying to find their way out, but the shooters were shooting at their feet; as if they were herding the group somewhere. Rick, Daryl, and the others ran for their lives, they tried to get over the fence but they were surrounded. Gareth ordered them to get into the train car. Once they were locked inside, Rick realized that Glenn and the others were in there with them. There were also a few new faces. Glenn informed Rick that they were their friends, "Then they're our friends too," Carl proclaimed.
"However long that will be," Abraham mumbles.
"No, They're gonna feel pretty stupid when they find out."
"Find out what?" Abraham asked.
Rick smirked, "They're fucking with the wrong people."
But before they could do anything, everyone heard a loud explosion, "Now, what going on?" Rosita asked.
"Whatever it is, we'll use it to our advantage," Rick told the others.
What they didn't know was that they were being rescued by the most unlikely person. A Daiyouki that was very annoyed.