POV: Rick
The air was thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh as the group worked to salvage what they could from the wreckage. Rick moved methodically, checking the perimeter while the others gathered supplies and tended to their wounds.
"This isn't sustainable," Sarah said, appearing at his side. Her face was pale, her expression grim. "We're barely surviving these attacks, and they're getting stronger."
Rick nodded, his jaw tight. "We need answers. Kane, these mutations, the glowing veins—it's all connected. But until we figure out the bigger picture, all we can do is keep moving."
Sarah frowned, glancing at Jenna, who was sitting on a nearby log, animatedly recounting her victory to her zombie gang. "And what about her? She's reckless, unpredictable."
"She's also the reason we're still alive," Rick replied, his tone sharp. "Don't underestimate her."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna waved her crowbar dramatically as she reenacted her daring climb onto the mutant's back for her zombie gang. The zombies groaned softly, tilting their heads as if they were trying to keep up with her story.
"And then, BAM!" Jenna exclaimed, miming the final blow. "The big guy goes down like a sack of potatoes. It was epic."
One of the zombies growled, reaching out to poke at her crowbar.
"I know, right?" Jenna said, nodding enthusiastically. "This crowbar deserves a medal."
Carl approached, his expression unamused. "Are you seriously giving a play-by-play to your zombies?"
"They appreciate good storytelling," Jenna replied, crossing her arms. "Unlike some people."
Carl sighed, rubbing his temples. "We need to focus. That thing wasn't random. Kane's testing us."
Jenna shrugged. "So? Let him test. We're passing."
"Barely," Carl muttered, his tone grim. "You got lucky, Jenna. That luck won't hold forever."
Jenna grinned. "Good thing I've got a lot of it, then."
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood in the shadows, his sharp eyes fixed on the group as they regrouped and prepared to move. The giant mutant had been a failure, but it wasn't without its benefits. He'd learned more about their strengths—and their weaknesses.
"She's reckless," Theo said, breaking the silence. "But effective."
Kane nodded slowly. "She's a force of chaos. And chaos can be exploited."
Theo frowned. "What's the next move?"
Kane's smile was cold. "Let them rest. Let them think they're safe. Then we'll remind them who's in control."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna watched as the group packed up the last of their supplies, her zombie gang shuffling behind her like obedient shadows. She glanced at Carl, who was sharpening his sword near the fire.
"You know," she said, plopping down beside him. "For someone who's always so serious, you really need to work on your gratitude."
Carl didn't look up. "Gratitude?"
"For me saving the day," Jenna replied, smirking. "I mean, come on. That mutant would've squished you all without me."
Carl paused, his gaze finally meeting hers. "You almost got yourself killed."
"But I didn't," Jenna said, leaning back with a grin. "You're welcome."
Carl shook his head, muttering something under his breath as he returned to his work.
---
POV: Rick
Rick gathered the group around the fire, his expression grave. "We're moving at first light. Higher ground, better defenses. We can't stay here."
"What about Kane?" Sarah asked. "We can't keep running from him forever."
Rick nodded. "I know. But until we figure out what he's planning, staying ahead of him is our best option."
"And the mutants?" Theo added. "They're getting stronger. What happens when we can't fight them off anymore?"
Rick's jaw tightened. "We'll find a way."
Jenna raised her hand like a schoolgirl. "Uh, hello? We already have a way. It's called me."
The group groaned collectively, but Rick couldn't help the faint smile that tugged at his lips. Despite everything, Jenna's confidence—and her chaos—was infectious.
"Let's just hope you're enough," Rick muttered.
---
POV: Kane
As the camp settled down for the night, Kane turned away from his vantage point, disappearing into the shadows. The group was resourceful, yes, but their cracks were beginning to show.
"Keep the pressure steady," he murmured to Theo. "They're holding together, but not for long."
Theo hesitated. "And Jenna?"
Kane's smile returned. "She'll be her own undoing."
---
POV: Jenna
Later that night, Jenna sat by the fire, her crowbar resting across her lap as she stared into the flames. Her zombie gang was huddled nearby, their growls softer now that the immediate danger had passed.
"You know," Jenna said, addressing her zombies. "I think we're doing pretty great. Sure, we're a little unconventional, but we've got spirit. And teamwork. Kind of."
One of the zombies groaned, tilting its head.
"Exactly," Jenna said, nodding. "We're underappreciated. But that's okay. We'll show them what we're made of."
Carl walked by, his sword slung over his shoulder. "Talking to your zombies again?"
"They're better listeners than you," Jenna shot back, grinning.
Carl smirked faintly. "That's not saying much."
Jenna stuck out her tongue at him, but as Carl walked away, she couldn't help but feel a small flicker of pride. They'd survived another day. And tomorrow, they'd face whatever came next—together.