POV: Rick
The air was thick with tension, the battlefield eerily quiet after Jenna's sudden display of power. Rick's chest heaved as he surveyed the damage, his knife trembling in his hand. They'd managed to push back Kane's forces, but the cost was steep.
"Everyone, regroup!" he shouted, his voice hoarse. "We need to reinforce our positions!"
The group staggered into a loose circle, their exhaustion evident. Rick glanced at Jenna, who was leaning heavily on her crowbar, her face pale and drenched in sweat.
"What was that?" Sarah asked, her tone a mix of awe and concern. "That… that portal thing?"
"Jenna," Rick said, his voice sharp. "You okay?"
Jenna looked up, forcing a weak grin. "Define 'okay.' Because I think I just broke… everything."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna's head was spinning, her vision swimming as she tried to steady herself. The portal had taken more out of her than she'd expected, and she could feel the strain in every part of her body.
"Hey, Carl," she said weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "If I pass out, promise you'll, like, not let them eat me?"
Carl gave her a sidelong glance, his expression unreadable. "You're not passing out."
"Bold of you to assume I have a choice," Jenna muttered, her knees threatening to buckle.
Her zombie gang shuffled closer, growling softly as if sensing her distress. Jenna managed a faint smile, patting one of them on the head. "Good team. Best team."
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood at the edge of the battlefield, his sharp eyes fixed on Jenna. Her portal had been impressive, but it had also exposed her weakness. She was powerful, yes, but her recklessness was her downfall.
"She's faltering," Theo said, his tone smug. "Another push, and she'll crumble."
Kane's smile was faint but cold. "Not yet. Let her think she's won. The fall is more satisfying when it's from a height."
---
POV: Carl
Carl stayed close to Jenna, his sword resting across his shoulder as he scanned the forest for any signs of movement. The battle might have slowed, but it wasn't over.
"You pushed yourself too hard," he said quietly, his gaze still on the trees.
Jenna gave a weak laugh, wiping sweat from her brow. "Yeah, well, desperate times, right?"
Carl didn't respond immediately. When he finally spoke, his tone was softer than usual. "Just don't get yourself killed. We need you."
Jenna blinked, surprised by his words. "Aw, Carl, was that a compliment? I didn't know you cared."
"Don't get used to it," Carl replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
---
POV: Rick
Rick's focus shifted back to the group, his mind racing as he tried to come up with a plan. They couldn't afford another fight like that—not in their current state.
"We need to move," he said firmly. "Find somewhere to regroup and figure out our next steps."
"Move where?" Sarah asked, her tone sharp. "We've been running for days, Rick. There's nowhere left to go."
"We don't have a choice," Rick snapped. "If we stay here, Kane will pick us off."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna groaned, pushing herself to her feet with a visible effort. "Great. More running. My favorite."
"Can you keep up?" Rick asked, his tone impatient.
"Relax, Captain Serious," Jenna said, waving him off. "I'll manage. Just… don't expect me to be happy about it."
Her zombie gang shuffled after her as the group began to move, their growls low and wary. Jenna glanced at Carl, who was walking beside her with his usual stoic expression.
"So," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "On a scale of one to 'we're totally screwed,' how bad do you think it is?"
Carl didn't answer immediately. When he did, his tone was flat. "We've been worse off."
Jenna raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because this feels pretty up there."
Carl's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Just keep moving."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched as the group disappeared into the forest, his expression thoughtful. Jenna's portal had been an unexpected complication, but it wasn't insurmountable. If anything, it only made her more valuable.
"She's reckless," Theo said, echoing his earlier observation. "It's only a matter of time before she slips."
Kane nodded slowly. "And when she does, we'll be ready."
---
POV: Rick
The group pressed on through the forest, their steps heavy and uneven. Rick could feel the tension simmering just beneath the surface, the unspoken fear threatening to pull them apart.
"Rick," Sarah said quietly, falling into step beside him. "What's the plan? The real plan?"
Rick didn't answer immediately. His jaw tightened as he considered their options—or lack thereof. "We survive," he said finally. "That's the plan."
Sarah frowned but didn't argue. She knew as well as he did that survival was all they had left.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna lagged behind slightly, her legs feeling like lead. Her zombie gang stayed close, their presence oddly comforting.
"You know," she said to Carl, her voice tinged with forced cheer, "I think we're getting pretty good at this whole apocalypse thing. You know, aside from the near-death experiences and constant running."
Carl glanced at her, his expression as unreadable as ever. "You're still talking, so it can't be that bad."
Jenna grinned, despite herself. "Wow, was that a joke? Who are you, and what have you done with Carl?"
"Focus," Carl said, though there was a faint trace of amusement in his voice.