POV: Rick
The trek back to their makeshift shelter was quiet, the weight of what they'd just faced hanging heavy in the air. Rick glanced over at Jenna, who was leaning heavily on Carl but still managing to crack the occasional joke. Her resilience was admirable, but her carefree attitude grated on him.
"We need to talk," Rick said, his voice cutting through the silence.
Jenna raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Aw, Rick. I didn't know you cared."
Rick ignored her tone. "That stone isn't gone, not completely. If its energy spreads, we're all in danger."
"No kidding," Jenna muttered, adjusting her grip on her crowbar. "But unless you've got a way to magic it out of existence, I don't know what else we can do."
Rick's jaw tightened. "We need help."
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah, walking just behind them, frowned. "Help from who? The last humans we met tried to kill us."
"Not all humans are like that," Rick said firmly. "There are survivor groups out there—organized ones. They'll want to know about this."
"And what happens when they find out Jenna's a zombie?" Sarah countered, gesturing toward Jenna's glowing-eyed gang. "Think they're going to trust her?"
Jenna snorted. "Yeah, I'm not exactly winning any popularity contests."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna let go of Carl, standing on her own with a dramatic wobble. "Look, I'm not saying it's a terrible idea to talk to other humans. But let's be real—they're going to see me, freak out, and probably try to stick my head on a spike."
Carl's eyes narrowed slightly. "Then we don't give them the chance."
Jenna blinked at him, caught off guard by the intensity of his tone. "Aw, Carl. You're so protective. It's adorable."
Carl sighed, muttering something under his breath. Jenna grinned, leaning back on her crowbar. "Don't worry, big guy. I can handle myself."
---
POV: Rick
Rick's frustration bubbled just below the surface. "This isn't a joke, Jenna. We're talking about the survival of humanity."
"And the survival of zombies," Jenna added, raising a hand. "Let's not forget about us undead folks."
Rick pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're impossible."
"Thank you," Jenna said with a mock bow.
Carl stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Enough. We need a plan."
---
POV: Carl
Carl glanced at the group, his gaze steady. "We'll approach carefully. Figure out which groups are safe and which aren't. If they're hostile, we leave. If they're willing to listen, we explain what we know about the stone."
"And if they try to kill me?" Jenna asked, raising an eyebrow.
"They won't," Carl said simply.
Jenna tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're really banking on my charm, huh?"
Carl didn't respond, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. Jenna took that as a win.
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah sighed, adjusting her grip on her crowbar. "Alright, fine. But what's the angle? We walk into a survivor base and say, 'Hi, we destroyed an alien rock that's probably still going to kill us all. Can we borrow some sugar?'"
Jenna snorted. "I mean, it's honest."
Rick shook his head. "We tell them the truth—about the stone, about Kane, and about what's still out there. If they don't believe us, we move on."
"And if they try to take what's left of the stone for themselves?" Sarah asked.
Rick's expression darkened. "We don't let them."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna rolled her eyes, tucking her crowbar into her portal. "Alright, Mr. Tactical Genius. You've got the plan. Lead the way."
Rick glared at her. "This isn't a joke."
Jenna's grin softened slightly. "I know. But it's how I deal, okay? If I stop laughing, I'll start screaming. And trust me, nobody wants to hear that."
Rick's glare faded, replaced by a flicker of understanding. He nodded curtly. "Fine. Let's move."
---
POV: Rick
The group moved cautiously, sticking to the shadows as they navigated the ruined city. Rick's knife was in hand, his senses on high alert. The faint tremors from the stone were gone, but the tension in the air remained.
"We'll head north," Rick said quietly. "There's a base near the old train station. If they're still operational, they'll have supplies—and information."
"And weapons?" Sarah asked.
Rick nodded. "And weapons."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna trailed behind the group, her zombie gang following close. She glanced at Carl, who was walking beside her with his sword at the ready. "So, Carl," she said, her tone light. "What's the plan if these humans don't like us?"
"Then we leave," Carl replied without hesitation.
Jenna grinned. "You make it sound so easy."
Carl glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "It will be."
Jenna blinked, caught off guard by the quiet confidence in his voice. "Well, okay then. Guess I'll stick with you."
"You always do," Carl said, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
---
POV: Rick
Rick stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal the group to halt. He crouched low, his eyes scanning the street ahead. "We're not alone."
Jenna's grin faded as she tightened her grip on her crowbar. "Oh good. I was starting to miss the constant danger."
Sarah moved closer, her voice a whisper. "Zombies?"
"No," Rick said, his voice grim. "Humans."