POV: Jenna
The first rays of sunlight spilled over the horizon, painting the ruined city in hues of orange and gold. Jenna stood at the edge of Haven's walls, her zombie gang gathered silently behind her. For once, the air felt still—no tremors, no roars of mutated creatures. Just quiet.
"Peaceful, huh?" Carl said, stepping up beside her.
Jenna smirked, leaning on her crowbar. "Too peaceful. It's suspicious."
Carl chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on the distant skyline. "You think everything's suspicious."
"Well, yeah," Jenna said, motioning to the city below. "It's the apocalypse. Being paranoid is just smart."
---
POV: Rick
Rick watched from a distance, his arms crossed as he leaned against a post. The past few days had been a whirlwind—tentative alliances, tense meetings, and a few near-disasters. But now, there was a sense of cautious optimism hanging in the air.
"They're adjusting," Sarah said, walking up beside him.
Rick nodded, his gaze on Jenna and Carl. "Better than I expected."
"Think this alliance will hold?" Sarah asked, her tone skeptical.
Rick sighed. "It has to. Haven's resources, our knowledge… it's the only way we all survive."
---
POV: Mara
Mara stood near the council building, her sharp eyes scanning the settlement. The people of Haven were moving about with purpose—repairing walls, organizing supplies, and preparing for whatever came next. The newcomers had caused a stir, but they'd also brought something Haven desperately needed: hope.
She glanced toward the gates, where Jenna and her group stood. "Let's hope they're worth the risk," she muttered to herself.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna tilted her head, watching the sun climb higher. "You know," she said, glancing at Carl, "I didn't think I'd make it this far."
Carl raised an eyebrow. "You doubted yourself?"
"Not myself," Jenna replied with a grin. "Just the universe. It has a habit of throwing mutant bears and glowing murder rocks my way."
Carl smirked, his grip tightening on his sword. "You're still here."
"Yeah," Jenna said softly, her smile fading slightly. "I guess I am."
---
POV: Kane
Far beneath the surface, the remnants of the stone pulsed faintly, their glow barely visible. The energy it once held was scattered, weakened—but not gone. Kane's voice, now barely a whisper, echoed through the cavern.
"This isn't the end."
---
POV: Rick
Rick approached Jenna and Carl, his expression serious. "The council wants to meet again. They're considering sending a team to investigate the remaining fragments."
Jenna groaned, rolling her eyes. "Great. More glowing rocks. Just what I needed."
"They're not wrong," Carl said. "If those fragments are still active, they're a threat."
"Everything's a threat," Jenna muttered. "But fine. Let's go talk to the council. Again."
---
POV: Sarah
Sarah caught up with the group as they headed toward the council building. She fell into step beside Jenna, her crowbar resting on her shoulder. "So, how's it feel being Haven's new favorite zombie?"
Jenna smirked. "Oh, you know. Same as usual. Everyone loves me, they just don't know it yet."
Sarah snorted, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
"Thank you," Jenna replied with a mock bow.
---
POV: The Council
The council members sat in their usual seats, their expressions a mix of caution and curiosity. Mara stood off to the side, her sharp gaze fixed on Jenna.
"We've discussed your proposal," the gray-haired leader said, her tone measured. "And we agree. The fragments must be dealt with."
Rick nodded. "We'll need a team."
"You'll have our support," the leader replied. "But make no mistake—this is your responsibility. If this fails, it's on you."
"Understood," Rick said.
Jenna raised a hand. "Quick question. What happens if we accidentally wake up another glowing murder rock?"
The leader's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Don't."
"Noted," Jenna said, leaning back with a grin. "No glowing rocks. Got it."
---
POV: Carl
As they left the council building, Carl glanced at Jenna. "You're taking this surprisingly well."
Jenna shrugged, her expression light but her tone serious. "If we don't do this, who will? Might as well be us."
Carl nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You've come a long way."
Jenna smirked. "Aw, Carl. Was that a compliment? You're spoiling me."
---
POV: Jenna
Later that evening, Jenna sat outside the shipping container, her zombie gang gathered around her. She leaned back, staring up at the stars.
"Weird, isn't it?" she said softly. "Thinking about the future. Like there's actually going to be one."
Her zombies growled softly, their glowing eyes reflecting the starlight. Jenna smiled, patting one of them on the head. "Yeah, I know. Don't get sappy on me now."
Carl stepped out of the container, his sword strapped to his back. He sat down beside her, the silence between them comfortable.
"You think we'll make it?" Jenna asked, her voice quiet.
Carl's gaze remained on the horizon. "We have to."
Jenna nodded, her smile softening. "Yeah. We do."
---
POV: Rick
Rick watched from a distance, a rare flicker of hope in his chest. The road ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, it felt like they had a chance.
---
POV: Jenna
As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, Jenna stood, her crowbar resting on her shoulder. Her grin returned, bright and full of mischief.
"Alright, team," she said, glancing at her zombie gang and the group. "Let's go save the world. Again."
Carl shook his head, but the faint smile on his lips remained. "Lead the way."
Jenna laughed, stepping forward. "You're going to regret saying that."