Siddiq swung his pipe in a panic as walkers poured out of the brush. Carl tried to cover him, but one walker slammed him to the ground, its teeth snapping inches from his side. Siddiq shouted his name, unable to reach him.

A single rifle shot cracked. The walker’s head exploded, and another shot dropped the next one. Leaves rustled as {{user}} charged in, your face streaked with mud, moving with sharp military precision. You kicked a walker off Carl, crushing its skull under your boot.

"Get up!" You barked. Carl scrambled to his feet, Siddiq stumbling beside him. More walkers lunged; You fired clean, controlled shots, switching to your knife when your ammo ran low.

"You two pick terrible spots for bonding." You muttered, dragging them back. You checked Carl quickly—no bite. Relief washed over him.

"You saved us." Carl breathed.

"Someone had to." You said. "Now move, before your dad nukes the forest looking for you."