THE WALKING DEAD : SEASON 12

Back To Each Other

The cold, sterile air of the Phoenix lab was filled with tension as the team scrambled for cover. The echo of the sniper's shot still rang in their ears, and Rick Grimes, their leader, staggered, his hand clutching his side. Blood trickled down, staining his shirt a dark crimson. The pain shot through him like lightning, but he fought to stay on his feet, to stay conscious. They were too deep into enemy territory to falter now.Rick's vision blurred, and he felt his knees weaken. He tried to take another step, but his legs wouldn't obey. He was going down, and he knew it. Just as he began to collapse, strong hands caught him, keeping him from hitting the ground.

"Rick! Stay with me, you son of a bitch!" Negan's voice was urgent, rough with concern. He dragged Rick to a safer spot behind a large piece of fallen debris, shielding him from further harm. Negan's usual smirk was gone, replaced by a grim determination. "We're not done yet, Grimes. Don't you dare check out on me."Rick gritted his teeth, nodding weakly as he fought to stay conscious. Every breath was a struggle, but he wasn't about to give up. He'd come too far for that.Meanwhile, Michonne had already taken charge of the chaotic situation. Her voice was sharp and commanding as she barked orders to the team. "Everyone, find cover! We don't know where that sniper is. Eugene, I need eyes on that shooter—now!"

Eugene was already working on it, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation. He scanned the surroundings, his eyes narrowed as he calculated the sniper's position. The corridors of the lab were a maze of shadows and hidden alcoves, any of which could conceal the deadly threat. But Eugene's sharp mind pieced together the clues, the angle of the shot, the timing, the slight flicker of movement in the distance."There!" Eugene pointed to a small alcove ahead, partially concealed by ventilation ducts. "Third duct on the right, about fifty yards. That's where the shot came from."Without hesitation, Kelly and Magna moved into action. Their faces were set with determination as they flanked the sniper's position. Kelly, moving with the precision of a hunter, kept low to the ground, her eyes locked on the target. Magna mirrored her movements on the opposite side.

The team moved with silent coordination, their steps soundless. They knew that one wrong move could mean the end for any of them. As Kelly and Magna approached the position, they exchanged a brief glance. It was a look of understanding. They were ready.In a single, fluid motion, Kelly and Magna attacked. Kelly's knife flashed through the air, slicing cleanly into the sniper's arm, forcing the weapon from their grip. The sniper barely had time to react before Magna followed up with a brutal strike, knocking the sniper to the ground. The fight was over in seconds, the threat neutralized with ruthless efficiency."Clear!" Kelly called out, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.With the immediate danger eliminated, the rest of the team emerged from their cover. Michonne was the first to reach Rick, who was still leaning heavily against the debris, his face pale and drawn.

"Let me see," Michonne said softly, kneeling beside Rick. Her eyes were filled with worry as she carefully peeled back his blood-soaked shirt. The bullet had torn through his side, leaving a deep, ragged wound. It wasn't fatal, but it was bad enough to cause serious concern.Rick winced as Michonne inspected the injury. "How bad is it?""Bad enough," Michonne replied, her voice tight with worry. "You need stitches, and you're losing a lot of blood."Rick's jaw clenched, but he shook his head stubbornly. "We keep moving. We're too close to stop now."Negan, who had been hovering nearby, frowned. "Rick, you're in no shape to—""We keep moving," Rick repeated, his voice firmer this time. He pushed himself upright, using the wall for support. His legs were shaky, but he refused to let them buckle. "We have to finish this."