Chapter 6: The Camp's New Order and a Voice on the Radio
Jayden's dangerous and successful solo supply run to Atlanta had radically altered his status within the camp. He was no longer just the camp's quiet, skilled hunter; he was something of a legend, achieving the impossible and ensuring the group's survival. This new respect was evident in the way people treated him. Shane's gaze now held not just suspicion but also grudging admiration. Dale frequently tried to mentor him with words of wisdom, admiring Jayden's training sessions from the roof of his trailer.
Jayden used this newfound interest to his advantage. In his free time, he no longer simply wandered the forest. He trained systematically. A short distance from the camp, he honed his archery by drawing targets on tree trunks. Each successful shot was rewarded with a small notification that appeared in his field of vision.
[Basic Archery skill gained experience! 3%]
He was also testing his parkour skills. He climbed the quarry's steep cliffs, balanced on dangerous ledges, and jumped short distances. Each challenging move tested his Agility and Endurance stats, making him stronger. While these training sessions might seem like a pointless risk to others, for Jayden, they were an investment in his future. He knew that soon they would have to face not just a few walkers, but much greater threats.
During this period, he began spending more time with Andrea, and especially Amy. Andrea admired Jayden's abilities, but also worried that he would go on such dangerous missions alone. Amy, however, was more curious. She wanted to know how Jayden wielded his bow so skillfully, how he moved so silently through the forest.
One afternoon, Amy sat down next to Jayden as he cleaned his arrows at the edge of the quarry.
"Will you teach me?" he asked, his voice both shy and determined. "How to use a bow. I just... want to be able to defend myself."
Jayden looked up and looked at Amy. He remembered his fate in the series, that terrible night. He felt a pang of pain. He couldn't let this girl's vibrant smile fade.
"Of course," he said softly. "But this isn't a toy, Amy. It takes discipline and practice."
From that day on, Jayden began giving Amy basic archery lessons. He taught her how to hold the bow, proper stance, and breath control. Even though Amy's first shots missed the target, Jayden patiently corrected her. These lessons forged a bond between them. For Jayden, this wasn't just training someone; it was the first step in a plan to change fate. The more he empowered Amy, the better her chances of surviving the night.
As the days went by in this routine, everything changed one evening when they gathered around the campfire. A crackling sound coming from Dale's trailer caught everyone's attention. Dale was constantly scanning feeds on his walkie-talkie. Usually, there was only static. But this time was different. "...help. I'm in Atlanta... I'm surrounded... I'm in a tank... Can anyone hear me?"
The camp looked at each other. Was this a glimmer of hope? Or a trap?
Jayden froze. He recognized the voice. It was Rick Grimes. Everything was starting just as he remembered.
Glenn immediately hurried to the radio. "Hey! Hey, we hear you! Where exactly are you?"
A short but heated exchange ensued between Glenn and the man on the other end of the radio. It turned out the man was a police officer, trapped in a tank, and the city was crawling with walkers.
Jayden listened to the conversation, mentally making plans. Rick's arrival would completely change the group's dynamic. Shane's leadership would be shaken, Lori's secret would be exposed, and the group would embark on a hopeful yet tragic journey to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
Glenn turned to the others. His expression was determined. "I have to get there. We can't leave him there."
Shane immediately objected. "It's suicide, Glenn! Don't you know the state the city is in? Jayden barely escaped there with his life."
"But he's alive," Glenn said, glancing at Jayden. "That shows it can be done. If I'm quick, I can get in and out."
Jayden interjected. His voice was calm but confident. "Glenn's right. But he shouldn't go alone." Everyone turned to him. "I know the city. I've learned how to navigate the rooftops, where the safe areas are. If we go together, we'll have a better chance."
This wasn't Jayden's original plan. In the series, Glenn went alone. But now he was here, and he could influence the course of events. Improving Glenn's chances of survival was crucial to the group's future. But Shane immediately rejected Jayden's offer.
"No. You're staying here, Jayden. You're our best hunter and defender. We can't risk you either. Glenn, if you're going to do this crazy thing, T-Dog and Morales will go with you. At least you'll have some muscle."
Jayden didn't argue. Shane's logic held.
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