POV: Jenna
The forest was denser here, the trees twisting together like gnarled fingers reaching for the sky. Sunlight barely filtered through the canopy, casting everything in an eerie green light. Jenna trudged along, her crowbar swinging idly at her side. Her zombie gang shuffled behind her, their low groans blending into the ambient sounds of the forest.
"Why is it always the creepy places?" Jenna muttered. "Can't we ever walk through a nice meadow or something?"
Carl, as usual, ignored her complaints. He was focused on the trail ahead, his sword drawn and ready. Jenna rolled her eyes. "Oh, sure, act like we're not surrounded by trees that probably want to eat us."
"You can talk less," Carl said, his tone flat but tinged with exasperation.
"And miss the chance to lighten the mood?" Jenna shot back with a grin.
---
POV: Rick
Rick brought up the rear, his knife gripped tightly in his hand. His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, every rustle of leaves putting him on edge. The encounter with the mutant zombies the day before had left the group on high alert, and the dense forest wasn't helping.
"We should stop soon," Sarah whispered, her voice low. "Set up camp before it gets dark."
Rick nodded but didn't slow his pace. "Not here. We need better visibility."
"And fewer trees," Sarah muttered. "This place is giving me the creeps."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched from a hidden vantage point, his controlled zombies blending seamlessly with the forest shadows. His expression was calm, but his sharp eyes betrayed his calculated focus.
"They're close to the boundary," Theo said, standing beside him. "If they cross it—"
"They won't," Kane interrupted. "Not yet. Let them squirm a little longer."
Theo hesitated. "And if they notice the change?"
Kane smiled faintly. "That's the point."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal her zombie gang. "Wait, do you feel that?"
Carl turned to her, his brow furrowed. "Feel what?"
"The creepy vibes just got creepier," Jenna said, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced around, her gaze darting between the twisted trees. "Like the forest is watching us."
Carl didn't respond, but his grip on his sword tightened. Jenna's zombie gang growled softly, their movements growing restless.
"See? Even they agree," Jenna said, gesturing to her gang. "And they don't have a lot going on upstairs."
Carl sighed. "Stay close."
---
POV: Rick
Rick slowed as the group emerged into a small clearing. The open space was a welcome change, but it didn't put him at ease. Something about the air felt off—too still, too quiet.
"Set up here," he said, his voice low but firm. "We'll rest and move at first light."
The group nodded, though their unease was evident. Sarah began unpacking their sparse supplies, while the others worked to clear the area.
Rick glanced at Jenna, who was already rummaging through her portal. "What are you doing?"
"Setting up," Jenna replied, pulling out a folding chair and plopping into it. "What does it look like?"
Rick shook his head, muttering something under his breath about priorities.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna leaned back in her chair, watching as the others worked. "You know," she said, addressing her zombie gang, "I think we're getting pretty good at this whole survival thing."
Her zombies groaned softly, their glowing eyes fixed on her. Jenna nodded sagely. "Exactly. It's all about staying prepared."
One of the zombies growled, tilting its head toward the edge of the clearing. Jenna followed its gaze, her grin fading as she spotted movement in the shadows.
"Uh, Carl?" Jenna called, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "We've got company."
---
POV: Rick
The first attack came swiftly, the mutant lunging from the trees with a guttural snarl. Rick reacted instantly, his knife flashing as he intercepted the creature.
"Defensive positions!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Hold the line!"
The group formed a tight circle, their weapons raised as more mutants emerged from the shadows. These were faster, stronger, their glowing veins pulsing with an unnatural energy.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna swung her crowbar wildly, the metallic thud of impact sending a mutant sprawling. "Why is it always us?" she shouted, dodging another attacker. "Do we have a sign on our backs or something?"
Carl appeared beside her, his sword slicing through a mutant with precision. "Less talking, more fighting."
"I'm multitasking!" Jenna shot back, her crowbar connecting with another mutant's head. "It's called efficiency."
Her zombie gang joined the fray, their growls turning into feral snarls as they tore into the attackers. Jenna couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. "Good job, team! Keep it up!"
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched the battle unfold, his expression unreadable. The group was holding their ground, but the cracks were starting to show.
"They're stronger than expected," Theo muttered.
Kane nodded slowly. "But strength isn't everything. They'll break. It's just a matter of time."