POV: Rick
The ridge's summit offered a breathtaking view of the forest below, but Rick wasn't in the mood to appreciate it. His focus was entirely on securing their position. The group fanned out, setting up a makeshift defensive line with what little they had.
"Keep an eye on the tree line," Rick said, his voice low but commanding. "If Kane's coming, this is where he'll hit us."
Sarah nodded, gripping her crowbar tightly. "Do you think we'll hold?"
Rick didn't answer immediately. Instead, he scanned the horizon, his jaw clenched. "We don't have a choice."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna flopped onto the ground, her crowbar clattering beside her. "I officially hate climbing," she announced, her voice muffled by the dirt.
Her zombie gang gathered around her, growling softly as if in agreement. Jenna sat up, patting one of them on the head. "At least you guys get it. Solidarity and all that."
Carl stood nearby, his sword resting against his shoulder. "Get up. We're not safe yet."
"Gee, thanks for the encouragement," Jenna said, rolling her eyes. "Maybe you should write a motivational book."
Carl ignored her sarcasm, his gaze fixed on the forest below. Jenna followed his line of sight, her grin fading. "You think he's coming?"
"He's always coming," Carl replied quietly.
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood at the base of the ridge, his controlled zombies arranged in precise formation. From this angle, the ridge seemed imposing, but Kane knew it was a tactical disadvantage for the group above.
"They've trapped themselves," Theo said, his tone smug. "We can finish this easily."
Kane's smile was faint but sharp. "Not yet. Let them sweat a little longer. Fear is the best weapon."
---
POV: Rick
Rick's instincts were screaming at him, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Something about the silence felt wrong—too deliberate, too calculated.
"They're waiting," Rick muttered, his grip tightening on his knife.
"For what?" Sarah asked, her eyes scanning the horizon.
Rick shook his head. "For us to make a mistake."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna was pacing back and forth, her zombie gang mirroring her movements like a disorganized conga line. "I hate waiting," she muttered. "It's worse than fighting."
"Then sit down," Carl said, his tone clipped. "You're wasting energy."
"Wow, thanks for the life advice," Jenna shot back. "Maybe next you can tell me how to breathe properly."
Carl didn't respond, which only made Jenna more annoyed. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be helping, you're not very helpful."
"Quiet," Carl said suddenly, his hand tightening on his sword.
Jenna froze, her annoyance replaced by a prickling sense of dread. "What is it?"
"Movement," Carl said, his eyes narrowing. "They're here."
---
POV: Kane
Kane signaled to his controlled zombies, their glowing veins pulsing faintly in the dim light. They moved silently through the forest, their footsteps masked by the rustling leaves.
"They're watching," Theo said, his voice low. "Should we attack?"
"Not yet," Kane replied, his gaze fixed on the ridge. "Let them feel the weight of their situation first. Then we strike."
---
POV: Rick
Rick's grip on his knife tightened as the first figure emerged from the shadows below. It was one of Kane's controlled zombies, its glowing veins casting an eerie light in the dimness.
"Here we go," Rick muttered, his voice low. "Everyone, hold your positions."
The rest of the group braced themselves, their weapons at the ready. Jenna stood beside Carl, her crowbar raised. Even her zombie gang seemed more alert, their glowing eyes fixed on the approaching threat.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna's heart was pounding, but she forced herself to focus. "Okay, team," she whispered to her zombie gang. "This is it. Time to shine."
Her zombies growled in response, their movements more coordinated than usual. Jenna couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. "That's the spirit. Let's show these guys what we're made of."
Carl glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Stay close."
Jenna grinned, despite the tension in the air. "Aw, you do care."
Carl didn't respond, his attention back on the approaching zombies.
---
POV: Kane
Kane's controlled zombies advanced steadily, their movements unnervingly precise. Kane himself remained at the base of the ridge, watching with a calm, calculating gaze.
"They're holding their ground," Theo said, his tone laced with frustration.
"For now," Kane replied. "But they won't hold forever."
---
POV: Rick
The first wave hit like a storm. Kane's controlled zombies surged forward, their glowing veins pulsing as they climbed the ridge with unnerving ease.
"Hold the line!" Rick shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Don't let them through!"
The group fought with everything they had, their weapons flashing in the dim light. But for every zombie they took down, another two seemed to take its place.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna swung her crowbar with all her strength, knocking a controlled zombie off balance. "Why do they always send the big ones first?" she shouted, dodging a swipe from another attacker.
"Focus!" Carl barked, his sword slicing through a zombie. "Stay in formation!"
"I am in formation!" Jenna retorted, slamming her crowbar into another zombie's head. "It's just a very flexible formation!"
Her zombie gang lunged at the attackers, their growls turning into feral snarls as they tore into the enemy. Jenna grinned despite herself. "Good job, guys! Keep it up!"
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched the battle with a faint smile. The group was holding, but it was clear they were struggling. The cracks were there, and Kane knew it was only a matter of time before they broke.
"Press harder," Kane ordered, his voice calm but firm. "Don't give them room to breathe."