POV: Rick
The forest grew denser as the group trudged forward, the sunlight barely piercing through the canopy. Rick led the way, his knife in hand and his eyes scanning for any signs of movement. The battle earlier had shaken them all, but it was the silence that unnerved him the most.
"They're not following," Sarah whispered, falling into step beside him.
"They're watching," Rick replied, his voice low. "Waiting for the right moment."
Sarah frowned, her grip tightening on her crowbar. "What do we do?"
Rick's jaw tightened. "We keep moving. Stay alert. If Kane wants a fight, he'll have to come to us."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna was lagging behind, her crowbar dragging in the dirt as her zombie gang shuffled around her. She was tired, sore, and more than a little annoyed.
"Do you ever feel like this is all just one long, horrible treadmill?" she asked, glancing at Carl.
Carl raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"You know," Jenna said, gesturing vaguely. "All the running, the fighting, the not dying—it's like cardio, but worse."
Carl didn't respond, but Jenna caught the faintest twitch of his lips. "Oh my God," she said, pointing at him. "That was almost a smile. You're evolving."
"Focus," Carl said, though his tone was softer than usual.
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood in the shadows, his controlled zombies surrounding him like silent sentinels. His gaze was fixed on the trail left by the group, his expression calm and calculating.
"They're slowing down," Theo reported, his voice low. "The girl is struggling."
Kane nodded slowly. "She'll push herself until she breaks. That's when we strike."
"And the others?" Theo asked.
Kane's smile was faint but cold. "They'll fall with her. One by one."
---
POV: Rick
The group stopped at a small clearing, the tension palpable as they caught their breath. Rick scanned the perimeter, his instincts screaming at him to keep moving.
"We can't stay here long," he said, his tone firm. "They're out there, watching."
"We need a plan," Sarah said, her voice tinged with frustration. "We can't just keep running."
Rick didn't respond immediately, his mind racing. "We need higher ground. Somewhere we can see them coming."
"Like a hill or something?" Jenna piped up, her usual grin returning despite her exhaustion. "Great. More climbing. My favorite."
Rick shot her a look. "If you've got a better idea, I'm all ears."
"Fine," Jenna muttered, rolling her eyes. "But if I die halfway up, I'm haunting you."
---
POV: Jenna
The group set off again, their movements slower but determined. Jenna trudged along at the back, her zombie gang close behind. She glanced at Carl, who was walking beside her with his usual stoic expression.
"So," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "What do you think Kane's deal is? Evil mastermind? Revenge? Midlife crisis?"
Carl gave her a sidelong glance. "Does it matter?"
"Of course it matters," Jenna replied. "If we're going to be his nemesis, we need to understand his motivations. It's like, villain 101."
Carl shook his head, muttering something under his breath. Jenna grinned. "Admit it—you'd miss me if I wasn't here."
"I wouldn't have to if you stayed quiet," Carl replied, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched as the group moved further into the forest, their exhaustion evident in every step. He signaled to his controlled zombies, their glowing veins pulsing faintly in the dim light.
"Spread out," he ordered, his voice quiet but firm. "Keep them in sight. Don't engage until I give the signal."
Theo hesitated. "And if they make it to higher ground?"
Kane's smile was sharp. "It won't save them."
---
POV: Rick
The hill loomed ahead, its rocky terrain promising a difficult climb. Rick didn't like it, but it was their best option. He turned to the group, his expression serious.
"This is it," he said. "Once we're at the top, we'll have the advantage. But we need to move fast."
Jenna groaned, her shoulders slumping. "Great. Another hill. Just what I needed."
"Keep moving," Carl said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Jenna sighed but started climbing, her zombie gang following close behind. "I hate this," she muttered. "I hate this so much."
---
POV: Jenna
The climb was brutal, her legs burning with every step. Jenna's usual humor was replaced by a grim determination as she focused on putting one foot in front of the other.
"You doing okay?" Carl asked, his tone uncharacteristically gentle.
Jenna glanced at him, surprised. "Yeah. Just… not a fan of hills."
Carl nodded, his gaze forward. "We'll make it."
Jenna managed a faint smile. "Thanks, Mr. Sunshine. I needed that."
---
POV: Kane
Kane stood at the base of the hill, his controlled zombies moving into position. He could see the group struggling to climb, their movements slow and labored.
"They're almost there," Theo said, his tone eager. "Should we strike?"
Kane shook his head. "Not yet. Let them think they've escaped. The fall is more satisfying when it's from the top.