POV: Rick
The hill was steeper than it looked, the rocky terrain making every step a challenge. Rick gritted his teeth, pushing forward despite the burn in his legs. The group was struggling, but they couldn't afford to stop—not now.
"We're almost there," Rick called back, his voice steady despite his exhaustion. "Keep moving."
Sarah, a few paces behind him, let out a strained laugh. "You said that twenty minutes ago."
Rick didn't respond. His focus was on the summit, where the group would have a vantage point. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than being trapped in the forest below.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna clung to a jagged rock, her fingers aching as she hauled herself up. "This is officially the worst hike I've ever been on," she muttered, glancing at her zombie gang. They were having an easier time of it, their undead bodies unaffected by fatigue.
"I don't suppose one of you guys wants to carry me?" Jenna asked, her voice hopeful. The zombies groaned in response, which Jenna took as a polite refusal. "Fine. Be that way."
Carl, climbing beside her, shot her a look. "You could complain less."
"And you could complain more," Jenna shot back, grinning despite herself. "Balance, Carl. It's all about balance."
Carl rolled his eyes but didn't respond. Jenna smirked, considering it a small victory.
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched the group's slow ascent from the base of the hill, his expression calm and calculating. His controlled zombies were positioned strategically around the area, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"They're almost at the top," Theo said, his tone impatient. "If we wait much longer, they'll have the high ground."
Kane's smile was faint but cold. "Let them. High ground means nothing if they don't see the real threat."
---
POV: Rick
Rick reached the summit first, his knife in hand as he scanned the surrounding area. The view was expansive, the dense forest stretching out below them. It gave him a sense of control, however small.
"This'll work," he said, turning to Sarah as she reached the top. "We'll set up here."
Sarah nodded, dropping her bag with a sigh of relief. "I'm starting to think Kane's not following us."
"He's following," Rick said grimly. "He's just waiting."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna reached the summit with a dramatic groan, collapsing onto the ground. "Finally. I was starting to think we'd never make it."
Her zombie gang gathered around her, their groans low and restless. Jenna patted one on the head, managing a faint smile. "Good job, guys. Best team ever."
Carl stood nearby, his sword resting on his shoulder. "Get up. We're not done yet."
"Give me a minute," Jenna said, waving him off. "I'm enjoying the view."
Carl raised an eyebrow. "The view?"
"Yeah," Jenna replied, gesturing to the forest below. "It's nice. You know, in a creepy, post-apocalyptic kind of way."
Carl shook his head, muttering something under his breath. Jenna grinned. "Admit it—you'd miss me if I wasn't here."
Carl didn't respond, but Jenna thought she saw the faintest hint of a smile.
---
POV: Kane
Kane's sharp eyes followed the group's movements, his controlled zombies remaining perfectly still in the shadows. The group had reached the summit, but Kane wasn't concerned.
"They think they're safe," Theo said, his tone laced with disdain. "What now?"
Kane's smile widened slightly. "Now we show them why they're not."
---
POV: Rick
Rick was organizing the group, assigning positions and checking their limited supplies. The summit wasn't perfect, but it gave them a fighting chance.
"Jenna," Rick called, glancing at her. "What do you have in that space of yours?"
Jenna sat up, rummaging through her portal. "Let's see… snacks, random tools, a mutant claw, a folding chair… oh, and this." She pulled out a bundle of makeshift traps, grinning triumphantly. "Ta-da!"
Rick raised an eyebrow. "That might actually be useful."
Jenna's grin widened. "I knew my hoarding would come in handy."
---
POV: Kane
Kane signaled to his controlled zombies, their glowing veins pulsing faintly in the dim light. They moved silently through the forest, their positions shifting to encircle the hill.
"Keep them in the dark," Kane ordered, his voice low but firm. "Let them think they're safe. When they realize they're not, it'll be too late."
Theo hesitated. "And the girl? Jenna?"
Kane's smile was sharp. "She'll fall. Just like the rest of them."