POV: Jenna
---
Jenna's crowbar swung through the air with a desperate force that surprised even her. It collided with Kane's weapon—some kind of glowing staff—with a loud clang. The impact sent vibrations up her arms, but she didn't let go.
Kane's glowing eyes narrowed. "You're resilient," he admitted, his tone almost admiring. "But resilience without power is futile."
"Oh, don't worry," Jenna shot back, forcing a grin. "I've got plenty of both. You just caught me on an off day."
The truth was, her arms felt like they were made of lead, and her vision was starting to blur. She had nothing left in the tank, and she knew it. But she wasn't about to give Kane the satisfaction of seeing her give up.
---
POV: Rick
Rick was locked in his own fight, his knife flashing as he defended against Kane's berserkers. But his attention kept flicking to Jenna, who was somehow holding her ground against the towering figure of Kane himself.
"Jenna, get back!" Rick shouted, slashing at a mutant that had gotten too close. "You're going to get yourself killed!"
"She's already dead!" Sarah called back, swinging her crowbar at another attacker. "Isn't that her thing?"
Rick gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling inside him. Jenna was reckless, but she was also their best chance at surviving this. If she fell, so would they.
---
POV: Kane
Kane deflected Jenna's next swing with ease, his movements smooth and controlled. "You're strong," he said, his tone calm. "But strength alone isn't enough. You lack focus. Discipline."
"Oh, I've got discipline," Jenna retorted, raising her crowbar again. "I'm very disciplined at making terrible life choices."
Kane tilted his head, as though considering her words. "Perhaps that's why you've survived this long. Chaos has its uses."
"Glad you think so," Jenna muttered, lunging at him again. "Because I've got plenty of that, too."
---
POV: Carl
Carl's sword clashed against a berserker's claws, his movements precise and unyielding. He could see Jenna out of the corner of his eye, her crowbar flashing as she faced off against Kane.
"She's going to get herself killed," Carl muttered under his breath.
Another berserker lunged at him, forcing Carl to refocus. He cut the creature down with a swift, brutal strike, his mind racing. Jenna was reckless, but she was also resourceful. If anyone could find a way to turn this around, it was her.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna's arms were trembling, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Kane was relentless, his strikes calculated and powerful. She was barely keeping up, and she knew it.
"Come on," she muttered to herself, gripping her crowbar tightly. "Think, Jenna. You're good at thinking. Sort of."
Her eyes darted to her zombie gang, who were still fighting valiantly against Kane's controlled forces. They were outnumbered and outmatched, but they hadn't given up. That thought sparked something inside her—a tiny flicker of hope.
"Alright, big guy," Jenna said, straightening despite her exhaustion. "You think you've got this all figured out? Let's see how you handle a little surprise."
---
POV: Kane
Kane raised an eyebrow as Jenna's demeanor shifted. She was still exhausted—he could see it in her eyes—but there was a determination there that gave him pause.
"What are you planning?" he asked, his tone curious.
Jenna grinned, though it was more of a grimace. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
Before Kane could respond, Jenna activated her portal. The glowing void opened behind him, its pull sudden and fierce. Kane staggered slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected move.
---
POV: Rick
Rick's eyes widened as Jenna's portal flared to life, its pull disrupting the battlefield. Several of Kane's controlled zombies were sucked into the void, their snarls abruptly silenced.
"She did it," Rick muttered, a flicker of hope sparking inside him. "She actually did it."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna gritted her teeth, pouring everything she had into maintaining the portal. Her vision swam, and her knees threatened to buckle, but she refused to let go.
"Not so tough now, huh?" she said, her voice shaking but defiant.
Kane's glowing eyes narrowed, his footing steady despite the pull of the portal. "Impressive," he admitted. "But it won't be enough."
---
POV: Carl
Carl saw Kane advancing toward Jenna, his movements slow but deliberate. He didn't hesitate. With a burst of speed, he moved to intercept, his sword clashing against Kane's staff with a resounding clang.
"Get back," Carl said sharply, his eyes fixed on Kane. "You've done enough."
Jenna blinked, surprised by his tone. "Carl, I—"
"Go," Carl interrupted, his voice firm. "I'll handle this."
---
POV: Kane
Kane's smile widened as Carl stepped forward, his sword gleaming. "Ah, the loyal protector," he said, his tone almost mocking. "How noble. How predictable."
Carl didn't respond, his focus entirely on Kane. He raised his sword, his stance unwavering. "You're not getting to her."
Kane chuckled softly, his glowing eyes narrowing. "We'll see about that."