POV: Carl
The clang of metal on metal echoed across the ridge as Carl's sword met Kane's staff. Sparks flew from the impact, illuminating the grim determination in Carl's eyes and the eerie glow of Kane's veins.
"You're out of your league," Kane said, his tone calm but condescending. "Do you really think you can protect her?"
Carl didn't respond. He stepped forward, his sword slicing through the air in a series of precise, calculated strikes. Kane deflected them with ease, but Carl's relentless attack kept him on the defensive.
"Impressive," Kane admitted, his glowing eyes narrowing. "But futile."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna watched the fight with wide eyes, her crowbar hanging loosely in her hands. Carl was holding his own against Kane, but Jenna could see the strain in his movements.
"Don't you dare die," she muttered under her breath, gripping her crowbar tighter. "I can't handle being the only semi-functional person in this group."
Her zombie gang, sensing her tension, growled lowly. Jenna glanced at them, a flicker of determination sparking inside her. "Alright, guys," she said softly. "Let's back him up."
The zombies snarled in agreement, surging forward toward the controlled forces still pressing in on the group.
---
POV: Kane
Kane blocked another of Carl's strikes, his smile faint but sharp. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."
Carl's expression didn't waver. His movements were precise, his attacks unrelenting. Kane could feel the weight behind each strike, the sheer willpower driving the man forward.
"Protecting her won't save you," Kane said, his tone mocking. "She's a liability. A burden."
Carl's eyes flashed with anger, his sword swinging in a wide arc. Kane barely managed to block the strike, his smile fading slightly.
"She's stronger than you think," Carl said, his voice low but firm. "Stronger than you'll ever be."
---
POV: Rick
Rick was in the thick of the battle, his knife flashing as he fought off the last of the berserkers. His breath came in ragged gasps, his muscles screaming in protest, but he refused to give up.
"Jenna!" he shouted, glancing toward the fight. "Whatever you're planning, now's the time!"
Jenna didn't answer. She was too busy rallying her zombie gang, who were tearing into the remaining controlled forces with feral determination. Rick's jaw tightened. He could only hope they had enough time.
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna's heart pounded as she directed her zombie gang toward Kane's controlled forces. She could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her, but she refused to stop.
"Keep going, guys!" she shouted, her voice hoarse. "We've got this!"
Her zombies snarled in response, their glowing eyes fixed on the enemy. Jenna glanced toward Carl, who was still locked in combat with Kane. He was holding his own, but Jenna could see he was nearing his limit.
"Alright, Jenna," she muttered to herself. "Time to be useful."
She raised her hands, summoning the last dregs of her energy as she activated her portal. The glowing void opened behind Kane's controlled zombies, sucking several of them into its depths.
"Yes!" Jenna shouted, a triumphant grin spreading across her face. "Suck it, glow sticks!"
---
POV: Kane
Kane felt the pull of the portal, his controlled forces disappearing into the void. He turned toward Jenna, his glowing eyes narrowing.
"You're more resourceful than I expected," he said, his tone cold. "But you're only delaying the inevitable."
"She's doing more than that," Carl said sharply, his sword slicing toward Kane's chest.
Kane deflected the strike, his expression darkening. "You're starting to irritate me."
---
POV: Carl
Carl's arms burned with effort, but he refused to back down. He pushed forward, his sword clashing against Kane's staff with a force that sent shockwaves through the air.
"You're done," Carl said, his voice steady. "This ends now."
Kane's lips curled into a faint smile. "We'll see."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna's knees buckled, and she dropped to the ground, her vision swimming. The portal had taken everything she had left, leaving her completely drained.
"Jenna!" Rick shouted, running toward her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Jenna muttered, though her voice was weak. "Just… taking a little nap."
Rick helped her to her feet, his expression grim. "We need to end this, Jenna. Now."
"I know," Jenna replied, her gaze fixed on Kane. "And I've got one more trick up my sleeve."
---
POV: Kane
Kane turned toward Jenna, his expression cold. "You're out of energy. Out of options. What could you possibly have left?"
Jenna grinned weakly, raising her crowbar. "Just a little thing called stubbornness."
She charged forward, her zombie gang following close behind. Kane's glowing eyes widened slightly, but he stood his ground, his staff raised.