40 First Defense (2)

"What was that?" Kira whispered, her eyes scanning the darkness around them.

"Something unpleasant," Rico remarked, grabbing his machetes. "Shinon-"

"I know."

As the trio debated their next move, they heard the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs coming from all directions.

They looked around, their eyes widening in alarm as they saw a zombie appear out of the darkness, followed by another, and then another. The horde of zombies approached them from all sides.

Shinon took a deep breath, his grip on his sword tightening. Kira took a step back, her finger hovering over the trigger of her pistol.

Shinon, Rico, and Kira sprang into action as the first zombie stumbled into the water-filled moat. They quickly took up positions, weapons ready, as the horde descended upon them.

Shinon stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light. "Kira, stay behind me," he said, his voice firm. "Rico, let's go!"