Latibule - The Last Of Us [Joel]

Chapter Three

After reaching the hideout in quick speed, Marlene left as quickly as she arrived- blabbering about how she had a new plan but needed to fetch a so-called Robert for help. Jade remembered the name from Chloe- apparently Marlene bought off her guns from him and was accompanied by Chloe awhile back.

"You should've went with her. She was hurt." Ellie said to her sister who was leaning up against the wall.

"Ellie, I protect you first before I protect anyone else." Jade answered in irritation. "Besides, she's Strong, she can handle herself."

As they sat in silence again, Jade pushed herself against the wall and sat next to her sister, nudging her shoulder playfully.

There was something that was eating her up inside that she wished she told Ellie earlier.

"Listen, Ellie...I'm sorry about Riley." Jade wrapped her arm around her sister. "And I'm sorry I didn't tell you that earlier...I know she was your best friend."

Ellie was at lost of words as she stared into her sister's eyes, all she could do was nod and hold back her tears.

"Also...I was a dick- I didn't ask how you were holding up and I didn't ask if you were okay- I lashed out on you."

I was just scared. Jade thought but could not say.

"Yeah- you were a dick."

The two sisters giggled and went silent before Ellie spoke again.

"Why aren't you wearing your uniform?"

"To keep the attention off us. They really aren't fond of the Fireflies- you know, the Fireflies aren't doing too good against the militia."

"I've heard." Ellie said in a low voice. "Benjamin was saying that...the Fireflies were being wiped out, is that true?"

"Mhmm." Jade nodded, Chloe's face popped in her thoughts- and once again, the two waited in silence for Marlene's arrival.

***

Waiting for Marlene's arrival "with her new plan" was only making Jade's patients run out. She didn't know if Marlene got caught or was killed and if she should just take Ellie and go off. Tapping her foot and staring out the window, the sudden sound of the door opening made her jump.

Her sister, immediately took out her switch blade and dashed towards the  strangers when Marlene fell on the floor after pushing the door too hard, the woman was now sweating and out of energy.

The strange man tried to help her up but was surprised by the little girl.

"Get the fuck away from her." Ellie said but her arm was caught by a woman as she tried to attack.

"Let her go." Marlene and Jade commanded the woman in unison.

Jade immediately helped Marlene up swiftly and pulled her sister away from the unknown woman.

"Recruiting kinda young, huh?" The man said.

Jade helped Marlene lean her back against the table, her hand holding her by the arm to help her not fall, she glanced at the older man's features and couldn't help but think he seemed slightly familiar.

"She's not one of mine." Marlene grunted in pain.

"Shit, are you okay?" Ellie immediately held Marlene up with Jade once she remembered her terrible state.

"Don't worry- this is fixable."

"Who are they, Marlene?" Jade said, on guard. She didn't trust the three people in front of her.