The Last Of Us: Past And Present

Chapter 14

Chapter 14:

Joel shot up in bed, breathing deeply through his mouth. He put his hand on his forehead, and wiped at the sweat there. He hadn't thought about that point in his life in...years. Joel looked to his right, and was glad to see Ellie lying peacefully, a small grin on her face. Joel looked over at the other bed to find Devin laying on his back, breathing quietly through his mouth, which hung open. Joel couldn't help but feel a small sense of anger at the sight of the kid. He looked at him and he remembered the kiss he'd dared to give Ellie. In front of him no less.

Then his eyes drifted back to Ellie. He remembered how drawn-in she'd been after the incident with the Hunters on the road. He remembered how depressed she had seemed. And now she looked happy. And Joel wanted Ellie to be happy. But he didn't want someone they barely even knew trying to feel up his babygirl. Joel slowly climbed out of bed and looked out the window in the wall. From where he stood, Joel could see that the sun was just starting to rise on the horizon. Joel walked softly back to his bed, and sat down. He put his face in his hand and took slow deep breaths. Today they were going to begin planning the assault on Jackson, and Joel felt a very large amount of anxiety beginning to course through him.

He wasn't sure if he was ready.

"No way an attack on the front gates isn't going to work. Devlin is insane but he isn't stupid. He knows we're comin' after him. He'll either have to wall heavily guarded by Hunters...or somethin' else." Joel said. Tommy, Maria, Jesus and Houser listened carefully. "Devlin won't be there either. Most likely he's out lookin' for a place to make his permanent palace. He's probably left someone in charge. If we can kill whoever that is, the rest of 'em will go runnin' scared-fucking idiots."

"So, how do you propose we get in?" Jesus asked calmly, as if he had just asked Joel what he needed from the store. Joel scratched at his beard, and crossed his arms (as best he could) over his chest. He thought about it for a bit. He looked down at the small map of Jackson. Slowly a plan began to form in his mind. Joel reached down and tapped the line that resembled the front wall of Jackson. "Someone's gonna' have to make enough racket to get the Hunter's attention. Keep 'em occupied for a good amount of time. While that's goin' on, the others will sneak in through the back, find whoever's in charge, and take him out." Tommy watched Joel for a second.

"No offense big brother, but there's a lot of holes in this plan. I mean, so many things could-"

"You got a better idea?" Tommy's mouth snapped shut, and he shook his head. Joel looked at everyone else. "I ain't too keen on this myself, but unless any of you have any better ideas, this is what we're gonna' have to go with." No one came up with a better idea. After a moment, Joel nodded his head and took a step back from the table.

"Now, if we're all in agreement, I'd like to get some rest before tomorrow. We're gonna' have a busy day."

When Joel got to his bedroom, was surprised to find Devin sitting cross-legged on one of the beds with a guitar in his hands. He was strumming gently, his fingers moving easily, picking out chord after chord. When Ellie and Devin noticed his presence, they both looked over at him, and Joel saw the happiness in Ellie's eyes. Joel felt the affection swoop through him, and he walked over to Devin, looking at the guitar. He sat on the bed opposite them, and said; "Ibanez. Good guitar." Devin nodded his head and strummed at it.

"Yeah. Found a guy who had it. Had to trade one of my guns for it." Joel quirked an eyebrow at that. Trade a weapon for a guitar? He never thought he'd hear of someone doing that in a million years. It would be nice to play, Joel thought, looking down at the stump that had been his arm. He wouldn't be able to play without that. Joel couldn't help but feel a little sad at that. Devin seemed to know how Joel was feeling, because he saw a wave of sympathy pass through the kid's eyes.