The Last of Us: Final Resort

Chapter 25 - Path to the Airport

Denver, June-July
2042

As the group made their way from City Hall towards Denver International Airport, Ellie led the way, her senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Abby walked beside her, weapon at the ready, scanning their surroundings for any lurking infected. Cat and Lev guarded the rear, their eyes darting back and forth as they kept watch behind them. Joyce, positioned between them, tried to stay calm, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Ellie cast a brief glance over her shoulder at the group, offering them an encouraging nod. "Keep an eye out, everyone," she said, her tone firm, but calm, "We're almost there, but we can't let our guard down yet". Abby gave a firm nod, her fingers tightening around her weapon. "Got it. Stick together and keep it down," she instructed, her voice low but commanding, "We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention". Cat, Lev, and Joyce followed closely behind, their footsteps barely audible against the deserted streets. They moved with caution, their eyes darting from shadow to shadow as they kept a vigilant watch for any infected nearby.

Suddenly, Ellie held up a hand, signalling for the group to stop. She crouched down behind a nearby car, motioning for the others to do the same. "Infected up ahead," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "We'll have to find another way around". Abby nodded decisively in agreement. "Let's backtrack a bit and see if we can find a safer route," she suggested, her eyes carefully surveying the area for any potential escape routes.

Lev's eyes lit up with an idea. "Hey, what if Joyce takes care of those infected? You gotta see what happens when she crosses paths with one of them," he proposed, his voice radiating confidence while still maintaining a composed demeanour. Ellie's initial reaction was skepticism. She considered speaking up in protest, her mind racing with concern about Joyce's safety. However, the determined look in Joyce's eyes and the subtle gesture of reassurance caught her attention. "Trust me, Ellie. I've got this. I know you're worried, but I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't think I could handle it. Please, have faith in me," Joyce mentally urged . Ellie hesitated, torn between her instinct to protect Joyce and her trust in her abilities. With a resigned sigh, she reluctantly agreed to give Joyce a chance, understanding that smothering her with overprotectiveness wouldn't do any good.

With a decisive expression, Joyce stepped forward, her movements calculated and precise. When she closed in on the infected, tension tightened its grip on the group. Abruptly, a runner burst from the shadows, its decaying form mere inches from Joyce's face. Ellie felt her heart leap into her throat, fear seizing her tightly as she quickly reached for her weapon, ready to defend Joyce.
To their surprise, the infected runner completely ignored Joyce, as if she didn't even exist. Ellie breathed a sigh of relief, her eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment. "What the heck just happened?" she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. Abby's jaw dropped in shock, mirroring Ellie's reaction. "I can't believe my eyes," she said, shaking her head in astonishment. Cat let out a nervous laugh, scratching her head. "Well, that was something," she remarked, her tone laced with surprise. Lev, however, remained unfazed, having seen similar situations involving Joyce in the past. With a quick and skilled hand, Joyce swiftly dealt with the infected runners, easily snapping their necks. As the stalkers and clickers appeared, she wielded her katana with deadly accuracy, efficiently eliminating each one.

Just as it seemed safe, another stalker loomed behind Joyce, ready to strike. In a split second, Ellie sprang into action, pulling the trigger of her gun and rescuing Joyce from danger. "Get away from her, you sneaky bastard!" she growled under her breath as she fired with a well-aimed shot, her voice filled with fierce protectiveness for Joyce. With the threat neutralised, the group emerged from hiding, ready to move forward. Joyce shot Ellie a grateful look, silently expressing her appreciation for saving her life. Ellie reached out and affectionately ruffled Joyce's hair, reciprocating the gratitude with a warm smile.