Author's Note

Some of you may have noticed that something is a little different from usual. No, it is not these super entertaining author's notes I just know all of you love reading. It is the title of the story. You see, it has come to my attention that apparently I'm not the most original person in the world and there is indeed already another The Last of Us story, featuring our beloved Elsanna, out there. And as my story was actually posted after the aforementioned (yes I have checked), I felt the only right thing to do was to change the name, since I couldn't bare taking my story down. So there you have it.

I also feel obligated to inform you that any similarities between the two stories are completely coincidental (I haven't actually read the other one. Sorry, not sorry. Although, it's probably awesome.) And gosh, this is simply the most annoying thing to write ever…note to self: check what stories and concepts already have been used before posting a story next time.

And also I don't own anything, apparently not even an original idea for a fanfic… xD

Merida's Town, Part 2

"Rise and shine ye slow arse. Rise and shine!"

Merida gave the motionless figure a small kick with her boot when she didn't receive a response.

A frustrated groan sounded as Anna pathetically tried to bat the irritating thing away before rolling over, turning her back on the annoyingly persistent Scott.

"Ye got 10 seconds." Merida said as she gave her another light kick.

"I was promised rainbows and butterflies not the headache from hell." Anna groaned, her voice hoarse. She refused to turn around to face the nuisance of a human being. "Just give me five more minutes and I promise I will-"

Anna didn't reach the end of her sentence, instead she shot up to a sitting position with a loud shriek, her hair and upper body completely drenched.

"Oh, sorry about that. Normally I give a final warning, but uhm… it's simply so rude to interrupt someone while they are talking." Merida put down the bucket she had just emptied over Anna's head. She crouched down to level herself with Anna, whose features were still frozen in shock.

"But look on the bright side, at least yer up now." She gave Anna a small pat on top of her head as she sent her a sweet smile. "We're leaving in ten minutes so get yer things ready."

Merida leaving the soaked Anna's side caused Elsa to snap her attention back to Ralph.

"So the place you are going, is it safe?" He asked causing Elsa to quirk a brow at him.

"Of course not." He mumbled silently to himself at her silent reply, glancing at Vanellope who was standing in the far end of the room shooting at targets with her homemade slingshot.

"I mean, is it safer than out here?"

"I don't know." Elsa followed his line of sight and subconsciously a small smile spread across her lips as the girl managed to finally shoot down one of the cans.

"But, if you have run this place dry of supplies." Her eyes caught sight of Merida who was beaming with pride as she placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder.

"Then anything is better than staying here." He finished for her.

"Have you talked to her? About you guys leaving?" Elsa could feel a slight lump forming inside her chest as Merida and Vanellope continued their joyful prattle.

She had never thought about Merida in the sense of being anything else than a convenient business associate. But watching her interact with others Elsa realized that this person was actually a living human being with hopes and dreams, but foremost needs.

In retrospect it had been absolutely mental of Elsa to assume that Merida wouldn't have teamed up with someone because looking at her now it was so completely obvious that this girl, this woman, needed someone in her life. Someone she could look out for, someone she could care for.

"Yes we have." Ralph answered silently.

"It was always part of our arrangement… that when the time came, Vanellope and I would." He paused for a moment. "I asked her to come with us, but she…" He send Elsa a faint smile. "You know how she can be."

Once again he turned his attention towards the two girls. Elsa just gave a silent nod.

Anna had finally managed to change into some dry clothes. For a moment she caught Elsa looking at her but as she sent her a smile Elsa turned away not wanting to be reminded of the events happening the night prior.

"I'll put in a good word for you." Elsa said. Ralph looked at her as she picked up her backpack from the ground as she made ready to leave. "I'm sure my friend wouldn't mind an additional pair of people in his group, but it never hurts being on the safe side."

Anna was making her way towards them so before Ralph had the time to give her his thanks Elsa was already well on her way.

"Okay now, a couple of months ago we saw a vehicle drive into the new part of town. Don't know what the stupid fucks thought they were doing but they didn't stand a chance."

"They pretty much got overrun as soon as they sat a foot outside." Ralph intersected.

"Wait, you actually saw a driving car?" Elsa asked.

"Yeah from afar. As in from afar, afar." Ralph said.

"The place is swamped. One of the first parts of the city to fall and definitely the most infested, only an idiot would be stupid enough to even attempt to go near there." Merida said with a snort.

"And you didn't try to warn them?" Anna asked, a slight disapproval evident in her voice.

"Ain't our job to babysit others." Merida stated.

"There was nothing we could have done." Ralph said. "They came in from the east, we would never have been able to reach them in time." He said the last part with slight pain in his voice.

They continued on trying to make a plan on how to handle the situation. One thing was getting to the place, but they were traveling in a group of 5 people.

Ralph and Vanellope had officially decided to come along on Anna and Elsa's journey up north, but since it would be too risky going back for them after first retrieving the vehicle, they had to come along when getting the car.

It was also discussed what Merida would do. If she would accompany them to the vehicle, she could end up leading practically every infected in the town to her hiding place on her way back. One idea was that she would stay put and the four of them would go get the car alone, however that idea had been shot down immediately by Merida. Like hell she was about to let them get away with all the fun as she had put it herself, but Elsa knew there had been more to it. Merida wanted to make sure that they all made it away safely, and as much as Elsa hated to admit it, both she and Merida knew that they had a far bigger chance in doing so with her help.

"Alright, before we leave and probably get ourselves killed; what are the three golden rules of survival?" Merida turned her attention towards Vanellope who had latched on to Ralph's hand, staying silent throughout the whole planning session.

"Stay hidden, stay fast." The girl, who looked so awfully small and frail kept her eyes on the ground as she kicked at the dirt beneath her foot.

"And?" Merida sent the girl an inspecting gaze.

"Never go full retard." Vanellope looked up with a small smile that instantaneously grew larger as Merida ruffled her hair.

"That's right." There was a flicker of something in Merida's eyes as she sent the girl a smile.

"That's offensive." Anna mumbled under her breath.

"What's that Red? Did you take it personal?" Merida smirked at Anna, causing the girl to blush. She turned back to Vanellope. "Don't worry lass, it'll be just like all the other times okay? Just do as we've practiced and I promise everything will go just fine." She turned around to open the door, leading the way as they headed outside.

"Just stay close."

"So uhm, do you think the car still will be working? If we reach it that is." Anna asked quietly.

They had been walking for some time now. Merida was up front leading them with Elsa and Anna bringing up the rear. This was the first time one of them broke the silence that had settled between them.

Elsa didn't know how much Anna remembered about what had happened the night earlier, it was very uncharacteristic and highly suspicious that the girl had remained quiet for so long. But even if she actually remembered, it didn't make any sense that Elsa would feel this way. That she would feel this guilty.

It had been Anna kissing her for Christ sake! It wasn't like she could help it. Elsa felt a wave of anger swell up from within, the situation was absolutely absurd! It hadn't been her fault and it wasn't like she actually wanted it, not like she actually had enjoyed it. Right? She tried to block out the stream of thoughts inside her head. More than ever she just wanted to get this over with, to pass Anna on to someone else, someone more capable and simply get on with her life… Was that too much to ask for?

"Have I… did I do something wrong?" Elsa had to blink a couple of times as she registered the girl's question and the undeniable traces of vulnerability her voice carried.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" Despite from it cracking in the beginning her voice sounded perfectly calm as Elsa determinately looked anywhere else than at Anna's figure.

"Well, I know it's silly but..." A shy smile now rested on the girl's lips as she continued on. "You didn't wake me up this morning and..." Elsa felt the way her eyes examined her figure as she pressed on. "And well, it sort of feels like you're trying to avoid me? I don't know, I just.. I wondered if maybe I have done something wrong, because if so I would like to apologize." Anna paused for a moment before adding. "I-I don't like the idea of you being angry with me." There was a slight blush burning in her cheeks but Elsa didn't see it. Instead she just focused straight ahead giving the girl a short reply, assuring her that nothing was wrong.

4 days max. That would be how long it would take until they would reach Kristoff's camp up north if they actually managed to get a functioning car.

Elsa hadn't seen him for over a year now. After what had happened between Elsa and her former group she had been forced to seek refuge at Kristoff's camp. It hadn't consisted of more than a handful of people but it had been all she needed at the time.

She had left again not a day after her arrival. She couldn't risk leading the people who had been following her to his camp.

It's odd how things work out, if it hadn't been for what happened back then she wouldn't have met Meg or Merida and she certainly would never have met Anna. A small smile found its way to her lips but it soon vanished as realization hit her. They would reach Kristoff's camp, then what?

Whether Kristoff would actually bring Anna to the Fireflies' medical centre himself or they would discover that such a facility didn't exist in the first place, that would be it. Anna would no longer be in her care and Elsa would be off on her way just like she wanted. After all, that was what she wanted, right?

Merida's signal for the group to halt snapped Elsa back to reality. Everything had gone smoothly so far, but now they were walking through an old cemetery and Elsa noticed the unnerving sound of clicking, which must have been the reason they stopped. Nothing could quite describe the way it sounded. It was a high pitched, almost birdlike call mixed with growls and groans. It could make the hair in the back of her neck stand every time.

But however disgusting or disturbing the sound might be, at least clickers were always easy to locate, unlike stalkers and runners who had a nasty habit of just coming barging out from nowhere.

Elsa's wire would not be of any help against a horde of clickers, and to use a gun in such environment would be equal to suicide and remained an absolutely last resort.

Luckily the graveyard was filled with old pieces of rubble and bricks. Carefully she reached down to grab one when she noticed a piece of wood laying in the tall grass not a couple of meters from where she was standing, and decided to pick that up instead.

"How many?" Ralph asked in a low voice.

"I don't know." Merida sent Elsa a look silently asking if she had any idea, but it was simply too hard to tell.

"I can hear at least seven". Anna said while still crouching, trying focusing her hearing. "And one is definitely heading our way."

A wave of astonishment came over Merida's features, but it disappeared as soon as it had emerged when she instead fixed her attention on Vanellope.

"Alright lass yer up." Vanellope gave Merida a determined nod as she pulled out her slingshot and what seemed to be a small pebble from the pouch attached to the shoulder strap of her bag. She pulled up the hood of her shirt and before Elsa could react she had set into a sprint, disappearing within a blink of the eye.

At Elsa's confused expression Ralph offered a quick explanation. "Noisemakers. My own design. She'll shoot them random places and they'll serve as a distraction."

Soon a loud crack could be heard, followed by the sound of a dozen feet stomping against the ground as they charged after the source of the noise.

The group quickly tried making a break for it as the infected were preoccupied but of course one runner had stayed behind. It was about to let out a cry as it launched towards them but Merida quickly put an arrow through its head.

Vanellope made it back to the group, walking up right next to Ralph who sent her an approving nod as they carried on.

They needed to get out of the cemetery, there was too many places where an infected could be lurking, waiting to charge like some mad dog. She could tell that Merida was thinking the same as another infected appeared. Merida tried taking it down as quickly as possible but it made too much noise. It let out an ear wrenching screech as she didn't manage to kill it in one shot, instead it fell to the ground with an arrow sticking out of its shoulder.

"Fuck." Merida growled as she stabbed it right in the eye. All around them noises could be heard. "Ralph?" Merida's asked as she scanned the area for any possible quick escape.

"I'm on it." He started throwing nailbombs, aiming for the areas where most noises could be heard. Meanwhile they headed for the big wall separating the graveyard from the rest of the city. It was too high to climb without help and as soon as they reached it Elsa turned her back against the wall getting into a position so she could help boost people up.

Ralph had already picked Vanellope up, lifting her so she could make it to the top and climb down the other side.

Elsa quickly boosted Anna up to the ledge. Ralph was by far too heavy for one person to lift alone, so she and Merida tried helping him together.

Elsa could feel the sweat forming on her forehead as the bombs went off. It might be they had taken out a few of the infected, but an explosion like that could and would draw the attention of every creature within a mile, and she and Merida were completely exposed to any threat.

"Any time now big boy." Merida spoke through gritted teeth, panic gripping her as a runner made its way through the shredded corpses of its predecessors, heading straight towards them. Elsa had to fight the urge to simply let go and grab her gun as Ralph kept on struggling to make his way up.

The runner let out a strained snarl as it launched at them but it soon fell to the ground as the sound of a shot echoed around them. More infected were coming, but one by one each fell to the ground as more shots were fired.

Ralph's weight finally left her and only a few seconds later Elsa too made her way to safety as he reached down to grasp her hand, hoisting her up next to himself. It took her a moment to regain focus as she made her way down. Her pulse was beating so loudly it made it impossible to think.

At any moment she had been ready to let go, just say fuck the big guy and save her own ass. Why hadn't she?

"Next time move yer bleeding arse ya big lump!" Merida gave Ralph a slap in the back off the head. It may be she was wearing a smile, but her words carried a sting of truth. She turned her attention toward Anna, who was hoisting her rifle up on her back again.

"And you. Congratulations, ye actually aren't completely useless! Good on ya." She gave Anna an approving nudge on the shoulder causing the girl to mumble out a bashful, "Thank you I guess".

"Well, we can't stand here all day. Lots more are going to come after hearing those fireworks." Merida sent Elsa an inspecting look as she spoke the words.

She knew… Elsa could feel it by the way she looked at her. She knew what Elsa had been considered doing, and now she was wondering as well: Why did she consider bailing now, when she hadn't hesitated a second before risking her life for Anna the last time they were in a similar situation?

Elsa straightened her posture as Merida's eyes lingered on her a moment too long for comfort.

Elsa clenched her jaw as she sent the other girl an icy glare. She didn't know what she was thinking, but no matter what she wanted Merida to back the fuck down. She had no right standing there judging her, that self-righteous little…

"And uhm, thanks for not bailing on us Smelly."

Elsa could feel her eyebrows arch, she had expected something more confrontational. She simply gave Merida a nod in response. It hadn't been the reaction she had expected, but she definitely appreciated it.

The small group was once again on the move, they could hear the city stir around them but as long as they just moved swiftly and didn't draw too much attention to themselves, they were going to be fine.

Once every now and then Elsa would glance over at Anna. She wanted to express her… approval of how well the girl had done, if it hadn't been for her the group would definitely have consisted of fewer people by now. But something was stopping her from actually saying anything about it.

She could feel Anna's eyes resting on her. She would send Elsa a small smile now and again, but as Elsa time after time would fail to return the smile her face fell and soon she stopped meeting her eyes at all.

They finally reached what seemed to be an old school of sorts. The streets were filled with garbage and broken cars but it was a special one that caught Merida's eyes and caused her to set into a sprint. "No-no-no-no."

By the time the rest of them caught up to her Merida had gotten her suspicion confirmed. She had popped the hood open, finding its insides stripped.

"That's bad isn't it?" Her voice trembled slightly as Ralph quickly leaned in over her to take a look.

The car had been under some heavy attack. Its windows and mirrors were all broken and dents could be seen all over its panels and doors. However Elsa also noticed that there was no one inside, so hopefully whoever it was driving had somehow managed to make their way out and to safety.

"The battery is gone." Ralph stated, pinching the bridge of his nose as if trying to clear his mind.

"Well can ye fix it? I mean can ya make it work without it?" Merida asked, clearly frustrated.

Ralph let out a strained laugh as he ran a hand through his messy locks.

"No. No I can't, it's like… Merida the fucking battery is gone." Vanellope looked up at the man with big eyes as Merida forcefully kicked one of the car's tires.

"So what do we do now?" Elsa asked. Over half the day had passed just getting to the location, and now they were forced to continue on foot. Elsa honestly had no idea how four people were supposed to make it all the way to Kristoff with the limited amount of food they had been given but one thing was certain, she refused to waste valuable time on just standing having a breakdown.

"Ye can make it to the east border before nightfall." Merida said after finally calming her nerves. "Don't worry, I'll take ya there." She tried masking the disappointment she felt as she sent Vanellope a reassuring smile.

"Already gone this far, might as well go the rest of the way."

They had walked for less than an hour when they reached an area filled with barricades and trucks, soon followed by bones and bodies lying in the street.

"Kid, you look the other way now, okay? I don't want you to see this." Ralph muttered silently to Vanellope as they passed a pile of half incinerated corpses. Their skin was as dark as coal and awfully charred, empty eye sockets glared into space. Just the sight of it made Elsa's stomach turn, and that was before the smell. That purely horrific smell.

They had reached what used to be Empire's purging area.

It had been a military strategy at first, an attempt of stopping the fungi from spreading further by eliminating the hosts completely. Specific areas in the zones were dedicated solely to the purpose, and they were filled with piles after piles.

Everyone would serve duty in these areas. Everyone had to see, had to know. And as time passed it was no longer a mean to get rid of infected bodies alone. Thousands of humans living in a limited space, with people dying every single day of various reasons; the deceased had to be put somewhere. So what do you do? The answer is simple: just pile them up with the rest and strike a match.

Elsa felt how Anna's hand carefully sought out her own and she looked down at their joined hands considering for a moment pulling away but something caused her to decide against it.

"We-we have to leave." Anna's voice was weak and Elsa could see a wave of panic in the girl's eyes. She was about to calm her when realization too dawned upon her. Not all of the bodies had been fully incinerated, some of them had simply been left to rot. And where there is food, there is certainly predators.

"Merida, turn around now!" Merida whipped her head back to respond but it was too late.

Heavy footsteps, followed by an almost primal roar caused Elsa to close her eyes dejectedly as she felt the dread welling up from within.

"MASKS ON NOW!" She heard Merida's voice screaming as a massive deformed figure slowly emerged from a nearby building.

"Oh my God! What is that?" Panic filled Anna's voice, clearly terrified by the sight before her.

"It's a bloater." Elsa's voice sounded tired as the giant let out another roar which echoed in the streets. Other infected drawn by the noises started making their presence known, emerging in the shadows from the surrounding buildings.

The small group were now standing with their weapons in hand, even Vanellope was aiming her slingshot at the various creatures. However Elsa knew that it would hardly make a difference. A bloater on its own would have taken a combined effort, but this was simply too much for any of them to handle.

"Run." Elsa's voice cut through the clicking and screaming as all of the infected, including the bloater, launched at once.

"RUN!"