Three of them

Another story I have up and running when I'm not working on my Horizon Zero Dawn story, more is coming but I want to take my time with it and not rush it.

After this chapter I'm going to try and speed things up with this story, eg not describe every little detail and dialogue.

This story centres around a young male OC named Mason, the nephew of Tess. This story will be mainly about his friendship with Ellie, which will turn into something more when appropriate.

Ellie will be bisexual in this story, I know some people will be mad at that, but what's the idea of fanfiction if you can't do little changes for the story?.

Open to ideas and criticism.

Hearing the loud bangs on the door, a young man of around fithteen years of age, with dark brown hair put his book down and walked other to answer it, Joel was beginning to get up himself after just walking up.

'Ive got it Joel'. The young man said out loud to Joel, to which he gruffly hummed in response. Typical response from Joel from all his years that he's known Joel.

When he opened the door, a woman in her late forties early fifties appeared, Joel's partner, she had a hardened serious look but did gentle out a bit with a small smile when she saw the young man, which he returned though he was surprised considering Tess had bruises on her, something happened to her.

He decided to get Joel over to have a look for him self.

'Hey Joel it's Aunt Tess, you might want to get up.'.

'Alright'. Joel responded somewhat irritated. closed the door behind His Aunt, right when he did this, Tess spoke up to him in a with her usual voice somewhat positive attitude with a smile.

'How was your morning Mason?'.

'It's been fine so far, certainly can't complain'. Mason responded pretty happily with his own smile and positivity.

'I'm glad to hear'. She said with a chuckle as she went to pour herself a drink, Mason asked in a sarcastic joking voice.

'Aunt Tess, When can I have one?'. With a comedic smile on his face. Tess gave him that look of 'you know the answer.'

'When you're old enough in a few years Mason'. Tess said with a serious smile, Mason chuckling in response.

'I remember I was eight when first asked you and Joel that, seven years ago now, exactly the same response.'

'That long ago now?'. Tess asked with a bit bewildered amusement by her nephew's memory.

'Yes it was Aunt Tess.'

'Man you have a better memory than I have, your father was no different.' Tess said, the mention of Tess's brother who was Masons father, Mason went quite ,sort of killed the good vibe they had going. Before Tess speak Joel entered the kitchen.

'You want one?.' Tess asked Joel as he walked over to where they were standing near the table.

'No... I don't want one'. Joel replied, rather annoyed.

'Well, I have something interesting news for you'. Tess said while leaning against the table while Mason got a clean cloth and started working on the cuts on her face. Just as Tess said what she said, Joel immediately voiced up in a serious tone.

'Where were you Tess?'.

'West End District'. Joel didn't look very impressed at all.

'Hey we had a drop to make'. Joel spoke with a bit authority in the air, Mason knew that it too well.

'We, We had a drop to make'. Joel said in a somewhat annoyed tone now. Mason simply continued trying to clean up his Aunts cut on her face.

'Yeah, well, you wanted to be left alone remember?.' Mason remembered that, he was still half asleep and Joel argued to Tess that he wanted to be left alone, for reasons not all that clear to Mason, but wasn't his business to meddle in.

'Well you could have taken him at least, the boy has some smart thinking and can hold his own, at least, sort of.' Mason turned to Joel feeling a bit annoyed at that. Tess just smiled a bit at that.

'What is that supposed mean Joel?'.

'Never mind'.

Joel just turned around and walked away a little bit, ignoring Mason's remark. he then spoke again, this time to Tess, he sounded very annoyed now.

'Let me guess, the whole deal went south and the client made off with our pills. Is that right?!'.

Tess just chuckled at that, Mason knew that Joel could be quite negative and no nonsense a lot of the time, he found this out the day he first met him when he was five, though at the time being that young Mason didn't know that then.

Tess this time spoke up in a serious tone.

'Deal went off without a hitch, enough ration cards to last us a couple of months'. Tess even pulled out a bunch of ration cards from her pocket.

Mason decided to bring up the cuts on his Aunt's face.

'And when this happen exactly? If you don't mind me asking'. He continued cleaning with the rag.

'I was on my way back here and I got jumped by these two assholes.'

'And yeah they got a few good hits in. But...' Joel did not look very impressed, not surprisingly though.

'Look I managed'.

'Mason give me that for a minute.'

'Sure thing Joel'.

Mason handed the rag to Joel and he began tending Tess's cuts.

'Are these assholes still with us?'.

'Now that's funny'.

'Did you find out who they were?'.

'Yeah they were a couple of no bodies, no they don't matter.'

'All that matters, is that Robert fucking sent them.'

'Our Robert?'. Joel's facial reaction said a lot about this.

'He knows where after him, he figures he's gunna get us first'.

'Son of a bitch is smart you know.' Mason said casually, which got him two looks from Joel and Tess.

'I'm sorry but it's true. Shit'.

'Watch you language Mason, and No, he's not smart enough'

'I know where he's hiding'. Joel didn't look convinced what so ever.

'like hell you do'.

'Old where house in area 5, can't say for how long though'. Mason had a feeling what this was going to mean, knowing his Aunt Tess and Joel.

'Well, I'm ready now'.

'I can do now'.

'So can I'. Tess and Joel looked at him when he said that, like he had crossed the line.

'No Mason,

'Aunt Tess, please, I just want to help, besides I've been out with you and Joel before'.

'Yeah but nothing like this'. Tess replied to Mason, it was true Mason was allowed especially as he got older, to do jobs with his aunt and Joel.

'Yes I know, but I want to learn, I want help you guys, I'm just sick of feeling useless, besides in this world I'm not sure how long one stays a kid anymore'.

'He's done good on a couple of jobs I've him on, he's able to handle himself, most of the time'. Joel spoke up in Masons defence, Tess did not look impressed by that, it was true what Joel said though, But those job's didn't involve a man hunt.

After a quick think Tess turned to her nephew with a serious face, Masons knew that look when his aunt is serious.

'Alright, but you listen to everything me and Joel say out door, got it?'.

'I'll take that'

'Good, let's go then'.

The trio headed to the door, after Joel got ahead of them a bit, Tess turned around to face Mason, but this face with a more gentle face and she placed her hand on his shoulder.

'Mason, just so you know you're not useless, me and Joel don't see you as that at all, You are not useless, don't ever think or feel that you are. Some things are just a bit dangerous.' Masons frowned face changed to a small smile as a result of his Aunts encouragement.

'Thanks Aunt Tess.' With a pat on the shoulder they got moving.

The trio left the apartment and made there down the ally way that lead to the street.

'Check point is still opened'.

'Only a few hours till curfew'.

'We better hurry up then.'

'I hope you can keep up old man'.

'Yeah yeah Mason'. Tess and Mason briefly laughed for a second to Joel's dull reply.

They proceeded down the ally way, Tess unlocked the gate which the trio continued to the Main Street. The buildings had see better days, everything was appearing weather down due to no real maintenance as result of the infection, the resources simply did not exist anymore, there were bigger priorities to focus on.

The PA system addressing citizens to carry their IDs was on as usual.

'Look at that, the ration line hasn't opened yet, they must be running low again.'

As they walked down the street a group of people were pushed out of a building by soldiers and were being checked for infection, one woman unfortunately was infected and promptly executed, one man tried to make a dumb for it and was immediately gunned, the trio walked by and didn't pay much attention, at least Joel and Tess didn't, Mason was more disturbed and try not to watch.

'It just seems like more people are getting infected'.

'That just means more people are sneaking out'.

'I got us all new papers, they shouldn't give us any static up there'.

'Sweet'

'just play cool'.

'oh I'm the definition of cool'. Mason said enthusiastically, earning a smile from Tess and a eye roll from Joel.

They stop infront of the soldier, motioning them to stop and present there ids.

'Let me see your ids'.

'Here you go'. Joel gave him the three new ID cards. The soldier checked the new ids.

'What's your business here?'. The solder asked the three of them.

'Got the day off, visiting a friend'. The soldier then pointed to Mason.

'And you young man?.'

'Their family, I'm tagging along with them'. Motioning to Joel and Tess.

'Alright, move on through'. The soldier said satisfied with the IDs and their reasons for coming to the other side of the district.

'Thank you'. Mason said, the guard simply nodded and stepped aside.

Suddenly a explosion occurred and the truck in-front of the checkpoint gate exploded into flames, all three ducked quickly, after the explosion Tess quickly got in-front of Mason the shield him, a small piece of shrapnel had hit Joel in the arm.

The guards quickly shut the gates with the soldier saying to them to get out of here.

'Fire flies!'. The soldiers yelled returning gun fire. The trio quickly turned around and ran. The alarm was going off with the loudspeakers telling people to get of the streets.

The trio ran into a building that Tess lead them to. After getting inside closing the door, Tess quickly checked on Mason to make sure he wasn't hit. To her relief he wasn't as she placed her hand on Masons shoulder.

'You ok Mason?'. Her tone was way more softer than normal.

'Yeah I'm fine Aunt Tess, decides it could have have been worse.' His aunt gave an encouraging smile.

'Haha, that's my nephew'.

After that fiasco that just happened at the checkpoint, they needed a new plan after to get Robert after the fireflies ruined there easy route.

'So much for the easy route, patch yourself up alright'. Tess threw Joel and bandage for the cut on his arm. Afterwards they proceeded through the hallway of the building.

'There going to close all the checkpoints, we're gonna have go around the outside'.

'Hold on you don't mean outside the wall?'.

'Same what the kid said'. Was Joel's response to Tess. Mason had a feeling that might be the case, hopefully it won't be.

'Or we could just let Robert go'.

'Cute'.

A gaurd in the hallway approached to ask her if she knew what had happened, to Tess, she replied she was there, nothing much that bought Masons attention, but then the guard brought up that someone named Marlene was looking for Robert apparently.

'Marlene looking for Robert? What do you make of that?'.

'I don't like it.'

'Who's Marlene?'. Mason wondered who that was, clearly aunt Tess and Joel knew, Tess gave him a quick answer with a serious face.

'Queen Fireflie, it's all you need to know Mason'.

They reached a well lit room with plenty of sun light, and briefly speaking to another guard Joel and Tess moved a tv cabinet that hid a large whole in the wall, the trio leaped through the hole and landed on the floor below. Tess quickly turned the lights.

'Let there be light'.

'Ah, god this place reeks, people need to watch what they throw down here.' Tess complained about how bad the place smelled, Mason ignored her remark and alongside Joel they made their way to the work bench for their backpacks and weapons.

'Not a lot of ammo'. Joel muttered while checking his handgun and remaining ammo. Mason look at his ammo, with an uncertain look, because he actually has some extra he can give, feeling bad he has more then Joel and his Aunt he decides to offer some.

'Umm... Aunt Tess, Joel, I do have some extra ammo here if you guys want some'. Mason said while pulling out a basically full box of 9mm rounds. Tess spoke up wondering how he found it

'Mason, where did you get all that?'.

'I just found it last time I went with Joel.'

'When was this last time?'.

'Last week I took him out for a quick job.'' Joel answered before Mason could.

'What, without asking me first?'. She turned her eyes to Joel. But Mason spoke up quickly.

'Aunt Tess please, it's no big deal I just helped Joel out for a couple of hours, nothing happened'.

Tess after thinking for a few seconds spoke.

'Alright, considering you went out without asking me first, a few would be good Mason'. Tess sounded serious yet had this sarcastic undertone that Mason understood, not in real trouble.

After giving some to Joel and Tess, they were ready.

'But still, Make your shots count.' Mason said to Joel

'Now that'sfunny coming from you know.' Mason just rolled his eyes to that, as Joel proceeded ahead Tess came up to Mason with softer look but still keeping its serious edge.

'Remember what it's for only?'.

'For emergencies only.'

'Alright, Texas. Boost me up. You ready?'. asked Tess to Joel

'Yes, ma'am.' Straight to the point.

Joel then lifts up Tess and does the same for Mason.

'Cmon'.

Tess and Mason pulled him up over the wall and they exit into an old rundown shop.

'Go on you two.' said Joel in regard to the wooden plank he just held up to them.

'Got it'. Mason and Tess held the plank so Joel could climb up.

They then put the cover over the hidden exit.

'Be careful.'

'When am I not?'

Joel just scoffs while Masons chuckles quietly.

'That a trick question?'

The three walk end up into an overgrown suburb that had not been used in forever.

'Ain't been out here in a while.'

'It's like we're on a date.'

'Well I am the romantic type.'

'You got your ways.'

Mason rolls his eyes, typical talk between his aunt and Joel.

'Where's the ladder?'.

'It's gotta be around here somewhere. Got it.'

'Great. Bring it over.' said Mason, Joel grabbed the ladder and placed it up the wall, ready to climb.

'Ladies first.'

'Lady? You must be thinking of someone else.' said Tess with a smirk

'It's all relative.' said Joel also with a smirk

''Typical.' Mason uttered to himself, they climb into the old apartment complex

'This way. Down through here. You think Robert's still got our guns?'

'From what I've heard of Robert, does not sound very likely.'

'For his sake...he better.' Mason recognises that tone from Joel, one of serious trouble if he catches someone who wronged him.

'Look, once we get our merchandise back, it should be easy to unload.'

'Speaking of merchandise…' Mason rolled his eyes again, he knew where that talk was going.

'That wasn't what I meant, I was gonna say when's the next shipment due?'.

'Well, we're meeting Bill next month, more pills, lots of ammo, supposedly.'

'Yeah, well he always shows up with somethin'. Should keep us busy for a while.'

While walking they find a passage filled with fungal spores. The three of them stopped to put gas masks on.

'Hold up. Spores.'

'Where the hell are all these comin' from? Place was clear last time.'

'They must be coming out of something... or someone.' said Mason.

'Stay alert.'

While moving through the passage they find a body on the floor with spores coming out of it.

'There's the culprit.' Mason said while walking closer to the body but then stopping to not get too close.

'Body's not that old. Better keep your eyes and ears open.'

'Well come on, we should be able to fit through here. Oh, shit.' said Joel when the roof partially collapsed.

"You okay?" asked Tess.

'Yeah. Damn ceiling's falling apart. Be careful. This way. Easy...'

While sliding through the crack an infected person grabs Joel's leg, he quickly warned Tess and Mason.

'Watch it you two.'

"Help me... My mask broke. Don't... don't leave me to turn. Please." begged the infected person, who was trapped up the collapse roof.

'What you want to do?'.

'We can't just leave him like this...'. Mason said to Joel and Tess, his voice had the tone of wanting to help, even though the person is already infected.

Joel pulls out his handgun and shoots him in the head, Mason closed his eyes when Joe did this, he had never gotten use to that, sure he had killed a couple of fully transformed infected but he hadn't killed someone living, Mason didn't know if he even wanted to become use to that, he dreaded thinking that, he muttered something sympathetically quietly but loud enough for Joel and Tess to here.

'Poor guy.' Joel simply walked ahead, Tess put her hand on his shoulder, her eyes on him in a caring and compassionate.

As they turned they suddenly heard a noise in front of them.

'Up ahead. You hear that?'

"Shh, shh, shh." mumbled Joel

'How you wanna handle it?'

Joel turns to see Mason behind him and motions for him to follow, Mason not sure by this turned to his Aunt see if it's okay with her. Tess thinks for a for a few seconds and decides he needs to learn and do this kind of stuff more often, so she nodded and motioned him to follow Joel and listen to everything he says and instructs.

'Hey, you see it right there.' whispered Joel pointing at the infected near them

'It's hard not to Joel.'. Mason point out with a quiet voice.

'Watch what I do, then do it to the one over there.'

'Okay'.

Joel went up behind the infected and started strangling it till it went limp, Mason moves to the other one and dose the same thing, They continue to that to every infected in their area

"Alright, that's all of 'em.' said Tess

'Let's hope so.' said Joel patting Mason on the shoulder.

'Good work Mason'.

'Thanks Joel'.

'Let's head back into the city.'

They leave the infested passage and back to the outside

'Ahhh...some fresh air. That's the one thing I love about the outside. Fuckin' hate the smell of the city.'

'Why don't you ask Bill to get you some of them air fresheners?'

'That'd be a good idea…

'If they weren't expired.' Mason has a feeling they probably, only the lord knows when they last produced them.

'Come on, through here." Tess indicating a false wall, they moved a piece of the fake out of the road.

'Cover the entrance.'

'I got it.'

The my we're now in, three of them walk a bit deeper in and discover their plank fell down.

'Damn it. Plank fell down. Be a dear, would you?' said Tess

Mason went to walk to retrieve the plank but is stopped by Tess.

'Not you.'

'Sorry.'

'I'll get it.' Joel proceeded, eventually grabbing the plank.

"Here. Pass it to me." said Tess when Joel came with the plank in hand.

'Sure you don't want Mason to do it? It's a bit heavy.'

'I think I can handle it.'

'Alright.' Mason chuckled at Joel's response.

'What so funny Mason?'.

'Oh nothing...' He lied,

'Get your ass up here, That includes you Mason. Let's move.'

'Bossy today.'

Mason almost crack up laughing but managed to keep straight face.

'Oh let me tell you Joel she's bossy every day, from as long as I can remember.' Mason whispered which earned him a chuckle from Joel

'What's so funny?.' Tess inquired them.

'Ah nothing, just some stupid thought popped up in my head and I repeated it to Joel'. said Mason and Joel at the same time

'Right...' Tess didn't sound very convinced.

' I might have to have a little later Mason, it's not nice to talk behind peoples backs you know.' but thankfully she didn't press further.

'You started it Kid.'.

'Oh haha Joel...'

Afters Masons joking response, Joel's face had a brief smile, one Mason hadn't seen very much of in a long time from Joel.

They finally neared a street not far now from the place that Robert was hiding in.

'Let's make sure there aren't any soldiers around.' Joel and Tess checked while Mason waited behind them.

'It's clear. Come on.'

They eventually enter a corner apartment, not far away from there intended Targets location now.

'Shut the door. Pick up that ammo. I'm sure we'll need it.' Mason did just that, handing some spare ammo to Joel and Tess, he had more than enough for the current task ahead of them.

This story I'm pretty excited to do, and it's lot short and easier to compared to Horizon, but don't worry I will be working on both.