The Last Of Us: Retold

by HumbleGeek

This is a retelling of the story of The Last Of Us.

8. Devotion and Betrayal

(A/N: Here's the final chapter of my retelling. DISCLAIMER: I own absolutely nothing except my own character(s).)

A couple weeks had passed since the harrowing events at Silver Lake. The group had made slow progress toward Salt Lake City, taking care not to push too hard with Joel's injury, even as it continued to heal. The infection had finally cleared, and while Joel was nearly back to full strength, Shadow insisted they take it slow. She wouldn't risk Joel burning himself out.

Ellie, however, remained a shadow of the lively, outspoken girl she had been before. The attack she had narrowly escaped at the hands of David had left scars that couldn't be seen but were no less deep. Her once bold and sarcastic demeanor had been replaced with an eerie silence. She was withdrawn, her bright curiosity dimmed.

Night after night, her screams tore through their small campsites. She relived the terror of Silver Lake in her dreams, waking up shaking and sobbing. Shadow was always there, never hesitating to rush to Ellie's side. She would wrap the girl in her arms, whispering soft reassurances while Ellie clung to her, trembling and refusing to return to sleep.

Shadow knew the pain Ellie carried all too well. She had been even younger than Ellie when she was attacked, and the memory of that day was still etched deeply into her soul. She understood that Ellie's fear and grief were like an open wound, raw and unyielding. Shadow wanted desperately to help Ellie shoulder the weight of her trauma, to ask her what exactly had happened at Silver Lake so she could better understand and guide her. But she also knew that Ellie wasn't ready.

Shadow didn't push. She waited, offering quiet comfort and an unspoken promise that, when Ellie was ready, she would listen.

Joel, meanwhile, was struggling to reconcile the Ellie before Silver Lake with the Ellie he saw now. He hated seeing her so withdrawn, so hollow. It tore at him to see the once-vibrant girl who had driven him crazy with her endless questions and sarcastic comments now retreat into herself.

He missed her puns—those awful, ridiculous jokes she insisted on telling no matter how many times he told her they weren't funny. He even missed her exasperating habit of poking at him until he cracked a smile despite himself. This wasn't the Ellie he had come to know and care for.

Joel wanted to help her, wanted to bring back the spark she had lost, but he didn't know how. He wasn't good at words or emotions—never had been. And now, with Ellie so distant, he felt more helpless than ever.

Every time she screamed in the night, he flinched, guilt gnawing at him. He had promised to protect her, and yet he had failed to shield her from what happened at Silver Lake.

Watching Shadow with Ellie both comforted and pained him. Shadow had a way of understanding the girl that Joel envied, a quiet strength that Ellie seemed to gravitate toward.

Still, he was grateful for Shadow's presence. Her patience and unwavering support for Ellie were something he admired deeply, even if he couldn't quite put it into words. For now, all Joel could do was focus on getting them to Salt Lake City safely, hoping that somewhere along the way, Ellie would find her way back to herself.

Joel crouched low, scattering dirt over the remnants of the campfire with his hand, ensuring every last ember was snuffed out. He rose, brushing his hands against his jeans, and glanced toward the camp. Shadow was adjusting her cloak, carefully draping it over Ellie's small frame. Ellie, who had spent another restless night haunted by her nightmares, had only just managed to drift back into an uneasy sleep.

Joel caught Shadow's eye and gave a subtle nod, motioning for her to follow him. She straightened, her gaze lingering on Ellie for a moment before she stepped lightly after him.

They walked a short distance, staying within sight of the camp but far enough that their low voices wouldn't disturb Ellie's rest. Joel stopped near a rocky outcrop and rested his hands on his hips, exhaling deeply as he looked out over the horizon.

"How far are we?" Shadow asked quietly, breaking the silence.

"Not far," Joel replied. "If we keep a steady pace, we'll hit the hospital by this afternoon."

Shadow nodded, her arms crossing over her chest, her gaze falling to the ground. "Let her sleep another hour," she said softly.

Joel glanced back at the camp, his eyes settling on Ellie's small, still form. He gave a reluctant nod.

Shadow studied his face, reading the unspoken worry etched into his expression. "She needs time," she said, her voice low and gentle.

Joel rubbed the back of his neck, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah. I just... feel so damn useless," he admitted, the frustration clear in his voice.

Shadow sighed, her gaze distant. "Me too," she said after a pause. "But she'll talk to us when she's ready. Whatever happened to her, we can't force it from her. She needs to process it on her terms."

Joel's eyes shifted to Shadow. There were so many things they hadn't said to each other since she had caught up with them in Colorado. So much unspoken tension, and not just about Ellie. His thoughts turned to the night they'd shared in Jackson—the night neither of them had mentioned since. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Why'd you come after us?" Joel asked suddenly, breaking the silence. He shrugged off his coat and draped it over Shadow's shoulders with unexpected gentleness.

The gesture caught her off guard. Her fingers instinctively gripped the edges of the coat as she looked up at him. "I heard about the last group of Tommy's men going to the university," she said, her voice steady. "How they were attacked. I was... worried. For both of you."

"You just left Jackson?" Joel asked, frowning. "They let you go?"

"I didn't ask for permission," Shadow replied with a faint smile. "The patrol had locked the gate for the night. Tommy and Mar tried to talk me into waiting until morning, but I'd already made my decision."

Joel raised an eyebrow. "Please tell me you didn't break down the gate."

"No." Shadow smirked. "I broke the nose of one of the patrolmen, climbed the watchtower, and walked over the edge of the gate."

Joel let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Christ... not surprised."

He couldn't help but recall the first time he'd seen her leap off a building and land on her feet as if it were nothing. He could only imagine the looks on the faces of the folks back in Jackson.

The lightness of the moment faded as Joel studied her again. There was something distant about her lately, even when she wasn't tending to Ellie. "You alright?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Shadow hesitated, clutching the coat tighter around her. "I'm fine," she said, but her eyes betrayed her.

Joel stepped closer, his tone gentle. "What happened back there… with your brother."

Her breath hitched. The mention of James brought a flash of pain to her eyes, but she nodded. Joel knew what it had cost her to kill her own family to protect him and Ellie. It wasn't lost on him how long it had been since she'd held a gun—something she swore off after being forced to take her own mother's life all those years ago at the compound.

"He wasn't my brother anymore..." Shadows voice was barely audible.

"Shadow…" Joel's voice was low. He met her gaze, his sincerity cutting through the weight between them. "Thank you. For coming after us. For protectin' Ellie."

Shadow's smile faded as her gaze drifted back toward Ellie. Her expression softened, her voice quiet. "What happens now?" she asked. "What happens after you get her to the Fireflies?"

Joel shifted, his jaw tightening as he considered the question. "Well... I figure they'll do whatever tests they're planning, and then we head back to Jackson," he said, though the words sounded more like a plan he was trying to convince himself of than a certainty.

Joel sighed, his eyes fixed on Ellie. "I can't... raise her alone," he admitted. "I'll need your help."

Shadow turned to meet his gaze, her expression resolute. "You'll have it," she said firmly. "I'm not going anywhere."

Joel swallowed, his hands resting on his hips as he shifted uncomfortably. His eyes dropped to the ground, the words caught in his throat. "But..." he started, his voice low. "That night... when we..."

He trailed off, unable to finish. He wasn't the kind of man who could give her what she deserved—he never had been, and the decades of grief and guilt had only built walls he couldn't break down. He cared for Shadow, but allowing himself to feel anything more was a risk he wasn't willing to take. Shadow was too young, too beautiful. She deserved someone better, someone who hadn't spent the last 20 years drowning in regret and loss.

Shadow's lips pressed into a thin line as she watched him struggle, his hesitation speaking volumes. She had known this conversation would come eventually, but it didn't make it any easier. "It won't happen again," she said quietly, her voice steady but tinged with an unspoken ache. "You don't have to say it."

Joel's head snapped up at her words, a flicker of guilt flashing across his face. "Shadow, I—"

"You don't need to explain," she interrupted gently, cutting him off before he could fumble further. "That night... it was what we both needed. No regrets, Joel. I'm not expecting anything from you."

She gave him a small, almost reassuring smile, though there was a sadness in her eyes that Joel couldn't quite place. It wasn't rejection—but something quieter, something resigned.

"Alright," Joel murmured, his voice awkward but relieved. He shifted his stance, glancing back toward Ellie as a way to avoid the weight of Shadow's gaze.

For a moment, silence hung between them, thick and unspoken. Shadow crossed her arms over her chest, turning her gaze toward the horizon. She could read Joel better than most, but there were still parts of him that were locked away, hidden behind walls she knew she'd never breach. And maybe that was for the best. She didn't want to risk complicating the fragile balance they'd found—their partnership built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared goal: keeping Ellie safe.

But that didn't mean it didn't hurt.

Joel cleared his throat, breaking the stillness. "You're good with her," he said, his voice softer now. "With Ellie. She trusts you."

"She needs someone she can trust," Shadow replied, her tone gentle but firm. "She's been through enough already."

Joel nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Yeah," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "More than anyone her age should."

Shadow's gaze softened as she looked back at him. "She's lucky to have you, Joel. Whether you believe it or not."

He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "I don't know about that."

"I do," Shadow said simply.

Joel looked at her, his brow furrowed as if searching for something in her words. But whatever it was, he didn't find it. Instead, he gave her a small, grateful nod before turning his attention back toward the camp.

As they walked back to Ellie, the silence between them was no longer uncomfortable but layered with an unspoken understanding. They might not have had the words to express everything, but they didn't need them. For now, it was enough that they were together.

---

Joel led the way as they left their makeshift campsite, his rifle slung over his shoulder. Ellie trudged along beside Shadow, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and mumbling something about how the ground was harder than she remembered. Shadow walked silently, her sharp eyes scanning the treeline, always on alert.

Before they got too far, Shadow had managed to catch a small fish from a nearby river while Joel filled their canisters with fresh water. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get some protein into their systems and keep them moving. Joel had mentioned they could reach the hospital in Salt Lake City by midday if they kept up a good pace. Ellie barely acknowledged either of them, her quietness lingering like a storm cloud over their small group.

After several hours on foot, they found themselves descending onto an old highway, its pavement cracked and overgrown with weeds. Abandoned cars lined the road, rusted husks that had long since been picked clean. Joel slowed his steps and glanced back at the two women following him.

"Let's take a breather," he said, motioning toward an old truck with its bed still intact.

Ellie nodded silently and trudged over to the truck, tossing her pack beside her as she sat on the edge. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, her face drawn and tired. Shadow and Joel exchanged a glance.

Joel sighed, setting his pack on the ground. "See that old RV up ahead?" he asked, pointing to the broken-down vehicle leaning precariously on deflated tires.

Shadow squinted at it. "I don't think it'll run," she replied, a faint grin tugging at her lips.

"Not what I'm after," Joel said dryly. "Might be somethin' useful inside."

"Alright," Shadow said with a small nod, her gaze briefly flicking toward the RV. "Be careful."

Joel adjusted the pistol strapped to his hip and made his way toward the RV, his footsteps crunching softly on the cracked pavement.

Shadow's eyes lingered on him until he disappeared inside. Then, she turned her attention to Ellie, who hadn't moved from her spot on the truck. The exhaustion on the girl's face was evident, but it was more than physical. It was the kind of weariness that came from carrying too much for too long.

"Hey," Shadow said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that cut through the stillness. "Poppet?"

Ellie stirred at the familiar term of endearment, lifting her head slightly. "Hmm?" she mumbled, her voice thick with fatigue.

Shadow sighed and climbed onto the truck bed, sitting beside her. For a while, they sat in silence, the only sounds the occasional rustle of leaves and distant birdsong.

It was Ellie who finally broke the quiet. "Tell me about my mother," she said, her voice low but steady.

Shadow blinked, turning her head to look at Ellie. "Your mother?"

Ellie nodded, her gaze fixed on the cracked asphalt. "You knew her. You were there when I was born."

"I was," Shadow said softly. She took a deep breath, her fingers brushing against the edge of the coat still draped over her shoulders. "I didn't know her very well, though.

When Marlene and her people found me outside Atlanta, your mother was already very pregnant with you." Shadow paused, her voice faltering for a moment. "Marlene and I… we didn't get along. Let's just say if she'd had the chance to kill me, she probably would have taken it. But back then, she needed me."

Ellie's eyes narrowed in curiosity as Shadow continued.

"Marlene offered me a place in her Fireflies," Shadow said, her lips curling in a faint, bitter smile. "I refused. I wasn't interested in being anyone's puppet. But she was traveling to Boston, and I needed to get out of Atlanta. She let me tag along." Shadow glanced at Ellie. "I was no older than you are now."

Ellie tilted her head. "What about my mom?"

Shadow's expression softened. "Marlene asked me to stay close to her. Anna was already so far along. Marlene wanted me to protect her. It was the first time in a long while someone had given me a purpose."

Inside the RV, Joel paused as he rummaged through the empty cupboards. He crouched by a broken window, listening intently as Shadow's voice carried through the air.

"What happened?" Ellie asked, her voice quieter now.

Shadow sighed, her gaze distant. "We got separated from the group one day. Marlene's people walked right into an ambush—hunters and infected everywhere. I led your mother away, tried to get her to a safe house that Marlene spoke about the Fireflies used near Boston. But three hunters spotted us. I told Anna to run ahead while I held them off. By the time I caught up, Marlene and what was left of her group found me. I told them where your mom went, and we all ran to the safe house."

"And?" Ellie pressed.

"When we got there, your mom was upstairs," Shadow said, her voice thick with emotion. "She had you wrapped in her coat. She'd made it, but…" Shadow hesitated, her hand tightening into a fist. "She'd been bitten. She said it happened after she cut your umbilical cord. Anna begged Marlene to take you to Boston. To keep you safe. She made me promise to stay in Boston and watch over you."

Ellie's eyes were brimming with tears now. "What happened to her?"

Shadow swallowed hard. "Marlene took you from her arms and handed you to me. Then she went back and…" Shadow closed her eyes for a moment. "She did what Anna asked her to do."

Ellie wiped at her tears, her voice trembling. "So… she loved me?"

"With everything she had," Shadow said firmly. She slid off the truck bed and stood in front of Ellie. "Your mom was one of the strongest, most stubborn people I've ever met. And you've got so much of her in you."

Ellie sniffled, managing a small smile. "Really?"

Shadow nodded, her eyes warm. "I can see her in your eyes. And, you've definitely inherited her foul mouth."

Ellie chuckled softly despite herself. "Fuck you."

Shadow grinned, pulling Ellie into a hug. "There's my girl."

From the RV, Joel watched the two of them through the cracked window, his heart heavy but full. Shadow had given Ellie something he couldn't: a connection to the mother she'd never known. And for that, he was silently grateful.

Ellie pulled back from Shadow's embrace, but the pain in her eyes lingered like a shadow she couldn't shake. Shadow tilted her head, her expression soft but probing.
"Would you like to tell me what happened?" Shadow asked gently.

Ellie hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line as she nodded. Her gaze, however, stayed fixed on the ground, as though lifting her eyes to meet Shadow's would make the memories unbearable.

"I… was taken by David," Ellie began, her voice barely above a whisper. "He put me in a cage." Her fists clenched, and Shadow noticed her knuckles whitening. "He… he tried to manipulate me. Told me we could lead his people together. He said I was special."

Shadow's stomach twisted at the words, but she remained silent, letting Ellie speak at her own pace.

"I broke his damn fingers," Ellie said, her voice sharpening with anger that faltered into a shaky breath. "Then he tried to kill me. I… I bit him and told him I was infected. It bought me time."

Joel's heart thundered in his chest as he listened from the RV, frozen in place. Every instinct in him screamed to run out, to pull Ellie into his arms, to shield her from the weight of her memories. But he stayed where he was, his fists clenched, his anger burning like wildfire.

Ellie's voice grew smaller as she continued. "I killed one of his men and ran through this… lodge, a restaurant. David was right behind me. He had the keys to the front door, and I tried to take them from him. I stabbed him, but he knocked me to the ground, and…" Her voice broke.

Shadow's breath hitched. She leaned closer, wiping a tear from Ellie's cheek with her thumb. "It's alright," she murmured. "Take your time."

Ellie shook her head, her body trembling. "David tried to…" Her voice cracked, and she bit her lip hard. "He tried, but he didn't." She sniffled, her hands trembling in her lap. "There was a machete on the floor. I grabbed it." She finally lifted her eyes to meet Shadow's. "I fucking killed him."

Relief washed over Shadow's face, but it was mixed with a storm of emotions—rage at what David had done, guilt for not being there to save Ellie, and fierce pride that Ellie had fought back and survived.

Without a word, Shadow wrapped her arms around Ellie again, pulling her close. For a moment, Ellie stiffened, her body rigid. But then she melted into the embrace, clutching Shadow tightly.

"I keep seeing his face in my dreams," Ellie admitted, her voice muffled against Shadow's shoulder. "It's like my mind keeps replaying it, over and over, but… but I'm not strong enough to stop him. And he…"

Shadow tightened her hold, her chin resting gently on Ellie's head. "Ellie," she said softly, her voice a steady balm. "You did escape David. You fought back. You killed the monster that tried to destroy you. And you're alive."

Ellie's shoulders shook as silent tears fell, and Shadow pulled back just enough to cup her face in her hands, making the girl look at her.
"You will survive this," Shadow said firmly, her voice carrying the conviction of someone who had seen the same darkness and clawed her way out. "Because I survived, and you know that too." She stroked Ellie's cheek with her thumb. "That man tried to take your strength and your resilience, but those are things no one can ever take from you. You're a fighter, Ellie. You fought to stay alive, and you won."

Ellie's lips trembled, her eyes wide and brimming with emotion.

"Joel and I are here for you," Shadow added, her voice softening but no less resolute. "David is dead. Don't let the memory of him win. You're stronger than that. Because you are your mother's daughter."

Ellie managed a small, shaky smile, and Shadow returned it, brushing a strand of hair out of the girl's face.

In the RV, Joel let out a long, unsteady breath, leaning heavily against the wall. Hearing Ellie's pain and courage in her own words was like a knife to his heart, but it also strengthened his resolve. David was dead, but Joel silently vowed to make sure no one else ever hurt Ellie again.

Joel exhaled deeply once more and opened the last cupboard. His eyes lit up when he spotted a faded can of ravioli tucked in the back. A smile spread across his face as he reached for it, brushing off a thin layer of dust. "Well, would ya look at that," he muttered to himself. As he turned back toward the RV door, his gaze landed on a battered old board game. He scooped it up, chuckling softly at the thought of introducing it to Ellie. Just before stepping outside, something else caught his eye—a broken guitar leaning against the corner.

For a moment, Joel paused. His fingers brushed over the worn strings, and memories of his younger self strumming effortlessly came flooding back. He could almost hear the melodies, the way music had once been his escape. Smiling faintly, he tucked the memory away and carried his finds out to Shadow and Ellie.

Shadow noticed Joel approaching and gave Ellie a light nudge on her leg. "Look who's coming back with treasures," she teased.

Joel held up the can of ravioli like a prize. "Chef Boyardee ravioli," he announced with mock grandeur.

Ellie's face brightened just a touch. "Oh, cool!" she said, her tone carrying a flicker of enthusiasm. She remembered the night Joel had cooked ravioli for her in the woods all those months ago. It had been one of the few moments that felt normal, even comforting.

"And this," Joel continued, holding up the board game, "is Boggle. You ever play it? It's a word game."

Ellie shook her head, reaching out to take it from him. She turned the box over, inspecting the faded letters and missing corners.

Joel grinned. "If you ever wanted to beat me at something, it'd be this. Ain't no way you'd lose."

Shadow smiled at the effort Joel was making to lift Ellie's spirits. Despite everything, he never stopped trying.

Joel cleared his throat and nodded toward the road ahead. "We're getting close," he said, gesturing to a sign pointing toward the off-ramp. "Hospital's that way, I reckon."

Ellie followed his gaze, her expression unreadable, and gave a short nod.

"Let's get moving, then," Shadow said, handing Ellie her pack.

"Got it." Ellie slung the pack over her shoulder and hopped down from the truck, landing with practiced ease.

They made their way toward the off-ramp, Shadow trailing a few steps behind to keep watch. Joel, walking beside Ellie, tried to draw her out again.

"I found an old guitar back in the RV," Joel said, his voice carrying a casual warmth. "You know, when I was your age, I could play pretty well." He glanced at Ellie, hoping for a spark of interest. "I've been thinking about fixing one up sometime. Could teach you, if you'd like. Bet you'd be good at it."

Ellie glanced up briefly, offering a faint smile. She knew Joel was trying, and she appreciated it in her own quiet way.

"You wanna learn how to play?" Joel pressed gently, his tone encouraging.

Ellie seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed ahead. Joel called her name softly. "Ellie?"

She blinked, her attention snapping back to him. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure. That'd be fun."

Joel nodded, but inwardly, he kicked himself. Connecting with Ellie felt like walking a tightrope—one wrong step, and she'd retreat further into herself. He thought of Sarah and how easy everything had felt back then. With Ellie, it was different, but the father in him wouldn't stop trying.

"I gotta pee," Ellie said abruptly, looking around.

Shadow gestured toward a cluster of burned-out vehicles nearby. "Behind one of those should work."

Ellie shrugged off her pack, dropping it at Shadow's feet, and darted off.

"Be careful!" Joel called after her, his brow furrowing as he watched her disappear behind the rusted metal.

He let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair.

"Don't stop trying with her," Shadow said, bending to pick up Ellie's pack. "Keep talking to her, Joel. She needs that right now."

Joel glanced at her, his expression conflicted. "Yeah, but… I'm not sure how to reach her."

Shadow placed a hand on his arm, offering a small smile. "You're doing more than you think, Joel. Just keep being there for her. That's what matters."

Joel nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling on him. He wanted to shield Ellie from every evil in the world, but he knew that wasn't possible. All he could do was be there, no matter how hard it was to bridge the gap.

Ellie's footsteps broke the moment, and both Joel and Shadow turned to see her approaching.

"Better?" Shadow asked, handing her pack back.

Ellie gave her a half-smile and nodded.

"Let's push on, then," Shadow said, adjusting her own gear. "The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can head back to Jackson."

Ellie glanced up, her brows furrowing slightly. "You think they'll even let us back into Jackson when we get there?"

Joel chuckled, the sound low and dry. "Can't see why not. We left on good terms." He turned to Shadow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well… most of us anyway."

Ellie's confusion was immediate. "What do you mean?" Her gaze darted between the two of them, searching for answers.

Shadow tried to stifle a laugh but failed, the corners of her mouth twitching upward.

"It's nothing," she said quickly, shooting Joel a warning look. Her eyes, however, betrayed her amusement.

Ellie wasn't convinced. "Hey! It's not fair if you both know something and leave me in the dark."

Joel smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "Alright, alright. Shadow broke a patrolman's face on her way outta Jackson."

Ellie's eyes went wide. "What?"

"It was his nose," Shadow corrected, rolling her eyes as she lightly smacked Joel's arm. "He was in my way."

Ellie's expression shifted from shock to amusement, a grin spreading across her face. "Wait a second. Which patrolman?"

Shadow tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "You remember the guy with the bow? The one who threatened us with an arrow when we first showed up at the hydro dam?"

Ellie burst out laughing. "Him? Oh, that guy was a jerk!"

Shadow smirked and slung an arm around Ellie's shoulders, pulling her close as they continued walking. "Yeah, well, let's not dwell on it. We've got bigger things to focus on—like getting to that hospital."

Ellie giggled softly, her mood lifting for the first time in hours.

Joel laughed, a rare, genuine sound that eased some of the tension in the air.

As they descended from the off-ramp into the crumbling remains of the city, Joel led the trio onward, his boots crunching against the overgrown pavement. The road was lined with rusting cars and storefronts half-swallowed by creeping vines and cracked concrete. Ellie walked beside Joel, occasionally glancing at him, while Shadow brought up the rear, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any hint of movement.

The deeper they ventured into the city, the more Shadow's unease grew. Every step seemed to amplify the knot twisting in her stomach. Her memories felt heavier with each block they crossed, the past pressing against her like an invisible weight.

Shadow's gaze flickered toward the broken skyline as her mind drifted to the last time she'd seen Marlene. It had been years ago, and their parting was far from amicable.

Ellie had been a tiny, wailing infant then, barely able to keep her eyes open, much less comprehend the danger surrounding her. Shadow remembered the heated arguments with the Fireflies, the tension between survival and morality.

Marlene's people had wanted to kill Ellie. To them, the cries of a baby were a beacon for infected, a risk too great to bear. Only Shadow and Marlene had argued to spare her, though for very different reasons. When the others grew insistent, Shadow's choice had been clear: protect Ellie at all costs.

The memory of the confrontation was still vivid—the threats shouted, the chaos that followed. Shadow had killed several of Marlene's people, including her lover. The grief-stricken rage in Marlene's eyes as she tried to attack Shadow was unforgettable. Shadow hadn't hesitated, overpowering her easily.

From there, Shadow had fled with Ellie, heading for Boston. She hadn't seen Marlene since.

Now, as they approached the heart of the city, Shadow couldn't shake the fear gnawing at her. What if Marlene was here? What if the Fireflies recognized her and decided to settle old scores? Worse, what if traveling with her put Joel and Ellie directly in harm's way?

"Hey." Joel's voice broke through her thoughts, drawing her attention back to the present. He was looking over his shoulder at her, his expression tinged with concern. "You good?"

Shadow blinked, forcing her face into a neutral mask. "Yeah," she replied, her tone low, her eyes fixed ahead.

Joel didn't look convinced. He slowed his pace slightly, letting Ellie get a few steps ahead of them. "You sure? You've been quiet for a while now."

"I'm fine," Shadow said, sharper than she intended. She softened her tone quickly. "Just… keeping an eye out."

Joel studied her for a moment longer, his sharp instincts telling him there was more to her unease than she was letting on. But he didn't press her. If Shadow wanted to talk, she would. He just hoped it wasn't something that would blindside them when they least expected it.

"Alright," Joel said, adjusting the strap on his rifle. "Just holler if you see somethin'."

Shadow gave a curt nod and fell back into step, her thoughts churning once more.

Ahead of them, Ellie pointed to a faded billboard for a long-closed diner, trying to draw Joel into conversation. Joel humored her, explaining what a "blue plate special" meant and reminiscing about greasy burgers and fries from his younger days.

Shadow let the sounds of their voices wash over her, grounding her in the moment.

They continued down the cracked, overgrown street, Joel carefully following the weathered road signs that pointed the way toward the hospital. With every step, his confidence grew—they were close now. If all went well, they could be heading back to Wyoming by morning.

"Shit," Joel muttered, stopping in his tracks.

Ellie and Shadow halted as well, following his gaze. Ahead of them, a tall concrete barricade blocked their path, stretching across the road with no apparent way around it.

"What now?" Shadow mumbled, her voice tinged with frustration as she scanned the area for another route. She saw nothing but rubble and debris hemming them in on either side.

Joel rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "Alright, here's what we're gonna do—"

"Cut through that building, go up a skyscraper, and look for a way around," Ellie interrupted, grinning as she finished his sentence.

Joel turned to her, his expression a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "You wanna tell me my plan before I even say it now?"

Ellie shrugged, trying to suppress her smirk.

Joel shook his head, a smile creeping onto his face. "Actually, this time, I'm just gonna blast our way through that," he said, pointing at the barricade. "Found me a couple sticks of dynamite back at that RV."

"Really?" Ellie's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Nope." Joel grinned. "We're cuttin' through that building, going up the skyscraper, and looking for a way around."

Ellie rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated scoff.

"Had you goin', didn't I?" Joel teased.

Shadow, unable to hold back, chuckled as she looked down, shaking her head.

Joel took the lead, guiding them toward a battered door hanging crookedly on its hinges. Inside, the building was a mess of scaffolding, rusted ladders, old wooden pallets, and debris strewn across the floor. Water dripped from somewhere above, echoing softly in the stillness, while the structure creaked ominously in the faint breeze.

"Think we'll find any stairs?" Shadow asked as she moved up to walk beside Joel, her sharp eyes scanning for a path upward.

"Here's hopin'," Joel replied, his own gaze sweeping over the crumbling interior. "Look at this mess," he muttered. "Army dropped all them bombs, and not one of 'em hits the buildin' they aimed to demolish."

Ellie trailed behind, carefully stepping over broken planks and shattered concrete.

"I imagine it was like this for every city after the outbreak," Shadow said quietly, her voice carrying a heavy note of regret. "What a bloody waste…"

"That's puttin' it lightly," Joel agreed, sidestepping a rusted piece of rebar sticking out of the floor.

They pushed deeper into the building, weaving through the chaos in search of a way up. Eventually, Joel spotted a chain-link fence, partially ajar, with scaffolding beyond it that looked intact. Overhead, the faint outline of a second floor was visible, with a ladder hanging precariously from its edge.

Joel gestured toward it. "That'll do."

Shadow stepped forward, running her hands along the metal rails. "Looks sturdy enough," she said, giving it a small shake.

Joel nodded. "Alright, here's the plan: I'll boost Ellie up there, and she can drop the ladder down for us."

"It'd be easier to send me up there," Shadow countered, crossing her arms.

Joel turned to her, his brow furrowing. "No, it wouldn't."

"And why not?" Shadow asked.

Joel hesitated, suddenly realizing the trap he'd walked into. "Uh… you'd be too heavy," he said cautiously.

Shadow's eyes narrowed, and her posture stiffened. "I beg your pardon?" her English accent cutting through.

Joel held up his hands in surrender, realizing his mistake. "That's not what I—look, Ellie's smaller, easier to boost up. That's all I meant."

Shadow's glare softened, but her arms stayed crossed.

Joel, now visibly flustered, began to ramble. "Your body's fine. I mean, really fine. Well-proportioned—"

"Okay, that's enough," Shadow cut him off, turning away quickly.

Joel cleared his throat. He turned to Ellie, who was lingering near the entrance of the fenced-off area, staring at a tattered blueprint on a dusty old table.

"Ellie?" Joel called, walking toward her.

Ellie blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. "What?"

"You okay?" Joel asked, his voice softening.

"I'm good," Ellie said quickly, nodding, though her voice lacked its usual energy.

Shadow watched the exchange silently, her sharp eyes catching the tension in Ellie's posture.

"You've been... extra quiet lately," Joel remarked carefully.

Ellie shrugged, not meeting his gaze. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. It's just..." Joel trailed off, glancing back at Shadow as if asking for guidance.

Shadow gave him a small, encouraging nod, urging him to keep going.

Joel didn't push her further, though the worry lingered in his eyes. "Alright," he said after a moment. "You good for me to boost you up?" He motioned toward the scaffolding.

"Yeah, sure," Ellie replied, already moving to join him and Shadow.

Joel crouched, cupping his hands together to form a foothold.

Ellie stepped forward, planting her foot in Joel's hands while bracing herself on his shoulders.

"Ready?" Joel asked.

"Yup," Ellie replied, her voice steadier now.

With a grunt, Joel hoisted her up, steadying her as she scrambled onto his shoulders. Ellie reached for the ledge above, her small hands gripping the edge as she pulled herself up. Her sneakers shifted slightly against Joel's shoulders, and he winced.

"Easy there," Joel muttered, his knees bending slightly to maintain balance.

Ellie grunted as she hauled herself over the edge, finally landing with a soft thud on the second floor. She rolled onto her back for a moment, catching her breath.

Joel straightened, brushing off his hands. "For such a small thing, you're pretty damn solid."

Ellie peeked over the edge with a grin. "Thanks, I think?"

Ellie stood up and moved to grab the metal ladder, her focus intent on pulling it closer to the ledge. But just as she began to lift it, a noise caught her attention—a rustling sound coming from outside a nearby window.

Her eyes darted toward the noise, widening in shock. A large silhouette loomed just beyond the plastic-covered glass, its massive shape unmistakable as it shifted from one window to another.

"Holy… shit," Ellie muttered, her voice trembling as she let go of the ladder.

The ladder fell with a loud metallic clatter, making both Joel and Shadow jump.

"Goddammit!" Joel snapped, instinctively moving to shield Shadow from the falling ladder. The noise echoed through the empty building, setting both of them on edge. "Ellie!" he called out, his tone sharp with worry.

As Joel moved to pick up the fallen ladder, Shadow wasted no time. She grabbed onto a metal bar and swiftly climbed her way to the second floor.

"Stay there, Ellie!" Joel called, his voice echoing up the scaffolding.

By the time Joel wrestled the ladder upright, Shadow was already pulling herself onto the next level.

"Wait for me!" Joel shouted, frustration evident in his tone.

Shadow turned briefly, her sharp eyes flicking between Joel and where Ellie had disappeared.

"Hurry up!" Ellie called from ahead, her voice insistent.

Joel climbed the ladder quickly, his irritation mounting. As he reached the top, he shot Shadow a pointed look. "Now, why didn't you just do that in the first place?"

"You didn't ask," Shadow quipped, her tone dry as she broke into a sprint after Ellie.

"Of course," Joel muttered, following close behind.

Ellie's voice echoed back to them. "You gotta see this! Hurry!"

Joel and Shadow exchanged a quick glance before chasing after her, their footsteps pounding against the floor. They found a set of old wooden stairs leading upward and bolted after the girl.

"Ellie, wait!" Shadow called, her accent cutting through the air.

"C'mon!" Ellie shouted, the excitement in her voice pushing her to move faster.

"Bloody hell," Shadow swore under her breath, her pace quickening.

They finally spotted Ellie slipping through a door that led to an outdoor balcony. Joel and Shadow followed her out, stepping into the sunlight.

And then they saw it.

Not five feet from Ellie stood a fully grown giraffe, its long neck craned as it grazed on the overgrown vines clinging to the side of the building.

Ellie stood frozen in awe, her wide eyes locked on the creature. Joel and Shadow approached her carefully, their movements slow and deliberate.

Joel couldn't help but notice the wonder etched across Ellie's face. It reminded him of the time she'd been thrilled by the sight of monkeys at the university. This was different, though. Bigger. More magical.

Quietly, Joel reached for some of the vines growing on the building.

"What are you doing?" Ellie whispered, her voice tinged with worry. "Don't scare it."

"I won't," Joel replied softly. He turned and handed the bundle of vegetation to Ellie. "Here. Go on."

Ellie hesitated, glancing between Joel and the giraffe.

"Hurry up," Joel urged with a small smile, motioning for her to move closer. "C'mon."

Shadow leaned against the wall, watching the scene unfold with a quiet smile.

Ellie stepped forward, her hand outstretched. The giraffe's large, curious eyes turned toward her, and its long tongue darted out to wrap around the green branches in her hand.

"Holy shit," Ellie whispered, a huge smile breaking across her face.

Joel handed her more branches, and Ellie eagerly fed them to the giraffe. The animal remained calm, its gentle movements putting Ellie at ease.

The giraffe let out a soft grunt as it chewed, and Ellie giggled. For the first time since Silver Lake, she looked genuinely happy, and the sound of her laughter warmed Joel's heart.

"This is so fucking cool," Ellie whispered, giggling again as the giraffe's tongue brushed against her hand, leaving a slimy trail.

Joel glanced over at Shadow, who stood a few feet away. He held up another handful of vines. "Want to give it a try?"

Shadow chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh no. That's not an experience I need right now."

Before Joel could respond, the giraffe finished its meal and began to move away, its long legs carrying it around the side of the building.

"Where's it going?" Ellie asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. She bolted toward a door, determined to follow the animal. "Come on, come on!" she called over her shoulder.

Joel let out an exasperated sigh, glancing at Shadow.

Shadow smirked, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation. "You can't blame her."

"Yeah, I know," Joel muttered as they took off after Ellie once more.

Joel and Shadow followed Ellie up a narrow set of stairs that led to the roof of the building. Joel pushed open the creaky metal door, stepping through with Shadow close behind. The sunlight bathed the rooftop, and the scene before them was breathtaking.

Ellie stood near the edge, her hands resting on the ledge as she watched a small herd of giraffes moving gracefully away from the building. Among the group were a few towering adults and a couple of awkwardly adorable calves, their long necks swaying as they walked.

Joel and Shadow approached quietly, taking their place beside Ellie.

Shadow rested her hands on the ledge, exhaling softly. The calm of the moment wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. The chaos of their journey felt far away as birds chirped in the distance and the soft calls of the giraffes echoed across the city.

Joel tilted his head, listening to the faint grunts of the animals as they meandered toward the horizon.

"So," Joel began, clearing his throat to break the silence, "is it everything you hoped for?"

Ellie grinned, her eyes still glued to the majestic creatures. "It's got its ups and downs," she said with a hint of humor before glancing at Joel. "But you can't deny that view."

Joel returned her grin, the moment stirring an old memory. He remembered asking her that same question back in Boston, on the roof of the museum, after they'd barely escaped a horde of clickers. Back then, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Joel's eyes shifted to Shadow, who remained silent, her gaze fixed on the giraffes as they grew smaller in the distance. The tranquility of her expression made him pause.

Even amidst their harrowing journey, this fleeting beauty seemed to reach her too.

Joel cleared his throat again. "I don't know where this hospital is exactly…" he began, his tone careful.

Ellie interrupted, her confidence unwavering. "Yeah, I know. We'll find it."

Shadow turned her attention back to the conversation, sensing the shift in Joel's tone.

"It's just…" Joel sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe there's nothin' bad out there for once. But so far, there's always been somethin' bad out there."

Ellie's expression softened, though her resolve didn't waver. "We're still here, though, Joel."

"I know," Joel nodded, his voice low. "I'm just sayin'… there's risk. We don't have to keep doin' this."

Ellie frowned, "What else are we supposed to do then?"

"Nothin'," Joel replied. "We just go back to Jackson, back to Tommy's. We can forget about this whole damn thing."

Shadow folded her arms, watching them closely. She understood Joel's reasoning. He didn't want to subject Ellie to more trauma, more loss. He wanted to protect her in the only way he knew how—by steering her away from further danger.

Ellie let out a shaky breath, her voice quieter now. "After everything we've been through? Everything I've done…" Her words faltered, but she steadied herself, her voice firm.

"It can't be for nothing."

Joel could see the determination in her eyes, the way her shoulders squared as she spoke.

Shadow remained quiet. Part of her agreed with Joel; going back to Jackson sounded like a reprieve from the endless struggle. But another part of her knew Ellie wouldn't turn back. She'd come too far, endured too much.

Ellie glanced at Shadow and gave her a small, appreciative smile before turning back to Joel. "I know you mean well," she said softly. "I know you want to protect me. You both have."

Her words hung in the air, warm yet resolute.

"And when we're done with this," Ellie continued, her voice rising with conviction, "we'll go wherever you want. Back to Tommy's, your sheep ranch, hell, even the moon." She grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

Joel couldn't help but chuckle, looking down at the ground.

"I mean it," Ellie said firmly, her grin fading into a look of pure determination. "I'll follow you anywhere. But we can't go halfway with this. We have to finish what we started."

Joel sighed, the weight of her words settling on him. He knew there was no changing her mind. Ellie had made her decision.

After a long pause, Joel gave her a small nod. "Alright," he said quietly, his voice laced with reluctant acceptance.

Shadow glanced between the two of them, sensing the unspoken bond that had solidified through everything they'd endured.

---

As they moved cautiously through the ruins, the trio found themselves stepping back into the open air of the city streets. The silence between them was heavy but not uncomfortable. Joel and Ellie walked side by side, their steps naturally in sync, while Shadow trailed a few paces behind, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger.

Joel led them into the shadowed depths of an underground parking garage. The air was damp and carried the faint, stale scent of mildew and rust. When they emerged on the other side, the scene was both eerie and haunting. Scattered across the lot were remnants of a time when humanity still clung to the hope of salvation—several old military vehicles, faded tents marked with red crosses, and rusting medical equipment abandoned where it once served its purpose.

Ellie's eyes darted across the scene, her face twisted in confusion. "Was this a FEDRA camp?"

Joel shook his head, his voice low. "No. Army, more or less. Some soldiers, a lot of volunteers. They tried to help the wounded and stop the spread. This was before anyone really understood the infection, before we knew there wasn't any savin' the ones who were bit."

Ellie's brow furrowed. "What happened to them?"

Joel's gaze swept the scene, lingering on a tattered tent flapping faintly in the breeze. "They died. The infected came, overran the camps, killed most everyone. The ones who survived? They ran."

Shadow crouched to pick up a filthy, discarded teddy bear lying in the dirt. Her fingers brushed the matted fur as her voice came out in a whisper. "Bloody hell..."

Joel's jaw tightened. "After Outbreak Day, they set up places like this all over. They didn't last long. I was in one just like it in Texas."

Ellie tilted her head. "Were you with Sarah and Tommy?"

Shadow's stomach clenched at the mention of Sarah. Joel's face didn't falter, but Shadow saw the subtle shift in his posture, the small tick in his jaw.

"No," Joel said quietly. "She was already gone."

Ellie hesitated, sensing the tension. "Were you... sick or something?"

Joel exhaled and pointed to the faded scar on the side of his head. "It was for this."

Ellie's face lit with recognition. "Oh, the asshole who shot you and missed."

Joel came to an abrupt halt, forcing Ellie to pause as well. Shadow stopped just behind them, her eyes narrowing on Joel, sensing something was coming.

Joel's voice was calm, but there was a weight to his words. "It was me. I was the one who shot... and missed."

Ellie's expression froze, confusion and shock swirling in her wide eyes. Shadow's breath hitched. She hadn't known. She hadn't realized that Joel had sunk so deeply into despair after losing Sarah.

Joel rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly feeling exposed. He moved to sit on a chunk of broken concrete, letting the memories crash over him like a tide. Ellie followed, taking a seat beside him, her face a mixture of sympathy and disbelief. Shadow remained standing, her hand unconsciously tightening on the teddy bear.

Joel cleared his throat, his voice rough. "Sarah died, and... I couldn't see the point anymore. It felt like there wasn't anythin' left. It wasn't about fear—I wasn't scared. I just... I was ready."

Ellie swallowed hard, her hands clutching her knees as she watched him, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Shadow stayed silent, the weight of Joel's revelation pressing down on her chest.

Joel's gaze drifted to the horizon. "When I pulled the trigger, I flinched. I don't know why. I've never figured it out."

He turned his eyes to Ellie, his voice trembling. "But the reason I'm tellin' you this..."

"I know why you're telling me." Ellie's voice was soft, trembling as she finished his sentence. "I guess time heals all wounds?"

Joel's head shook slowly. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with a love she hadn't quite seen before. "It wasn't time that did it."

Ellie's lips trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, her throat tight. "I'm glad... I'm glad you flinched."

Joel nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Me too."

Shadow finally spoke, her voice thick with emotion. "You saved each other." She placed a comforting arm around Ellie's shoulder and pressed a soft kiss to her hair.

Ellie gave a watery smile and leaned into the touch.

Joel cleared his throat, abruptly standing to break the heavy atmosphere. "We should keep movin'."

Shadow's stomach churned as she realized what she needed to say. Her throat felt tight, but she forced the words out.

"Wait."

Joel and Ellie turned to face her, their expressions filled with confusion.

"This is where you two need to go on alone," Shadow said, her voice steady despite the storm inside her.

"What?" Ellie frowned, her brow furrowed in disbelief. "No way. You're coming with us!"

Joel's sharp eyes fixed on Shadow, his confusion mirroring Ellie's. "What are you talking about?"

Shadow took a deep breath, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "I can't. There's... bad blood between Marlene and me. If her Fireflies see me with you, they won't ask questions—they'll just shoot."

Joel stepped closer, his expression hardening. "What aren't you telling us, Shadow?"

She hesitated, her gaze shifting between Joel and Ellie. "I killed a lot of Marlene's people a long time ago," she admitted finally. The weight of her words hung heavily in the air.

Ellie's eyes widened in shock.

Shadow pressed on, her voice steady but tinged with regret. "They tried to kill Ellie when she was just a baby."

Ellie's breath hitched, and she glanced up at Joel, searching his face for understanding.

"One of the people I killed was Marlene's lover," Shadow continued. "She swore if she ever saw me again, she'd kill me. If I go with you, I'll put you both at risk." Her gaze softened as it landed on Ellie. "You'll be safer with Joel."

Joel sighed heavily, dragging a hand through his hair. "I don't like this," he muttered. "I don't like leaving you like this."

"It's not your decision," Shadow replied firmly, though her expression was gentler now. "It's mine. I made a promise a long time ago to keep that child safe." She motioned toward the hospital sign visible down the street. "It's not far now. You can finish this."

"But—" Joel started, but Shadow cut him off.

"I'll head back to the highway," she said quickly. "I'll wait for you both at the RV. Don't let Marlene know I was with you." A small, rueful smile tugged at her lips. "I'm in no mood for killing today."

Joel hesitated, his jaw tightening. He had just gotten Shadow back into his life, and now she was slipping away again. But he understood. Shadow had always prioritized Ellie's safety above all else, even at great personal cost.

Finally, Joel gave her a short nod.

Ellie stepped forward, her arms wrapping tightly around Shadow.

When Ellie pulled back, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She turned quickly to avoid letting them fall, her steps heavy as she moved toward Joel.

Joel lingered, stepping closer to Shadow. "You sure about this?" he asked, his voice low.

"I am," Shadow replied with a firm nod. "Keep her safe."

For a moment, Joel hesitated, then slowly pulled her into an embrace. At first, it felt awkward—uncertain—but they both relaxed into the warmth, the unspoken understanding between them speaking louder than words.

"You can't trust Marlene," Shadow whispered against his shoulder. "Be careful."

Joel pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. His hand came up, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You stay safe, too."

Shadow gave a faint smile, "Just go," she said softly, her voice almost breaking.

Joel nodded, though his gaze lingered on her, reluctant to leave. Adjusting his pack, he moved to stand beside Ellie.

"You better fuckin' be at the RV when we get back!" Ellie shouted over her shoulder, her voice heavy with emotion.

Shadow stood her ground, watching as Joel and Ellie walked away. The knot in her stomach twisted tighter, but she forced herself to stay still.

Joel turned back after walking only ten feet, his eyes scanning for her. But to his surprise, Shadow was already gone.

Ellie stopped too, glancing over her shoulder. Shadow had disappeared, her presence vanishing like a shadow retreating into the dark.

Joel's chest tightened, a sick feeling spreading through him. But he clenched his jaw, turned back toward Ellie, and pressed forward. Shadow had made her choice, and he had to trust her.

Ellie trudged beside him, quiet for once, though her face was a mix of worry and determination.

In the stillness of the empty street, Shadow remained hidden, watching from the shadows until Joel and Ellie were far out of sight. Then, with a deep breath, she turned toward the highway, alone once more.

Joel led Ellie away from the ruins of the abandoned medical camp, the hospital's silhouette growing sharper against the distant skyline. Each step brought them closer to their goal—but further from Shadow. Joel's chest tightened with worry. He didn't like leaving her behind, but he had to focus on Ellie.

The silence between them grew heavier with each step. Joel glanced at Ellie, her face tense and unreadable. She clutched her backpack straps tightly, her usual chatter absent. He needed to distract her, to lighten the mood.

"You know what I'm in the mood for?" Joel asked, his voice cutting through the stillness as he cleared his throat.

Ellie turned to him, curious but wary. "What?"

"Your shitty puns," Joel said with a small grin, his voice tinged with fondness.

Ellie's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, you're asking for it now!" She swung her backpack around and pulled out her well-worn pun book, its pages bent and smudged from constant use.

Joel smirked despite himself. He remembered when they first started traveling together, back outside of Boston. Back then, he'd found her jokes insufferable—loud, obnoxious, and relentless. But now, they were a source of comfort.

What he wouldn't admit was that her puns stirred an old memory: Sarah at ten, holding a joke book Joel had bought her. She'd hated it at the time, groaning at every dad joke he tried to read aloud. The memory tugged at his chest, bittersweet and fleeting.

Ellie grinned, breaking into his thoughts. "Alright, listen to this one: People are making apocalypse jokes like there's no tomorrow!" She looked at Joel expectantly.

Joel rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Topical."

Ellie snorted, flipping to another page. "Oh, you'll love this one! Moon rocks taste better than Earth rocks. Why? They're meteor!"

"That's just terrible," Joel groaned, shaking his head.

"Screw you! That one's my favorite!" Ellie laughed, nudging him with her elbow.

"Barely a one outta ten," Joel retorted, though his grin gave him away.

Ellie smirked, determined to outdo herself. "Okay, fine. How about this one: What did the green grape say to the purple grape?"

Joel frowned, his face twisting in mock confusion. "What?"

"Breathe, you idiot!" Ellie burst out laughing before Joel could react.

Joel groaned loudly, but the corners of his mouth twitched upward.

But the moment was short-lived. Neither of them noticed the two men silently creeping up behind them.

The sound of a metallic clatter shattered their laughter. Joel spun around, his instincts kicking in, but it was already too late.

"Ellie, get down!" he shouted, shoving her behind him just as the grenade-like object hit the ground and erupted in a deafening bang.

Smoke exploded around them, thick and choking. Joel's ears rang painfully, the world spinning as he staggered forward.

"Joel!" Ellie's voice cut through the haze, panicked and distant.

Through the smoke, Joel caught a glimpse of a man grabbing Ellie, dragging her away. His blood ran cold.

"Ellie!" he roared, stumbling toward her, but his legs buckled. His head throbbed, the ringing in his ears disorienting him.

Before he could regain his footing, another figure loomed behind him. Joel felt the sharp impact of a rifle butt striking the back of his head. Pain exploded through his skull, and darkness swallowed him whole.

---

Joel leaned his head back, a deep ache settling in his chest. His lips moved, but the words that slipped out were slurred and faint.

"Da…"

The softest voice, tender and familiar, broke through the fog.

"Daddy?"

The single word tugged at him like a lifeline. Joel's eyes fluttered open, the haze in his mind clearing enough to take in his surroundings.

He was back in his old living room in Texas. The familiar scent of home—fresh-cut grass and warm coffee—lingered in the air. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, painting golden streaks across the room.

"Finally!"

Joel's gaze drifted down to the sound of the voice, and his breath hitched.

"Sarah?" he whispered, his voice trembling.

Lying on the couch, her head resting in his lap, was his little girl. Sarah, with her radiant smile and bright eyes that sparkled with mischief, looked up at him. She was exactly as he remembered her from that last day—vibrant, full of life.

"Well, who else would it be?" she giggled, sitting up.

"Oh, my baby girl…" His voice cracked as he reached out, threading his fingers through her soft, golden hair. It felt so real, like no time had passed.

"I missed you, Daddy," Sarah said softly, her smile unwavering.

Joel's chest tightened as tears welled up in his eyes. "Am I… Am I dead?"

Sarah giggled, shaking her head. "Don't be silly! You're not done yet."

Her words made Joel's stomach churn. He watched as Sarah sprang to her feet and ran to the window, her excitement palpable.

"The carnival's in town!" she exclaimed, peering outside. "We've been waitin' all year, remember?"

Joel's heart ached at the memory. That summer before the world fell apart, he and Tommy had taken Sarah to the carnival. She'd dragged them from ride to ride, her laughter filling the warm night air. She'd eaten so many corn dogs and cotton candy that she got a stomachache but still insisted on staying for the fireworks. And the giant teddy bear he'd spent a small fortune trying to win for her? Worth every penny just to see her smile.

"Is it?" Joel asked, standing and moving to join her at the window.

Sarah beamed, pointing to the distance where the soft glow of carnival lights twinkled, and the ferris wheel spun slowly against the evening sky.

Joel wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he looked at her, memorizing every detail of her face. "Would you like to go?" he asked gently.

Her expression shifted, sadness darkening her bright features. "I do… but not yet."

Joel frowned. "Why not, baby girl?"

Sarah turned and wrapped her arms tightly around him, burying her face in his chest. "Because it's not time yet," she whispered.

His confusion deepened as he held her. "What're you talking about? What's not time?"

She pulled back just enough to look at him, tears glistening in her eyes. "You need to wake up, Daddy."

Joel stiffened, his heart sinking. "No," he said stubbornly, shaking his head. "I don't wanna go."

"You have to," Sarah said, her voice gentle but firm. "She still needs you. Don't let them take her."

As her words sank in, Ellie's face flashed in Joel's mind—a fierce determination in her eyes, her voice calling his name, tinged with fear. A sharp pain stabbed through his head, pulling him away from the warmth of the living room.

"Go, Daddy," Sarah urged, holding him tightly one last time. Her small hands trembled as they gripped his shirt. "But I'll be waiting right here when it's time. I promise I won't go anywhere."

Joel's voice cracked as he whispered her name. "Sarah…"

She pulled back, smiling up at him through her tears. "I love you, Daddy."

Joel tried to hold onto her, but the warmth of her embrace faded, replaced by the cold, hard reality of the present.

With one last look, Sarah's radiant smile became the beacon that guided him back.

---

Joel groaned, his head pounding like a war drum as he blinked against the harsh fluorescent light above him. The sterile, cold scent of a hospital room filled his nostrils. As he stirred, his body protested every movement.

"You're back," a voice came from behind him.

Joel rolled his head toward the sound, groaning again.

"Take it easy," the woman continued, stepping into his line of sight. "You got hit pretty hard. My people didn't know who you were."

Marlene.

She stood beside the bed, her arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face. She looked rougher than the last time Joel had seen her—thinner, with dark bags under her eyes and an air of exhaustion clinging to her like a shadow.

"Marlene?" Joel rasped, his voice dry and gravelly.

"Yeah, it's me," she replied, her tone firm yet weary. "Welcome to the Fireflies, Joel."

Marlene moved to a chair near the bed, sitting with a slow, deliberate motion as Joel struggled to push himself upright. His hand instinctively went to the back of his head, where he found a painful lump.

"Where's Ellie?" he asked, his voice gaining strength as the fog in his mind cleared.

"She's fine," Marlene assured him. "Not even a scratch on that kid. She was more worried about you than herself."

Joel exhaled a small sigh of relief, though his unease didn't subside. He studied Marlene carefully, his eyes narrowing.

Marlene leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting. "I lost more than half my crew crossing this damn country," she said bitterly. "I had a team of strong men—experienced fighters. Their sole job was to keep me safe, and they still almost got me killed." Her lips twisted into a humorless smile. "How'd you do it?"

"It wasn't me," Joel said. "It was all Ellie. That kid fought like hell to get here."

Marlene's eyes sharpened as she leaned forward. "I've heard reports that Shadow left Boston with you. Where is she?"

Joel's face hardened. "I don't know."

Marlene's eyes narrowed. "Bullshit."

"She made me promise to get Ellie here," Joel said firmly. "That's all."

"And yet," Marlene said with a pointed grin, "my men saw you and Ellie with her just a couple of hours ago in the city. Don't play games with me, Joel. It doesn't matter, though. If Shadow's here, my people will find her—and drag her back, one way or another."

Joel ignored the jab, his concern refocusing. "Where's Ellie?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly.

Marlene exhaled sharply, standing and moving toward the door. "She's being prepped for surgery."

The words struck Joel like a blow. His body tensed, his headache momentarily forgotten. "What surgery?" he asked, forcing his voice to remain calm despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface.

Marlene hesitated, glancing at the two guards stationed near the door. They exchanged a brief look, their hands resting on the grips of their pistols. She raised a hand, silently ordering them to stand down before turning back to Joel.

Marlene's voice was steady as she continued, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of hesitation. "Her Cordyceps produces a unique kind of chemical messenger. It tricks the infection into thinking she's one of them. That's why she's immune. The doctor plans to extract it, replicate the cells in a lab, and synthesize those same messengers into a vaccine. Joel, this could save everyone."

Her words hung in the air, weighted with hope and grim resolve. "He thinks it could be the cure we've been waiting for," she added, her voice softening, as if willing Joel to understand.

Joel stood frozen, a storm of emotions crashing inside him. After everything—after all these years—the possibility of a cure was finally within reach.

But then the other shoe dropped.

"Cordyceps grow inside the brain," Joel said, his voice low, his words deliberate.

Marlene's silence was deafening.

"It does," she admitted finally, her voice cracking ever so slightly.

Joel's stomach twisted into knots as the full weight of her explanation sank in. The realization hit him like a freight train—Ellie wouldn't survive. The "cure" meant sacrificing her.

"You'd better find someone else," Joel growled, his voice turning ice cold, his body tense with barely contained fury.

"There is no one else," Marlene snapped, her composure beginning to crack. "This is our only shot. Ellie didn't need to know, and there won't be any pain. The decision is already made, Joel."

Joel's rage erupted. "No!" he bellowed, surging to his feet. "You take me to her right now!"

A guard moved swiftly, slamming the butt of his rifle into Joel's ribs. He collapsed to the floor with a pained grunt, clutching his side.

"Don't!" Marlene barked, halting the guard before he could strike again.

Joel groaned, dragging himself up to one knee. "Please," he rasped, his voice laced with desperation. "You don't understand…"

Marlene's expression hardened. "I do," she said firmly, her tone low but resolute. "I was there the day she was born. I promised her mother I'd keep her safe."

Joel glared up at her, his fury cutting through the pain. "And you broke that promise," he spat. "Yeah, Shadow told me all about how your people wanted to kill that baby to save your own skin.

Shadow kept her word to Ellie's mother, not you."

Marlene's jaw clenched, the truth of his words hitting their mark.

"And where is Shadow now, huh?" she shot back, her frustration bleeding through her usual calm. "She made you go without her, didn't she? Smart, but also reckless. Tell me,

Joel—what do you really know about that woman? Do you know what she is? What they did to her?"

Joel's silence was telling.

"Doctors, scientists," Marlene pressed. "They experimented on her—on her body, her mind—with Cordyceps. That's why she's stronger than the rest of us. I've seen what she's capable of, Joel. I met Shadow when she was Ellie's age, and she tore through my men like an animal. Bare hands. No mercy." Her voice cracked as the memories resurfaced, unbidden and raw.

She stopped, inhaling deeply to regain control. When she spoke again, her voice was softer, almost apologetic. "I'm sorry," she said. "But right now, I have no other choice."

Joel's eyes burned with an intensity that made Marlene falter. "But I do," he said quietly, his words brimming with menace.

Marlene held his gaze for a moment before her face hardened. She reached into her pocket and pulled out Ellie's knife. The sight of it twisted something deep in Joel's chest.
She handed the blade to one of the guards. "Take him out to the highway," she ordered. "Give him his pack and this. Leave him there." She paused, her voice growing colder. "If he tries anything—kill him."

The guards nodded, one of them grabbing Joel by the arm and yanking him to his feet.

Joel's glare didn't waver as he locked eyes with Marlene, her words echoing in his head. Shadow had been right—Marlene couldn't be trusted. Every fiber of Joel's being screamed at him to act, but the guards grabbed him before he could make a move. They pulled him roughly to his feet, shoving him out of the room.

As they moved down the hall, one of the guards slung Joel's pack over his shoulder while the other pressed the barrel of a rifle into Joel's back, prodding him forward. Each step only fueled the storm inside Joel—anger, fear, and an unyielding determination that clenched his jaw and tightened his fists. He had to find Ellie. He had to save her. And he prayed he wasn't too late.

"Move it," one guard barked, shoving Joel toward a stairwell door.

Joel didn't argue. He opened the door, his mind racing with possibilities. How many guards were stationed here? What floor was Ellie on? How would he even begin to find her?

Every step down the stairs felt like a countdown, the seconds ticking away in his mind.

"Stop dragging your feet!" The guard behind him growled, jabbing Joel with the rifle.

Joel paused on the second-floor landing, glancing over his shoulder.

"Who said you could stop?" The guard stepped closer, raising the butt of his rifle to strike Joel, but Joel moved first.

In a blur, Joel spun around and slammed his fist into the man's face, sending him crashing against the wall. Without hesitation, Joel yanked the rifle from the guard's hands and turned it on the second man, pulling the trigger. The shot echoed through the stairwell, and the second guard crumpled to the ground.

The first guard groaned, clutching his bloodied nose. Joel leveled the rifle at him, his voice cold. "Where is she?"

"Fuck... you…" the guard spat through the blood streaming down his face.

Joel sighed, shaking his head. "I don't have time for this." He fired a shot into the man's head, silencing him.

He quickly rifled through the guards' gear, collecting ammo and slinging his pack onto his shoulder. With the rifle in hand, Joel ascended the stairs, his senses sharp. Shouts echoed through the halls above as the Fireflies discovered the bodies. Joel knew he didn't have the element of surprise anymore, but that didn't matter. He'd see this through, no matter the cost.

The next few minutes were a blur of violence. Firefly soldiers appeared around corners, their shouts cut short by Joel's unrelenting gunfire. When his rifle ran out of ammo, he switched to his pistol, dispatching enemies with the same cold efficiency. Those who surrendered were shown no mercy—Joel couldn't risk leaving anyone alive who might come after him.

Blood spattered the walls and pooled on the floor as Joel moved through the hospital like a storm, his mind a haze of adrenaline and grim resolve. Memories of his time as a hunter surfaced unbidden, guiding his actions with brutal precision. Ellie's knife became his weapon of choice when his guns were spent, its blade plunging into necks and torsos with practiced ease.

By the time Joel reached the pediatric wing, he'd lost count of how many Fireflies he'd killed. His breathing was ragged, and his hands trembled as he pushed open the door.
Inside, his heart nearly stopped.

Ellie lay on a surgical table, her small form clad in a hospital gown. An IV was taped to her arm, and a monitor clipped to her finger beeped steadily. Two nurses froze when they saw him, their eyes wide with terror.

"What are you doing in here?" the doctor demanded, his voice sharp with authority.

"Unhook her," Joel growled, raising his pistol.

The doctor's face hardened. "You can't take her. She's the key to—"

Joel didn't let him finish. He pulled the trigger, and the doctor collapsed to the floor, blood spreading around him.

The nurses screamed, backing away with their hands raised.

"Unhook her," Joel repeated, his voice ice.

The nurses hesitated, their eyes darting to the gun in Joel's hand.

"Now!" Joel roared.

Shaking, one nurse fumbled with the IV, pulling it out and quickly bandaging Ellie's arm. The other disconnected the monitor, silencing the rhythmic beeping. Joel kept his gun trained on them, motioning for them to turn around.

Joel stepped to Ellie's side, his heart clenching at how small and fragile she looked. Her breathing was slow and steady, the drugs keeping her unconscious. Carefully, he slid his arms under her and lifted her from the table.

As he carried her out of the room, Joel's eyes briefly landed on the doctor's lifeless body. He didn't linger. His focus was on Ellie.

He found an elevator at the end of the hall, and relief washed over him as the doors opened. Once inside, he pressed the button for the basement, his pulse pounding in his ears as the elevator descended.

When the doors opened, Joel stepped into the garage, scanning for any sign of movement. It was eerily quiet. Then, he spotted a van with its hood propped open, jumper cables attached to its battery.

Joel moved toward it quickly, but a voice stopped him cold.

"Joel!"

Marlene's voice rang out, sharp and commanding, echoing off the cold concrete walls of the hospital basement. Joel flinched instinctively, his grip on Ellie tightening as he turned slowly to face her. She stood a few yards away, gun raised and steady, her face a mask of determination.

"You can't keep her safe forever!" Marlene's tone carried both urgency and desperation, the weight of her convictions pressing down on every word.

Joel shifted Ellie slightly in his arms, her unconscious form limp against his chest. He didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Marlene and the distance between them.

"It doesn't matter how hard you try," Marlene continued, stepping forward cautiously but keeping her gun trained on him. "How many people you kill, how far you run—she's going to grow up, Joel. And when she does, what then? You'll die someday, or she'll leave you when she finds out what you did."

Her voice softened, tinged with a sorrow Joel didn't trust. "And then what happens to her? How long do you think she'll last out there? Torn apart by infected? Murdered by raiders? Is that really the life you want for her? To live in this broken world you could've saved?"

"It's not for you to decide," Joel said, his voice hoarse but resolute.

"Or you!" Marlene shot back, her voice rising in frustration. "What would Ellie decide? You know what she'd want, Joel. I know what she'd want. She'd choose to do what's right—what she was meant to do."

Joel's gaze faltered, just for a moment, and Marlene saw it. The faintest flicker of doubt, regret, maybe even guilt. She pressed her advantage, her tone softening again.

"And you know it," she said quietly, almost pleading now. "Joel, it's not too late to make this right."

Joel's jaw tightened. His heart pounded in his chest as his mind replayed moments he'd tried to suppress—Ellie's laughter, her anger, her resilience. His memories blurred, overlapping with images of Sarah. His dream from nights before resurfaced: Sarah's voice telling him Ellie needed him.

"If you're so sure of what Ellie would've wanted," Joel growled, his voice low and dangerous, "then you should've asked her."

Marlene flinched but didn't lower her gun. "She's not your child, Joel!" she shouted, her voice cracking with raw emotion.

Joel's eyes dropped to Ellie's face, soft and serene in her unconsciousness. He swallowed hard, his throat tight. Memories of Sarah overwhelmed him—her smile, her touch, the aching void she'd left behind.

"Yes, she is," Joel whispered, his voice breaking.

The gunshot rang out before Marlene could respond, a deafening crack that echoed through the empty basement. Marlene gasped, her body jerking as the bullet tore into her side. Her gun clattered to the ground as she stumbled back, collapsing onto the cold concrete.

Joel didn't hesitate. He turned and carried Ellie to the waiting van, his movements precise, almost mechanical. He opened the back door and laid her gently across the seat.

He shut the door and turned back to Marlene, who lay clutching her side, blood pooling beneath her. Her breathing was labored.

"Please," she gasped, one hand reaching out toward him. "Just... let me go."

Joel stood over her, his expression unreadable, his shadow looming large in the dim light.

"You'd just come after her," he said flatly.

The shot was clean and final, silencing her plea. Her body went still, her eyes vacant, her blood seeping into the cracks of the floor.

Joel didn't look back as he retrieved her gun, tucking it into his belt. He climbed into the driver's seat of the van and turned the key, relief washing over him as the engine roared to life. He checked the fuel gauge—three-quarters of a tank.

"Good enough," he muttered.

The tires squealed as he accelerated up the ramp and into the sunlight. The hospital loomed in the rearview mirror, growing smaller and smaller until it disappeared altogether.
Joel tightened his grip on the wheel, his jaw set, his mind racing. The weight of what he'd done pressed down on him, heavy and suffocating.

But when he glanced at Ellie in the rearview mirror, her chest rising and falling steadily, he felt a flicker of solace.

---

Several hours had passed since Shadow had left Joel and Ellie behind, her mind replaying the decision over and over. She'd moved from sitting on top of the broken RV to pacing restlessly on the cracked asphalt below. The dry wind whipped strands of her hair into her face, but she barely noticed.

Had she done the right thing? Should she have stayed with them?

She shook her head sharply, trying to dispel the doubts. No, leaving had been for their protection. The Fireflies wouldn't have hesitated to open fire if they'd seen her. She'd made herself their enemy long ago.

"Fucking hell," she muttered, running a hand over her face. Anxiety churned in her chest like a storm she couldn't calm.

Then she heard it—the faint hum of an engine growing louder in the distance. Shadow froze, her body going rigid as she turned toward the sound. It was still far enough away that she couldn't make out who—or what—it was.

She climbed up onto the RV's roof, narrowing her eyes against the glare of the setting sun. A battered gray van came into view, barreling down the road and heading straight for her.

Her heart leapt into her throat. She jumped down from the RV and ducked behind it, her hand instinctively going to the knife strapped to her thigh. Whoever it was, she'd be ready.

The van screeched to a stop a few yards away. Shadow peeked out cautiously, her muscles coiled to spring. Then she heard his voice.

"Shadow?"

Relief flooded her as she stepped out from behind the RV, her face breaking into a smile. "It's you," she said, her voice trembling as she jogged toward the van.

Joel stood by the open driver's door, his expression grim. Shadow's gaze darted to the backseat, where Ellie lay unconscious, wearing nothing but a thin hospital gown.

"Is she—"

"She's alright," Joel cut her off, his voice gruff but steady. "Get in."

Shadow didn't need to be told twice. She climbed into the back and gently lifted Ellie's head onto her lap. Her fingers brushed against Ellie's clammy skin as she adjusted her, her concern etched deep into her face.

Joel slid back into the driver's seat and started the engine, the van rumbling to life as they pulled back onto the road. Shadow watched him through the rearview mirror, her eyes scanning his face.

"You found the Fireflies?" she asked, her voice quiet but firm.

Joel's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He gave a curt nod, his eyes fixed on the road. "Yeah, I found them."

Shadow's stomach twisted. There was something in his tone, something heavy. "What happened, Joel?"

His jaw clenched, the muscles twitching as he swallowed hard. He didn't answer, didn't even look at her.

"Is it something I want to know?" she tried again, her voice softer this time.

Finally, Joel's eyes flicked to the mirror, meeting hers for a brief, loaded moment. His gaze was dark, haunted, filled with something she couldn't quite name but felt in her bones.

"No," he said quietly, his voice barely more than a rasp.

Shadow nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. She looked back down at Ellie, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Whatever Joel had done, whatever choices he'd made, she wasn't going to press him. All that mattered was that they were alive, and they were together.

"Alright," she murmured.

The rest of the ride was silent, save for the hum of the van's engine and the occasional groan of the tires over rough patches of road. Joel kept his eyes on the horizon, his mind a storm of guilt and resolve.

They were heading back to Jackson.

They were going home.

---

Joel kept a steady hand on the wheel, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The highway stretched ahead, empty save for the occasional abandoned car, relics of a world gone by. He couldn't stop glancing in the rearview mirror, his eyes lingering on Shadow cradling Ellie's head in her lap. Ellie's slow, even breaths reassured him she was alive, but the weight of what he had done at the hospital bore down on him like a lead blanket.

Joel's fingers drummed lightly on the steering wheel as he rehearsed what he might say to Ellie when she woke. Nothing seemed good enough. He couldn't tell her the truth—not about the bloodshed, not about the Fireflies, and certainly not about the decision to save her at the cost of any chance at a cure. How could he explain that he'd ripped away the world's hope because he couldn't bear to lose her?

He glanced again at Shadow, her face etched with concern as she gently stroked Ellie's hair. Shadow, of all people, might understand. Joel suspected she'd been forced to make impossible choices in her life, too. But telling her the truth meant burdening her with a secret that could fracture everything—her trust, her bond with Ellie, and whatever fragile sense of peace they were clinging to.

The van rumbled on for another hour before the adrenaline began to wear off. Joel felt the exhaustion settle deep in his bones, his grip on the wheel faltering slightly. He slowed the vehicle to a stop on the side of the road, letting out a heavy sigh.

Shadow lifted her head, her sharp eyes catching his in the rearview mirror. "You alright?" she asked, her voice low and steady, though concern laced every word.

"Yeah," Joel muttered, but his tone betrayed him. "Just...tired."

Joel opened the door and stepped out of the van.

Shadow studied him for a moment before nodding. She slipped out of the van, carefully easing Ellie's head onto the seat before shutting the door behind her. She walked around the vehicle to stand beside Joel, leaning against the van's frame.

"Let me drive," she said simply.

Joel opened his mouth to protest, but she cut him off with a firm hand on his arm. "You're running on fumes, Joel. Get in the passenger seat and rest."

Reluctantly, Joel let her guide him to the other side of the van. He climbed into the passenger seat, rubbing his face as he settled in. Shadow took the wheel, adjusting the seat and mirrors before easing the van back onto the road.

Joel was just beginning to nod off when Ellie stirred in the backseat, a faint murmur escaping her lips. Both Joel and Shadow turned their attention to her as she blinked groggily, her movements sluggish.

"Ellie?" Joel called softly, twisting in his seat to look at her.

Shadow adjusted the rearview mirror, her sharp gaze focused on the girl. "About time you woke up," she said, her voice tinged with forced lightness.

Ellie blinked slowly, the haze in her mind thick and oppressive as she took in her surroundings. Shadow sat behind the wheel, her expression unreadable, eyes fixed on the road ahead. Joel was in the passenger seat, leaning slightly forward, his hands fidgeting in his lap. Ellie was sprawled in the back, her limbs heavy and her head throbbing.

She tried to push herself upright, but a wave of dizziness hit her hard, and she slumped back against the seat with a groan.

"Take it slow," Joel said, turning in his seat to look at her. His voice was calm but tinged with concern. "The drugs are still wearing off."

Ellie rubbed a hand over her face, the friction helping her focus. Memories flitted through her mind like scattered pieces of a puzzle, none of them fitting together. "We were…with the Fireflies," she mumbled. "And then… I don't remember. What drugs?"

"They, uh…" Joel hesitated, clearing his throat. "They were running some tests on you. The doctors and nurses had to put you under for it."

Shadow's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, her knuckles whitening as she listened. Joel's words were steady, but Shadow could feel the weight behind them, the effort it took to keep his voice even.

"What happened?" Ellie asked groggily, her voice laced with suspicion.

Joel took a breath, his gaze shifting to the passing scenery. "I saw a whole lot of people like you," he said, his voice low. "People who were immune. Adults, kids…they tried everything. Every test they could think of. But…" He paused, his grip on his knee tightening. "They couldn't make it work. Nothing they tried made a difference, so they stopped looking for a cure."

Ellie's heart sank like a stone. Months of danger, sacrifice, and hope—all for nothing. Her throat tightened, and her voice came out in a whisper. "Where are my clothes?"

Joel glanced at her, his expression briefly flickering with unease. "Raiders attacked the hospital. Dozens of 'em. I barely got us out. We'll find you something new on the way."

"Bloody hell…" Shadow muttered under her breath. She shifted in her seat, resting her elbow on the window and her head in her hand. The lie was glaringly obvious to her.

Joel might have been a master of survival, but deception wasn't his strong suit. Even so, she stayed silent, unwilling to challenge him—not yet.

Joel mistook her silence for acceptance, relieved that she wasn't pressing him for answers. He had enough guilt weighing on him without adding a confrontation with Shadow to the mix.

Ellie's mind churned, grappling with the idea of others like her—people who were immune. It didn't make sense. Why hadn't anyone at the hospital mentioned it? Her memories were a fragmented blur, and her instincts told her that something didn't add up.

"Were people hurt?" she asked, her voice small.

Joel nodded, his tone barely above a whisper. "Yeah."

Ellie swallowed hard. "Marlene…" she murmured. The name lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken questions. "Is Marlene okay?"

Shadow's stomach twisted, her unease palpable.

Joel hesitated, the memory of pulling the trigger on Marlene flashing vividly in his mind. He clenched his jaw, forcing the image away. "We're taking you home," he said simply, sidestepping the question. His gaze flicked to Shadow, who kept her focus on the road, her jaw tight. If she doubted him, she didn't show it.

Ellie turned away, her back to them as she curled into the seat. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She didn't want Joel or Shadow to see her like this, vulnerable and broken.

"I'm sorry," Joel whispered, though it was unclear who the apology was meant for—Ellie, Shadow, or himself. The weight of his decision pressed down on him, and though he believed he'd done the right thing, the guilt was suffocating.

Ellie closed her eyes, exhaustion and emotional turmoil pulling her into an uneasy sleep. In her dreams, she was back at the hospital, surrounded by doctors and Fireflies. Marlene's voice echoed in her ears, full of hope and determination. When she woke hours later, the dream dissolved, leaving only the harsh reality of the van and the hollow ache in her chest.

Joel settled back into his seat, "Stay on I-15 north," he instructed, his voice low but firm. "Keep moving. Don't stop for anything or anyone."

Shadow nodded, her hands settling on the steering wheel. She glanced at him as he settled into the seat, his head leaning against the window. "Get as much rest as you need," she said softly. "I've got this."

Joel shook his head, already closing his eyes. "Wake me up in an hour," he murmured. "I'll take over again."

Shadow bit her lip, resisting the urge to argue. She knew he was running on fumes, the weight of his choices and the strain of their journey etched into every line on his face.

"Okay," she agreed, though she had no intention of waking him that soon.

The van rumbled on through Wyoming's rugged landscape, the old highway stretching ahead in a seemingly endless ribbon. The road was cracked and overgrown, nature slowly reclaiming what humanity had abandoned. Dense forests loomed on either side, their shadows creeping across the asphalt as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Rusted, burned-out vehicles lined the shoulders, grim reminders of the chaos that had unfolded so many years ago.

In the backseat, Ellie lay motionless, her back turned to the front of the van. She stared at the fabric of the seat, her mind replaying Joel's words over and over. She wanted to believe him—to trust that he'd told her the truth. But there was something about the way he'd spoken, a hesitance in his tone that set her on edge. It didn't feel right.

Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, frustration and uncertainty swirling in her chest. She hated this feeling—the nagging doubt, the sense that something crucial was being kept from her.

Ellie rubbed her eyes, willing herself to let it go, to trust Joel like she always had. He'd never let her down before. But the words he'd spoken at the hospital kept ringing in her ears. They stopped looking for a cure. It felt wrong. It didn't make sense.

Shadow glanced at Ellie in the rearview mirror, her sharp eyes catching the tension in the girl's frame. She sighed quietly, keeping her focus on the road. Joel had told her to keep moving, and she intended to follow his orders. But she couldn't ignore the heavy silence filling the van, thick and oppressive like the air before a storm.

Joel stirred slightly in his seat, muttering something incoherent before settling again. Shadow glanced at him briefly, her brow furrowing. He looked so worn, so utterly burdened. Whatever had happened at that hospital, it had left its mark on him—and on Ellie.

As the miles rolled by, the van's engine the only sound cutting through the quiet, Shadow's mind wandered. She thought of the look on Joel's face when he'd given her the keys, the weight in his eyes. He wasn't just tired—he was carrying something heavier than exhaustion. A truth he wasn't ready to share.

Shadow adjusted her grip on the wheel, her jaw tightening. Whatever Joel had done, whatever he was hiding, she trusted he believed it was the right thing. But she also knew that secrets had a way of unraveling, and when they did, they could tear everything apart.

In the backseat, Ellie's breathing steadied, her eyes still open as she stared at nothing. She wasn't ready to confront Joel—not yet. But the questions were building, and she knew they wouldn't stay buried for long.

Before reaching Hoback, Wyoming, Joel decided it was time to stretch their legs. He pulled the van off the main road, parking next to a couple of old, dilapidated houses overgrown with vines and brush. "Let's take a quick break," he said, stepping out and rolling his shoulders.

Shadow glanced at Ellie, who hadn't said much since leaving the hospital. "Come on," Shadow said gently. "Let's see if we can find you something else to wear."

Ellie hesitated, her fingers absently brushing against the hospital gown she still wore. With a sigh, she followed Shadow toward one of the houses, its broken windows and sagging roof a stark reminder of how long the world had been abandoned. Joel stayed by the van, keeping a watchful eye on the road and their surroundings.

Inside, the house smelled of mildew and decay, but it was intact enough to rummage through. Shadow led the way, opening old drawers and sifting through dusty piles of clothes left behind. Ellie quietly followed, her mind still tangled in thoughts about what had happened at the hospital.

After some searching, Shadow held up a pair of jeans and a faded sweater. "These look like they might work," she said, handing them to Ellie. "We'll roll the cuffs if they're too long."

Ellie nodded, taking the clothes. In a small bathroom with a cracked mirror, she quickly changed into the jeans, which were a size or two too big, and the sweater, worn but warm. She found a hair tie in the sink, and with a quick twist, pulled her hair back into a makeshift ponytail. When she stepped outside, the cool Wyoming air hit her cheeks, and she tightened her grip on the sweater.

Joel turned when he heard them approach. "We good?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over Ellie.

Ellie avoided his eyes, brushing past him with her head down and climbing back into the van without a word. Shadow watched her closely, noticing the tension radiating off the girl. "Yeah," Shadow said, her voice calm but pointed. "I think we're alright."

Joel frowned, glancing toward the van before nodding. "Alright then. Let's move."

They had just made it to Hoback when the van finally gave out. Smoke billowed from the engine as Joel cursed under his breath, pulling to the side of the road. He climbed out and popped the hood, a cloud of acrid smoke meeting him. "Goddamn it…" he muttered, waving the smoke away with his hand. After a quick inspection, he slammed the hood shut. "That's it. This thing's done."

Shadow climbed out and joined him, her brow furrowed. "Can you fix it?"

"Not a chance in hell." Joel said, pulling the map from his pack. He unfolded it, tracing a route with his finger. "We're not far from Jackson—five hours, give or take. But we'll have to go on foot."

In the back of the van, Ellie sat with her legs dangling out of the open door, her sleeve rolled up as she absentmindedly traced the scar of her bite mark. Her thoughts churned with questions she'd never get answers to—questions for the Fireflies, for Marlene, for herself.

Joel walked over to her, his boots crunching against the gravel. "Looks like we're walking the rest of the way," he said, offering a small, reassuring grin. "Five hours. We can handle that, right?"

Ellie looked up at him, her expression softening. The memory of their first trek together outside Boston—an equally daunting journey—flashed through her mind. "Yeah," she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "We can manage that."

Shadow stepped forward, extending her hand to Ellie. "Come on," she said. Ellie took her hand, allowing Shadow to pull her to her feet. The warmth of the gesture was quiet but grounding.

Joel led the way, guiding them off the road and onto an overgrown trail marked on his map. The woods stretched out before them, dense and quiet except for the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. He kept his pace steady, checking the map periodically to ensure they were on course. If the map held true, the trail would lead to a river that would guide them the rest of the way to Jackson.

As they walked, the silence between them felt thick but not stifling, a heavy presence that spoke of shared experiences and unspoken thoughts. Ellie lagged a few steps behind, her head bowed as if deep in thought. Shadow stayed behind her, letting the cool, crisp air fill her lungs as she absorbed the ambient sounds of the forest. The calm serenity of their surroundings felt like an odd juxtaposition to the turmoil they had endured since leaving Boston. For a moment, it was as if everything they'd faced were being gently washed away by the peacefulness of the woods.

Joel, leading the group, made a conscious effort to keep Ellie engaged. He turned to conversation—a rarity for him during their months of travel. Shadow noticed the change and allowed herself a small smile. Joel's voice, typically guarded and clipped, carried a warmth as he opened up to Ellie about his past.

"Back before…" Joel began, clearing his throat. "Every summer, when Sarah finished school, we'd go hiking. Just like this."

Ellie's gaze lifted, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah?"

Joel glanced back at her and nodded. "It wasn't really her favorite thing to do—at least, she pretended it wasn't. I think she only came along for my sake. But once we got out into the forest? She loved it." A soft chuckle escaped him. "One time, she begged Tommy to come with us. Biggest mistake of his life—he stepped on a wasp nest. Got stung all over."

"Poor Tommy," Shadow teased, scanning the woods for any signs of wasps.

"Yeah, Sarah thought it was hilarious. After that, she never went anywhere without at least two bottles of bug spray." Joel's voice softened as he added, "She wasn't a fan of mosquitoes either."

"Who is?" Ellie chimed in.

"She had this thing about climbing, though," Joel continued, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "Trees, rocks—didn't matter. The taller, the better. She'd see a good tree, and she was gone."

Ellie shifted her pace to walk beside Joel. "She sounds cool."

Joel glanced at her and offered a wistful smile. "She was. She would've liked you."

Ellie tilted her head. "Yeah?"

"Well…" Joel rubbed the back of his neck, thinking. "You're different kids, that's for sure. Sarah was a bit more... girly."

Ellie smirked. "Yeah, that's definitely not me."

Joel chuckled. "No, you're not. But you're funny. You would've made her laugh. I think you two would've been good friends."

Ellie's expression softened. "Yeah… I think so, too."

Joel's smile faded slightly as his emotions welled up, but before he could retreat into himself, Ellie spoke again. "I'm sorry about Sarah," she said gently. "I wish I could've met her."

Joel swallowed hard, feeling a lump in his throat. "Me too."

They fell into a companionable silence after that, each lost in their own thoughts as they pressed on through the forest. Joel led them along the trail, consulting his map now and then to ensure they stayed on course. When they finally reached the river marked on the map, he pointed ahead. "Not much farther now."

They climbed a steep hill, their breaths coming heavier with the effort. As they reached the top, Jackson came into view. The gated community sprawled below them, its watchtowers illuminated by the glow of evening fires.

"Holy… shit," Ellie breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the sight.

Joel exhaled deeply, relief flooding him. "There it is."

Shadow moved to stand beside him. The wind caught her hair, and she tucked a few strands behind her ear, smiling. Jackson seemed larger than she remembered, its warm glow a stark contrast to the wilderness they had just traversed.

"What's funny?" Joel asked, noticing her expression.

"Nothing," Shadow replied, shaking her head. "Just thinking about that hot bath waiting for me."

Joel smirked. "You'll get that bath soon enough."

The sun dipped lower behind the mountains as the trio lingered for a moment, watching the watchtowers' flames flicker against the twilight. Joel broke the moment. "We better get moving. Don't want to tackle this hill in the dark."

As they began descending, Ellie hesitated. "Wait up," she called out. Both Joel and Shadow turned back to her.

Ellie fidgeted, rubbing the back of her neck. "Fuck…" she muttered under her breath.

"Poppet?" Shadow's voice was gentle but concerned.

Joel's stomach tightened. He braced himself, thinking Ellie might finally confront him about Salt Lake.

Ellie inhaled deeply, steeling herself. "Remember back in Kansas City, when you asked me about the first person I killed?"

Joel nodded silently, his expression unreadable.

Ellie looked down, her voice trembling as she spoke. "When I got bit in the mall… I wasn't alone. My best friend was there, and she got bit, too."

"Ellie…" Shadow murmured, her voice heavy with understanding.

Ellie met Shadow's gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "We didn't know what to do. We decided to just wait it out together. Be all poetic and lose our minds together. But she turned, and I had to—" Her voice broke. "She was the first. Then Tess. Then Sam and Henry."

Joel stepped closer, his tone firm but comforting. "None of that is on you."

"I know that," Ellie snapped, then softened. "But it doesn't make it any easier."

Joel crouched slightly to meet her eyes. "Look, sometimes… things don't work out the way we want. Shit happens, and it feels like there's no end to it. But you keep pushing, keep moving forward. Someday, you'll find something new to fight for."

Shadow crossed her arms, feeling the weight of Joel's words settle over all of them.

Ellie straightened, her expression hardening. "Swear to me," she said suddenly, her voice sharp. "Swear to me that everything you said about the Fireflies is true."

Joel didn't flinch. "I swear."

Ellie studied his face intently, searching for any crack in his resolve. His eyes held hers, steady and unwavering, but something deep within her stirred—a quiet doubt she couldn't quite silence.

"Okay," she said softly, nodding.

Joel exhaled, breaking eye contact as he glanced back at Shadow. She looked away, her expression unreadable but her posture tense. Without another word, Joel turned toward Jackson. "Let's go."

Shadow draped an arm around Ellie's shoulders, offering silent comfort as they followed Joel down the hill.

As they approached the gates of Jackson, the evening air grew heavy with tension. Shouts rang out from the watchtowers, cutting through the stillness of the forest. Guards armed with rifles stepped forward, their faces obscured by shadows cast by the torches.

"Stop right there!" a voice commanded. "Drop your weapons!"

Joel exchanged a glance with Shadow and Ellie before slowly lowering his rifle to the ground.

The gates groaned open, revealing a group of patrolmen with weapons drawn. They fanned out around the trio, tense and wary, until a familiar voice called out from the back of the group.

"Stand down!" Tommy stepped forward, his expression hard for a moment before it melted into relief. "Joel?"

Joel nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Tommy's face broke into a grin as he closed the distance between them, throwing his arms around his older brother in a tight embrace.

"Jesus, it's good to see you," Tommy said, pulling back to look at Joel. His voice wavered slightly, betraying the depth of his emotions.

Joel clapped him on the shoulder. "You too, little brother."

Nearby, Maria emerged from the crowd, her eyes scanning the group before locking onto Shadow. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and pulled Shadow into a firm embrace.

"You made it," Maria said, her voice thick with emotion. Shadow returned the hug, burying her face in Maria's shoulder for a moment.

"We made it," Shadow replied softly.

Maria pulled back, brushing a strand of Shadow's hair out of her face before turning her attention to Ellie. The girl looked unsure, her hands shoved into her jacket pockets, but Maria didn't hesitate. She bent down slightly and wrapped Ellie in an awkward but warm hug. Ellie stiffened at first but eventually allowed herself to relax just a little.

"Welcome back," Maria said, her tone softening.

Ellie gave a small nod, mumbling a quiet, "Thanks."

As the group began moving inside, Shadow lingered for a moment, her gaze drifting back to the gates. The massive wooden doors creaked closed, sealing them off from the wilderness beyond. She felt a pang of uncertainty as she watched them shut, as if she were leaving behind a part of herself on the other side.

Joel noticed her hesitation and reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "You all right?" he asked quietly.

Shadow flinched slightly at the unexpected touch but turned to look at him. His expression was calm, his dark eyes steady as they searched hers. Slowly, she slid her hand into his, their fingers intertwining.

"I'm fine," she murmured, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Joel's grip tightened briefly in response, a silent reassurance that they were safe now—or at least safer than they'd been in a long time. Shadow felt a faint sense of calm settle over her as she let herself believe it, even if just for a moment.

Jackson loomed ahead, its streets illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns and the fires from watchtowers. The sounds of life echoed through the air—laughter, distant conversations, the rhythmic clinking of tools being set aside for the night.

"We're home," Joel said quietly, his voice tinged with both hope and uncertainty.

Shadow nodded, her eyes taking in the sight of the bustling town. She glanced over at Ellie, who was walking a few steps ahead with Maria, her hands still stuffed into her pockets. The girl was quiet, but there was a subtle shift in her posture, a faint easing of the tension in her shoulders.

As they crossed into Jackson, the reality of their arrival began to sink in. For the first time in months, they weren't running or hiding.

For the first time, they had a chance to breathe.

(A/N: I'm already planning for the next part of this story. Depended on how season 2 goes, the next part of the story might be a mix of the game and the show. Some things will be changed, some characters may be spared by Abby. There might even be a wedding. Who knows! :P I already have several chapters already written, but will be waiting for the series to come out next year before uploading anything. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!)