Hidden Truths|| The Last of Us fanific (Sequel)

Part 7

Previously...

Rowan set the papers down on the counter in his small kitchen, as well as some photos he took of Devyn's bites while she was passed out before he wrapped her up.

"I knew it."

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After meeting up with Joel after seeing the flare go off from the flare gun, Blake and Parker looked around the foggy area in confusion.

"What happened?" Blake asked, guarding his eyes from the snow.

"I saw someone take her! I could have sworn that was her.." Joel cursed under his breath and Parker stood behind Blake, shivering profusely.

"U-uh.. guys, can we find shelter? The storm is getting worse!"

Blake turned on his flashlight and he saw a faint outline of the footprints from the individual. "The prints are still there! If we hurry, we'll make it to wherever she is!"

Joel couldn't help but trust these two, they knew what they were doing and where they were going, so all in all, he had no choice.

"Alright fine." Joel agreed and also flicked on his flashlight. 

The three of them started following the prints, and they didn't get very far as they came to a stop after the prints had faded away. The frustration and anger was building within Joel, it shouldn't be this hard to find Devyn, he should have just gone with her in the first place. The regret was building up as well, and he shouted to relieve some anger.

"Dammit!" He looked around and looked back at Blake and Parker. "We have no choice but find somewhere for tonight! We gotta find shelter quick,"

"Thank you!" Parker shouted as they shivered more and looked at their blue hands.

Blake had to part for a moment to look along the cliff-sides, seeing a shallow yet well covered cave, "Hey! In here!"

Joel and Parker followed, and the three finally had to sit down and take a rest. Blake took off his bag and pulled out a lantern, oil, and matches, lighting it and setting it in the middle for some sort of heat.

After warming their hands and cutting the awkward silence, Parker spoke up, "Joel.. that's your name right?"

Joel turned his head over to them, "Yeah.. I'm assuming your buddy had somethin' against me?"

"Not you specifically, but the girl.. we all know who you guys are."

"All? What do you mean all?"

"Our crew in Colorado, we have a few people from Jackson. We only know about the girl, because our leader knows her." Blake explained.

"Then why were you trying to kill her?" Joel growled.

"We weren't trying to! Blake, myself, and our crew have different cabins in this area not very far from here. Garrett was the one who wanted to kill her because she.. we lost a lot of members in the last raid."

"But that doesn't tell me why the hell you tried to take her like that!"

"It was Garrett, we were going to kill him if things got worse.. but you beat us to it. We're sorry, really." Blake sighed and held out his hand, "We want you to trust us.. we're your only way of finding her, and we will not kill you or her. We have families too."

Joel stared at his hand and shook his head, "Like I said before, I will follow you, but I'm not trusting you until I know she's safe."

Blake pulled his hand back and nodded, "Fair point."