2nd Arrow [Dictated]

[threeweeksago]

[So this is the first time Ellie's doing up a post of her own to the weird journal things. Even after being in Paradisa for a few weeks now, it's still a real fucking weird method of communication, but she can't keep complaining about it when this is the best way to get in contact with everyone.]

Okay, so, quick question. Does anyone around here know how to make a bow? And arrows too, I guess. I'd like to have more than just a gun and a knife if things go to hell here, but I do not trust this weird magic shit with a weapon, no matter how simple it is.

I'm not asking anyone to make it for me. Just... show me how. It'd be a gigantic fucking help.

Comments

[threeweeksago]

'Course I do. Guns are too noisy when you're hunting.

[AW YEAH SOMEONE THINKS SHE'S COOL.]

And I totally learned how all on my own.

[indirectcause]

Do they attract your infected, too? They sure as heck attract Walkers.

[She's consistently more badass than he is, he's impressed]

Was it hard?

[threeweeksago]

Oh yeah, definitely. Guns are great and all when you're fighting off a pack of crazy humans, but when it comes to Infected... Runners aren't so bad, but you don't want to go shooting off guns if there are any other kinds of 'em around.

[There's a pause, and it's a good thing you can't see people through these things, because Ellie looks somewhat conflicted.]

In the beginning, yeah. I was in an area that was mostly clear of Infected, so I didn't have to worry about that... but I still had to hunt all on my own. That kind of pressure really sucks.

[indirectcause]

So the other kids pose different challenges? I guess we're lucky where Walkers are all pretty much the same. [Or as lucky as you can get in a undead apocalypse]

I see, but you still managed it, right? That's pretty impressive. I don't think I could have done it if I was in your position.

[threeweeksago]

Yeah. As the fungus spreads, they... change. Get stronger. The oldest ones - they call 'em bloaters - are completely covered in the stuff, and most guns don't even work against them. Might as well just bomb the fuck out of them until they stop moving.

[Molotov cocktails and nail bombs are fucking lifesavers, hell yes.]

I don't really think it's a matter of thinking you can do it or not. You just... do it, y'know? When it's the only way you can survive, something just clicks inside of you. You kinda go on autopilot.

[God knows Ellie was on autopilot throughout the entirety of winter, both physically and emotionally.]

[indirectcause]

Man, I can't imagine even trying to deal with something like that. [It honestly sounds like a nightmare, even more so than he's already living in]

I guess so. I still kinda suck even at the autopilot thing. If I didn't have other people I would have been dead in the first few days.

[threeweeksago]

Hey, some people just take a while longer than others to find their fight or flight instinct. I mean, even after me and my group got held up by a bunch of soldiers, it wasn't until I actually had a gun pointed at me that I was able to even do anything.

So don't be so hard on yourself, okay? Your shining moment of badassery is bound to happen sooner or later.

[indirectcause]

[His expression softens to a sad sort of smile. The people who have faith in him are few and far between, and it always takes him off guard when someone does]

Probably not, but thanks for the vote of confidence anyway.

[threeweeksago]

Pft, whatever. [A dismissal like that would probably sound harsh, and in most cases, Ellie probably would just blow someone off after they say shit like that. But... she knows by now that Ben's seen a lot of tough shit, and he's been nice to her, so she's willing to cut him a little slack.]

This just means I get to tell you I told you so when I turn out to be totally right.

[indirectcause]

[He manages a chuckle at that, at least]

Okay, when you get o say 'I told you so', I'll get you an ice cream or something for your victory.

[threeweeksago]

[That should probably sound kind of mocking, but fuck that, Ellie can't say no to something like ice cream.]

And no wishing for it. We're gunna find the best place in the city, got it?

[indirectcause]

Absolutely. I promise, no wished up stuff.