Naughty Dog gave players one of the most intense and divisive experiences with The Last of Us 2, trading Joel's boots for Ellie's along with newcomer Abby. The conflict between Ellie and Abby is at the heart of the game as the two battle to survive, not only each other, but the dangers the post-apocalyptic world throws their ways. However, a new piece of fan art making the rounds online gives players a glimpse at what a potential friendship would be like between these two tough women.
The Last of Us 2 picks up five years after the events of the first game as Ellie and Joel have settled into a survivor community in Wyoming when Abby comes barreling into their lives. Her appearance sets off a series of events that sees Ellie leave the community to hunt down Abby for the damage she caused both her and her adoptive home. What follows are several violent encounters between the two, highlighting the animosity Ellie and Abby have for each other for the damage each caused to the other's life.
As hostile as the pair are in the game, online artist bigwolfart has a different idea for the relationship between The Last of Us 2's leading ladies. Bigwolfart describes the piece, which she first posted on Instagram before being shared on the game's official subreddit, as voice actors Laura Bailey and Ashley Johnson portraying their characters Abby and Ellie, respoectively, in less hostile circumstances. The pair appear to be sharing a laugh over a cup of coffee as Bailey's Abby embraces Johnson's Ellie to reflect the actors' real-life friendship and show what could have been in the game.
Despite the context bigwolfart provides for her piece, many users on Instagram and Reddit appeared shocked at the sight of Abby and Ellie on friendly terms. Most users are complimentary of the work, saying bigwolfart did an excellent job melding the voice actors with the characters and how it reflects the friendship seen regularly on social media and Critical Role. That said, several users note it doesn't feel right seeing the characters, themeselves, as friends given the events of The Last of Us 2. A handful of users do have some fun with this notion, noting the shock on Joel's face if he were to see Abby and Ellie buddying up together.
Others comment that, in a different universe, it's possible bigwolfart's fanart would be canon if certain events in both games played out slightly different. These echo previous comments by Naughty Dog's Neil Druckmann, who said it would only take a few key moments players saw in the two games for Ellie and Abby to be friends.
The Last of Us 2 is currently available on PlayStation 4.
Source: Instagram