A/N: Finally! An update! *claps joyfully*

[Edit: I fixed the ending... thanks AndersDanJij for informing me about my inconsistency. We're all better now! (I hope...o_o)]


CHAPTER 2

Newt ran, the Griever rolling after him.

It covered ground fast, rolling with a speed that seemed impossible for such a creature. Glancing over his shoulder, Newt saw Minho dash towards the opening into the Maze.

He was only halfway to the entrance when the Griever abruptly halted and changed its focus to the other sprinting teen. In horror, Newt realized his distraction wasn't working. He quickly switched to a different tactic.

"Hey you!" Newt waved his arms wildly at the thing, trying anything to direct its attention away from Minho. "Hey ya klunk face! Over here!" His shouting worked. The Griever stopped, then once again began rolling in his direction.

Newt quickly glimpsed Minho's retreating form turn out of sight in the Maze, and sighed with relief. The feeling didn't last, however. Horrible, animalistic groans rose from the Griever behind him.

Letting forth a burst of speed, Newt ran several more yards, before he stopped and spun around to face the monster. The Griever was now within ten yards.

Nine yards.

Newt's harsh panting and the wild thumping of his heart filled his ears.

Seven yards.

He licked his lips, praying his plan would work.

Five yards away.

Four.

When the Griever was within ten feet, Newt dived sharply to his left. He landed painfully on the stones, and the Griever rolled within six feet of his shoes. Scrambling a moment before getting up, Newt looked behind him.

Based on his few previous confrontations, Grievers were not able to easily change directions once they were rolling fast enough. Usually, this could give a Runner enough time to duck down a couple turns and escape. This Griever, however, must have been a newer version. Once it rolled thirty feet of the fallen Runner, it noticed its prey was gone and abruptly halted. Its red lights flashed menacingly as it searched for the boy.

It found Newt—bent double and breathing hard—and locked focus on him again. The Griever let forth a roar of anger.

The boy glanced up and wiped the sweat from his eyes. "Oh shit."

Adrenaline once again coursed through his veins, giving him renewed strength. Newt bolted for the Maze entrance, the Griever at his heels. He made it in and tried to recall to the route back to the Glade. 'First a left, then a right, then right again...' The Griever groaned again, closer now. Newt shook his head fiercely, attempting to repress his panic.

'Think about the path. What's next. It's left again, then another left, no, right...'

Thoughts had a difficult time connecting. Newt slowed down to a jog at a fork in the path, unable to remember which branch to take. Without warning, the Griever unfolded its metal arms and slashed at the blond Runner with a sharp claw, cutting a red line into his back.

Newt cried out and fell to his hands and knees from the sudden force of the blow. He clenched his teeth in pain, and pushed himself up, drawing his knife from its sheath. He spun and confronted the creature.

The thing reared up, metal arms poised menacingly. Newt winced and swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. There was no escape of the pure terror that now washed over him in waves.

He knew it. It was over for him. He only hoped that Minho had made it safely to the Glade. God, he prayed he wouldn't be a bloody idiot and come looking for him.

Minho needed to stay and keep the peace between the Gladers when he was gone.

Dead.

Killed.

The thought sent shivers down his spine. It might be hopeless, but he wouldn't die like a coward. He would go down fighting. Fighting against whoever were the ones who put him here and all their shuck plans. Newt brandished his knife at the monster, breathing heavily as the Griever barreled towards him. He would fight hard.

Like a Glader.

Like a man.


Sorry that this chapter is so short though... damn stupid writer's block. The muse bunny has been quivering in a corner as I rush madly around with VBS and camps and classes and another camp and an upcoming wedding (not mine) and, well, you get the point...

*sigh*

my life is too busy...

If you have certain ideas you want me to take, PLEASE let me know! Reviewing is really not that hard, and will not take long, I swear. All ya gotta do is hit that little gray button down there... ;]

More reviews means longer chapters!