This chapter's song is... Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammar.

Alexander walked with Newt back to the Glade, relaxed now that he knew nothing bad was going to happen. Newt turned as they made their way out of the trees, "it's about dinner time, d'you want to go see if we can get food early?" Alec nodded. "Yeah, Frypan gave me a break from helping anyways." Newt grinned, nodding his head. "Yeah, Alby talked to him about it earlier, and he looked like he'd never been so offended in his life. The guy cares, even though he doesn't show it." Alec nodded, thinking back to the cake the cook had made him.

"So… what're you gonna do about my memories?" Alec asked, almost afraid of the answer. "Me?" Newt asked, an eyebrow raised, "I'm not gonna do anything. It's your choice whether or not anyone else is going to know. Besides, I only heard parts of it. Chuck wasn't exactly calm and coherent." Alec bit his lip. "I remember my mom telling me that everyone in the Glade was saving humanity. What does that mean?" Newt shook his head. "No clue. But since it bloody well doesn't tell us how to get out, I'm not too worried about it."

Alec smiled. He knew Newt was one of the nicer Gladers, but he didn't know that he would be given a choice in the matter. He decided he would tell Thomas, and Minho. Thomas because he trusted the boy, and Minho because he slept in the same room as him every night.

He looked at Newt, he knew he would support whatever Alexander chose. "I'm gonna tell Thomas, and I'm gonna tell Minho." Newt nodded, not saying anything. Alec's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "You're not going to ask why?" Newt shook his head. "You have your reasons, and I'm not gonna shuckin' push you to tell me," he said simply. Alec relaxed further.

"What happens if I accidentally say something else?" Alexander questioned, Newt frowned. "I'd assume now that you knew, it probably wouldn't happen again. But if it does, it's not that big of a deal. I would like to tell Alby about this though, if you're okay with that." Newt looked to him with a smile, and Alexander nodded. "I suppose that couldn't hurt…" Newt laughed lightly. "Trust me, Alby's not gonna care. He'll just be glad it wasn't the Creators sendin' us a message. He's been watchin' the Gardeners for the past few days, trying to figure out what was so important." Alec giggled, slapping a hand over his mouth. "Sorry, I know it's not funny that he was on edge…" Newt shook his head. "It was. It definitely was."

Alexander smiled, the last bit of worry about his telepathy fading away. "Well," Newt started, "time to cross our fingers." He walked up to the kitchens, knocking on the door and waiting a moment until the door swung open, the other four workers not even stopping their jobs before saying, "Hey Newt." Newt grinned. "Frypan, I don't suppose Xander and I could get dinner a bit early, could we?" he asked politely. Frypan rolled his eyes. "Only 'cause Alec's with you. And only this once," he added with a stern look at Newt before he continued cooking.

Newt grinned, snagging two plates and sitting at one of the tables scattered unevenly throughout the space in front of the kitchens. He placed a plate down in front of Alec when he sat down next to him, and Alexander licked his lips at the sight, prompting Newt to laugh. A grilled cheese sandwich with an apple. "Oh shuck! I forgot the drinks…" Newt said. "I got it!" Alec said eagerly. "Are you sure? I can go get them…" Newt said hesitantly. Alexander shook his head. "I got it." Newt grinned, "Okay then!"

Alexander jumped up, jogging over to the kitchens and walking in, grabbing two cups that were on the ledge and walking carefully back out. Travis nodded to him as he passed, on his way to fill the spots Alexander just made. The boy nodded back, walking backwards out of the kitchens to hold the door open before walking back over to Newt. He placed one cup over by Newt's plate, the other by his. Newt nodded his thanks, picking up his sandwich and taking a bite since he waited for Alexander to get back.

Alexander grabbed his sandwich, following suit. They had soon finished their dinner, their apple juice the only thing left. They finished that and Newt put the plates and cups in the buckets under the ledge. When Newt walked back he nodded to Alexander, motioning for him to follow him. "Let's go talk to Alby. The rest of the Gladers will be ready to eat soon." Alexander nodded, taking a deep breath. He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt nervous about telling the leader. What if he didn't accept Alexander's telepathy as well as Newt did? What if he thought it was a bad sign and wanted him banished? Newt saw the boy's unease and frowned.

"We don't have to tell him if you don't want to…" Newt said slowly. Alec shook his head and crossed his arms stubbornly. "Let's get this over with." Newt nodded and clapped Alexander on the back. "It's the right thing to do," he said. Alexander gave him a nervous smile as they began to walk. They crossed the Glade, and found Alby at the Gardens. Their leader turned once he heard their approach. "Hey Newt, Alexander," he said, nodding towards the younger boy.

"Can we talk to you for a second?" Newt asked. Alby nodded and Newt grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the group of working Gardeners. Alby looked between the two, a confused look on his face. What was so important the other couldn't hear? He thought to himself. Newt jerked his chin towards Alexander. "Go on," he said simply. Alexander looked down to his feet and Newt placed a reassuring hand on his back. He struggled with his words, but then had an idea. He looked back up to Alby, meeting his eyes and then directed his next thought towards the boy. 'I'm the voice.'

Alby's jaw dropped, but the hole soon formed into a smile. He reached forward and clapped Alexander on the shoulder. "Better it be you than the Creators. Ay'?" He said lightly, a smile still written on his face. Alexander grinned, looking at Newt who nodded. 'So you're not freaked out over this?' he sent. Alby shook his head. "I will have to ask you to refrain from talking to the other Gladers though. Unless you tell them. We don't need any more stress around here." Alec nodded. 'I'm telling Thomas and Minho soon." Alby nodded again. "I expected as much."

Newt yawned. "Well, the Runner's will be back soon, and I think Xander an' I'll meet 'em at the Door," he said. Alby nodded, and Alexander followed as Newt jogged to the Door and sat down by it. Alec followed suit, leaning half against the wall and half against Newt. Newt looked down at the boy, Alexander sighed softly, the sigh turning quickly into a long yawn. He squirmed against Newt for a second, getting more comfortable before closing his eyes.

"Xander, Xander, wake up!" he heard. Suddenly there were two hands on his shoulders shaking him slightly, and his eyes snapped open. Newt was still sitting next to him, but Minho and Thomas were kneeling in front of him, amused looks on their faces. Alec jumped up, rubbing his eyes. "Sorry!" Newt laughed. "It's fine, I almost fell asleep too." Minho grinned. "Almost? You were practically drooling on him!" Newt glared at him, attempting to resist smiling, and failing miserably as his face broke out into a smile.

Thomas reached forward, slipping Newt's satchel off his arm and then guzzling down some of the water before passing it to Minho. Minho clasp the satchel, drinking some himself before throwing it back at Newt and the blonde boy tipped over the bottle, and watched a single drop dribbled out. He rolled his eyes, and sat back down against the wall, pulling Minho and Thomas down with him. "Listen guys, we've got some news," he explained, and then nodded at Alexander. "Show 'em." He said, a proud smile visible on his face.

Alexander looked forward at the runners. He'd have to tell both of them, he closed his eyes deciding to make it an experiment. 'Hey guys.' He thought towards the both of them. Minho immediately smiled, and leaned forward, pulling Alexander into a quick comforting hug, relived the young boy had been the voice. But Thomas's face remained expressionless. Was he missing something? Newt watched Minho for a second, amused by his calm reaction. It was then that the blonde boy noticed that Thomas hadn't had a reaction. "Tommy?" he asked, "you heard that, right?" Thomas shook his head, but realized what Minho had heard and what Alexander had learned to do. "I don't hear it," he said, his eyebrows knitting together.

Alexander blinked in confusion. "Let me try again…" He said slowly. "Can you hear me?" He thought, directing the thought at Thomas only. But the runner once again shook his head. "Nothing." Newt frowned, and Minho wore a surprised expression. They were all silent, unsure of what to say. Except for Alexander, the boy sat there, staring intensely at Thomas. "HELLO?" He thought, screaming inside his own head. He still received no reaction, but his dedication didn't waver. He sent different words and phrases, refusing to believe he couldn't be heard. He finally sent out one last angry thought, "Shuck!" He thought loudly, not thinking about who to direct it towards. But instead of Thomas having any reaction, as he'd wished, Newt and Minho both did. They clutched their hands against their ears.

"Watch it Alec!' Minho said, his head still ringing. Alexander frowned. "Sorry," he muttered. "Accident." Newt rolled his eyes, "okay Xander. Time for bed, before you give us all a headache." He said jokingly, sending a smile towards the boy. Minho nodded, standing and pulling Alexander up with him. "Let's head back to the room." "But-" Alexander started, wanting to continue with his mind tricks, but Minho held up a finger. "Bed. Now." He said firmly. Alexander frowned but grudgingly walked off.

Newt and Thomas followed for a while, but instead of walking into the Homestead they turned walking towards the kitchen. Thomas wanted to get something to eat before mapping out his and Minho's findings. Meanwhile, Alec and Minho pounded up the creaky steps and then headed into their room. Alexander walked over to his bed and he leaned back on it, balancing himself as he pulled off his shoes. Minho was already settled into his bed when Alexander climbed into his own. 'Goodnight.' he thought towards his roommate; it was growing easier to communicate that way. It didn't take as much strength as it used to. Minho groaned, "stop that! It scares the crap outta me." Alexander giggled before rolling over, and falling into a dreamless sleep.

Four hours later Minho awoke earlier than he normally would. He frowned to himself as he looked around the darkened room. Was the sun not out yet? he shrugged to himself, and knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep anymore he swung his legs to the side of his bed, standing and stretching before noticing the squared paper on his bed stand. He swiped the paper off the battered wood it lay on and scanned the words sprawled on the paper while leaning back against his bed. 'No more supplies.. No more boys. He's the last one.'

Minho's heart practically skipped a beat as he realized who the note was from. And realized who it referred to, Alexander was the last Greenie. He was the last one, ever. He jumped up, slipping his feet into his shoes and sprinting down the hall to Alby's room. He grabbed at the handle and twisted, but his hand just slid uselessly around the handle, the handle remaining locked. Minho groaned, what did Alby have that was worthy enough for him to lock his door? He took a step back and shifted his weight to his left leg, snapping his other out at the handle. The foot connected, and the rusty metal fell off the door and then clattered to the floor. Minho pushed at the door and then burst into the room.

Alby bolted awake as soon as Minho entered. "You Shank!" he cried, looking at the damage Minho had done to the door. "The hell is so important?!" Minho took a few heavy steps forward, the wood creaking under his feet. He shoved the note at Alby's face, and Alby quickly scanned it. Then looked up at Minho disbelievingly. "Where did you find this?"

Minho pointed back to the hall. "In my room. It was on my nightstand when I woke up this morning." Alby groaned. "Just when things were getting back to normal!" Minho frowned. "You're not worried about this?" Alby sighed. "Of course I am. But it's not going to do anyone any good if I start runnin' around panicking, now will it?" Minho bit his lip. "What're we gonna do?" Alby shook his head. "We can harvest seeds from the plants we've already planted, breed the animals instead of killin' 'em right away. We'll figure it out. In the meantime, you keep going out and doin' your thing. We'll have a gatherin' later when you get back. Now go."

Minho nodded, he picked up the handle from the floor and set it gingerly door on Alby's nightstand. "Sorry bout that…" He muttered. Alby rolled his eyes as Minho turned away from him, walking quietly back to his room. He got dressed, waking Alec as usual and waiting while the kid woke and got up. They walked out of the Homestead, freezing at what they saw. Well, Minho froze. Alexander ran smack into the brunette.

"Oh. We gotta tell Alby," Minho said, looking up at the grey sky that resembled more a ceiling than an actual sky. The sun was nowhere in sight. How were they supposed to grow plants with no sun? He turned on his heel ready to run back up to Alby, but paused when he remember Alexander. He squatted down to the young boys level. "Go find Thomas," he said. "Stay with him until someone tells you other wise. Okay?" Alexander looked into Minho's eyes, he grew scared when he saw the fear that lay in them. But he nodded anyways and started running towards the Deadheads where he'd previously seen Thomas sleeping.

His heart began to pound and his breaths grew heavy as he ran, if Minho was worried he should be too. But he wasn't sure what he should worry about. It was a cloudy day. So what? Alexander felt he should be afraid, but he didn't know what to fear. He finally slowed his running when he saw Thomas's sleeping silhouette in the distance. He crouched down next to the boy and shook him awake. Meanwhile, Minho shoved open Alby's door again, storming in.

Alby groaned, sitting up and glaring. "Is this gonna be a common thing?" he asked finally throwing his legs over the side of the bed and transferring his weight onto them. "What's going on?" he questioned, awaiting the Runner's reply. "I thought you were going into the Maze." Minho shook his head.

"Alby. You need to come, now," he said and Alby blinked, taken aback by his sudden seriousness. Minho stepped forward and grabbed him by the arm, dragging him from the Homestead. Alby looked towards the different workstations, seeing nothing but the usual. Only a few Gladers were awake, the ones that were wandered around the Glade doing nothing in particular. Minho nudged him and pointed up. It was then the Alby's heart dropped. The sky… It wasn't like a sky. It was a dome.

Alby looked at Minho, his mouth gaping open. "What the hell is that?" Minho shook his head, wishing he had an answer. He began to ask about a Gathering when a large rumbling filled the Glade. Minho let out a sigh, the familiar sound bringing him a strange sense of comfort. He looked off into the distance, watching the the large ivy covered doors inch themselves open. Alby gripped Minho's shoulder, pulling his gaze away from the doors and towards his leader. "Gathering," Alby said, "we gotta wake up the other keepers." Minho shook his head. "I gotta get my Runners into the Maze. We gotta be out there today." Alby bit his lip, hesitantly looking back towards the doors. He didn't want to send them out there but knew he had to.

He finally nodded. I want you all in pairs, call it the buddy system." Minho gave a small smile. "We'll hold the Gathering later. Alright?" Alby nodded once again and started towards the Homestead. "You and Thomas get out there. I'll wake the rest of the runners and get 'em out," he called over his shoulder. Minho ran toward the kitchen. He pulled open the door and was greeted by Frypan. The cook passed him a few sandwiches and two water bottles. "Where's Thomas?" he asked while Minho crossed the kitchen to fill the bottles. "He's off with Alexander," Minho said quickly. "Fry, why are you so shuckin' calm? Ya sleep in the kitchen or somethin'? Have you not seen the sky?" Minho asked as the water gushed through the drain. Frypans eyes snapped towards the running water, "fill the bottles or turn it off," he said flatly.

Minho rolled his eyes and shoved a bottle underneath, the water level began to raise as it filled the bottle. "And for your information, I did see. What I didn't see however, was the point in worrying. No one was awake yet, and I wasn't gonna wake anyone. Y'all are grumpy in the morning," Frypan said while chopping onions. "Can you send Alexander my way when you head out for the Maze? I want him to help with breakfast." Minho nodded, slightly in a daze from how calm the cook was. His bottle overflowed, the water splashing on his hands. Minho quickly switched the bottles, filling Thomas's. After it filled he clamped on the lids and headed out of the kitchen, sending a quick wave in Frypans direction as he left.

Minho headed back up to his room, his feet pounding heavily on the steps. He was in a hurry to get into the Maze. He grabbed some bags and stuffed them with paper, food, water, and weapons. He walked outside, wondering where Thomas had ended up.

The boy normally slept at the Deadheads but it had been awhile since he'd sent Alexander to wake him… He sucked in a breath, not wanting to waste time. He started towards the Deadheads but his head quickly filled with a seemingly annoyed voice. And Minho groaned when he realized it was Alexander. 'Wrong way,' the voice said. Minho turned, beginning to walk towards to Gardens before being interrupted by the voice again. 'Maze doors Minho. Maze doors. Thomas is laughing at you,' Minho let out another sigh and began jogging towards the doors.

He'd waited and searched for 2 years, searched for an escape for two years. He hoped the grey sky was a clue of sorts, because he was ready to escape. He was ready to crack the code and escape the Maze.