A/N: From this point on, some of the dialogue used is not mine, but from the Maze Runner book. I don't take credit for some of the writing used, all that goes to James Dashner.

(Time lapse- 3 weeks)

Earlier than usual, Clara was woken up by Minho.

"Get up and dressed, or I'll do it myself." He teased

Clara instantly got out of bed and Minho left, smirking. She fixed her clothes and hair in the bathroom and rejoined Minho in front of a small building Clara hadn't been inside before. He handed her a small paper bag.

"This is lunch. I'll show you where to put it." Clara followed Minho inside the squat building intently. The day before Newt surprised Clara by calling a Gathering and voting yes to letting her become one of the Runners. It was unanimous, and they decided Clara was to start training with Minho the next day.

Her friend handed Clara a backpack, which she put her lunch inside and slung over her shoulders. She scanned the eight tree trunks lined against the wall of the shack.

"This is the Map Room." Minho explained. "Each day you get back from running you come here, write out the patterns of your sector, and put the map inside your labeled trunk."

"Easy enough." Clara remarked, making Minho grin.

"Follow me." He said

Clara followed Minho as he walked over to the Homestead, showing her a door she'd never seen before. He opened it and revealed a flight of stairs. They made their way down and the light from upstairs faded. The room was musty and smelled like coins, which Clara could strangely remember the scent of. When Minho finally found the light, he pulled the chain and a single bulb turned on. In the dim light Clara could see tons of weapons. Daggers, spears, bows and arrows.

"Pick a couple. You'll need them in case Grievers decide to show up.

That's unsettling, Clara thought. She looked through the assortment of weapons and decided on a dagger and a rusty machete. She put the dagger in one of her backpack's pockets and slipped the machete into the leather strap across her chest.

"Hey," Minho joked "You actually look like a threat now."

Clara frowned and Minho snickered.

"Ha ha ha. Very funny." She said sarcastically. Minho smiled and made his way back up the stairs. When they made it back up, Minho fumbled around and pulled out a box filled with brand new shoes.

"I already have shoes..."

"These are new running shoes. These can only be used when you're out in the Maze."

Clara grabbed a pair that looked about her size and tried them on. They were a little snug, but they fit.

"Alright, what's next?"

For the rest of the day, Minho taught Clara how to fill out a few maps and gave her a section to run through. He showed Clara her designated shelf where she could put her shoes and backpack, which Clara happily did. She left the building for the first time all day, and she was happy to feel a good breeze. She received her dinner from Frypan and found a picnic table occupied by Chuck and Newt.

"How was today?" Newt asked, taking a bite of his apple.

"Good. Minho says I need another day of training. I just learned how to draw maps and picked out some weapons today. Now I'm just itching to get running."

"Itching, eh?"

As if on cue, the Greenie alarm started blaring loudly; interrupting all peace. Clara, Newt and Chuck jogged over to the Box as a small crowd began to gather.

Alby and Newt pulled the entrance open, and inside was a tall boy around Newt's age. He had sandy brown short hair and a muscular build. He was shielding his eyes from the sun and staggering away from the group. Eventually, they told him to come over and hoisted him out of the Box, dropping him onto the grass. He stood up, confusion and fear on his face. Alby began talking to him as he always did, but Clara couldn't make out what he was saying. At one point Newt stepped forward and greeted the Greenie too. When the crowd parted ways Clara went to catch up with Newt, who was still talking with the Greenie.

"Ol' Chuckie over there can get you a hammock to sleep in..." Newt said as Clara walked up. He noticed her approaching and started to introduce her.

"This is Clara. She got her a few months ago."

"Hi." She said with a small wave

"I'm Thomas." The Greenie said "Are there any other girls here? How come you're the only one?"

I guess the Creators decided to mix it up a bit." Clara shrugged "Anyways, hope to see you at the bonfire." She waved again and made her way back to her dinner. Once he was out of earshot, Newt turned back to Thomas.

"She's off limits by the way." Newt said, watching as she laughed at something Zart was doing with his food.

"Bummer. She seems pretty cool."

"Yeah." Newt agreed, raising his eyebrows in annoyance. "Anyway, you can go see Chuck over there and he'll get you a bed."

"Okay." Thomas walked over to Chuck, who lead him to Alby, who took them to the hammocks. Newt headed back over to his table as Clara was cleaning up her plate.

"You gonna drink some of Gally's special stuff tonight?" Newt asked slyly. Clara smirked.

"I thought it tasted bad."

"Well you get so buzzed after one sip you lose all taste." Clara laughed

"Sounds fun. But-"

"Oh bloody hell, Clare. Just this one night?" Clara sighed, amused

"Fine. But if I do anything remotely embarrassing this will be the first and last time."