CHAPTER 10:

AN: Sorry this chapter is so short, but it's kind of just a filler chapter. I'm super sorry but I hope you like it! Just letting you know, but next update should find the introduction of a new Newbie! Just bear with me until we get into the action! Sorry again and please review! I love constructive criticism because I always want to get better. Thanks!

Maddie POV

After Frank told Maddie about the training idea, Maddie reluctantly agreed. She was only doing it because Dani was her friend. But, she was not looking forward to teaching the stupid kids how to fight a Beast.

The next morning, they had a Meeting that Liz called, since she was the new leader.

"Alright, everybody. The Meeting has begun. We have a lot to talk about and I need everyone to keep bloody quiet while I get through everything. After each matter is discussed, Keepers may speak up. First thing of order is Dani is awake and well. She asked me to stay the leader for now because she doesn't feel right, but when she is ready she will take over again. Any objections?"

Maddie looked around and no one disagreed to the blonde, brace-faced girl. Maddie had always liked Liz because she was so calm, yet able to keep things ordered.

"Thank you. Next, Dani has asked me to propose an idea. First, I need to give you some important information that Dani enlightened me on. The Maze, the Haven, all of it is an experiment. WICKED is testing us and 2 other groups to find an escape. There is an all boy group, an all girl group, and us. Supposedly, we are the unimportant group that was thrown together for the heck of it and they're not expecting us to bloody succeed. So, we are going to prove those bloody Creators wrong. We are going to put all effort into escaping this place. Therefore, the proposal is that Maddie and Benji are going to train everyone to fight because when we reach 20 people, we are going to ask for volunteers to spend a night in the Maze and see if we can find any clues. You don't have to go bloody risking your life now, but later, if you have enough courage, we will forever be grateful for your bravery. What do the Keepers think?"

Maddie raised her hand since everyone else sat in shock.

"I think it's a great idea. Let's put the pedal to the metal and make something happen. Take the freaking fight to the stupid Creators. I want everyone to know that training is going to be rough. And unless you want to die when we make our escape, I suggest you pay attention and work hard, because I won't put up with slackers."

Everyone shook their head in understanding to the edgy girl with choppy platinum blonde hair. With that Maddie sat back down with a smug look. Everyone was always too scared to contradict her, and she knew that.

Liz nodded. "Okay then. The training will begin tonight after dinner. Lastly, if we want a chance to escape, I think we need to start studying the maps more. Those, I believe, are the buggin' key to finding our way out. So, everyone after lunches, for an hour every day, will study the maps and look for patterns that could be useful. And, that is not up for question. That concludes the Meeting; everyone is dismissed and please go back to your jobs."

Everyone filed out and Maddie dreaded tonight after dinner because there was no way this rag tag group could put up a fight against the Beasts. But she couldn't say it.

Later that night, everyone gathered around the Cage for lessons.

After Maddie and Benji taught them how to hold a spear and spar, they paired the Haveners up and had them fight each other.

Maddie walked around and observed. Belle was probably the best. In fact, Belle used to be a Runner with Maddie and Benji, until she got chased by a Beast and messed up her leg. She was sparring Frank, and the couple did well, so Maddie moved on.

The worst couple was Cat and Rita. Both were weak Farmers since Cat was so young and Rita was so short. Maddie told each of them to have a firmer grip on the spear and moved on.

Maddie rubbed her face in frustration at the pathetic excuse of an army. She just hoped their next Newbies were stronger and more skilled.

Frank POV

Maddie had told her and Belle that they did well during training and could start helping others next time. And she appreciated that Maddie had faith in her to help teaching.

That night, Frank settled in her sleeping bag and started wondering. Finally it hit her. She had been there for around a month and a new Newbie would be there soon. Frank smiled, knowing she had lasted a month. And with that she fell into a, for once, dreamless sleep.