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Part Five – 52 Years Later
"Hey guys? I think this is him," Chuck called tentatively, a hint of excitement in his voice. Newt looked up from the bulb he was burying in the soil. He joined Chuck, Minho, and Gally at the entrance. They waited.
Though he had spent much longer in the world than most of them, when Thomas's form materialized out of the darkness he looked like the same young man they had followed to the ends of the earth all that time ago. He smiled at the sight of them, waiting for him there.
"Tommy."
Newt, then Minho ran forward and embraced their friend. Gally and Chuck were close behind. "Hey, Greenie," said Gally.
"I can't believe you shanks are here," Thomas managed to utter. "Wherever 'here' is."
"Well, you know Minho and Gally haven't had to hang here too long, but me and Chuck have spent bloody forever waiting for you." Newt paused. "The others—Winston and Alby. Vince, Jorge… Theresa—they'd decided to move on, bit by bit. In their own ways." Thomas nodded soberly. "You'll come to understand this place, this 'beyond', in time. Just know you're safe. The part of us that lives on is safe here. No more running or fighting. No more mazes. When you're ready, you simply walk on."
Thomas looked at the ground, then back at his friends. "I'd like to wait for Brenda and Fry, if I can."
"Of course, mate," answered Newt. "We're with you."
They all turned and watched as the light faded from the lilac sky, brothers united together once more.