hehehe
The flying machine of death touches down, and people spill out of it. It looks like they're after Thomas as they hover around him. The other Familiars scatter, getting out of their way. I'm still too far away to do anything about it—so is Minho. instead of running faster, I slow to a walk as they take Thomas onto their machine and fly away.
Minho looks over his shoulder from roughly fifty feet away, his gaze like fire. He's pissed that someone took Thomas and that he couldn't do anything. I don't blame him. Except, I have a feeling Thomas is safe. He is the prize Subject anyway, and that was WICKED that just took him. Or, at least I'm pretty sure it was. Who else would use such an expensive mode of transportation?
My leg aches as I limp to Minho. I can feel the burn pulling and screaming at me, telling me to stop, but I don't. I keep walking.
" It was probably WICKED. " I say when I get close enough to him. The words don't seem to comfort him, and they certainly don't comfort me. At least it wasn't some rogue group of people. Or maybe it was. I don't know. " Let's go meet up with the others. "
He nods, and we set off walking to the Familiars. The city was a mile behind us, the Familiars a mile ahead. I don't know how they got so far ahead of us while carrying an injured person, but I guess the drunk cranks were no match for fast and scared shitless.
" How's your leg? " Minho asks, nodding down towards it. I glance at it. The prosthetic looks weird on my leg, and it has my dad's shoe on the foot, making it look even weirder.
" It's aching a little, and the burns hurt, but other than that it's fine. " I shrug, then remembered how he got hit by lightning. How did I forget that? His burns are still evident on his face and the scorched shirt, that's tattered now. " How are your burns? "
" They hurt like hell. "
" You were hit by lightning. "
" We're both messed up. " He laughs lightly, making a joke out of it. I smile softly, but I can't manage more than that. Our situation is messed up. Stranded in a desert for the sake of an experiment. One of us is missing her leg and the other is burnt and missing most of his shirt.
" I think you mean we are the very definition of perfection. " I cross my arms over my chest and he chuckles, moving a little closer to me. If my arm were still hanging by my side, our hands would brush.
So I leave my arms crossed over my chest.
" That's the smartest thing I've heard you say. " He says and I shove him with my shoulder, grinning but trying to scowl.
I can hear the screams of cranks from inside the city, finding their dead friends. Hopefully they'll see the bullet wounds and think one of their own betrayed them and not come seek us out. If we run into another group of cranks, I don't know if we'll survive. Of course, there isn't any cover, so if they see us they very well may chase after us.
And then we'd be screwed.
Eh. It's not like we aren't screwed anyway.
" We need to get out of the sun. I feel like I'm in an oven. " I wipe a hand across my face, smearing dirt and sweat together. I feel icky, but there isn't anything I can do about it.
Minho nods. " It looks like the Gladers are up to something. "
I narrow my eyes at the small cluster of people in the distance, seeing them building something. I don't think any of them were Builders, so whatever is built will probably be dangerous. I'm not in any position to complain. If it keeps me out of the sun, I'll bow down to whoever built it.
" Building. " I say, " With branches that are scattered. "
Where the hell did the branches come from? I don't see any trees around here. Maybe they were left there by WICKED on purpose.
It's obvious the same question is rattling around Minho's brain, but I doubt he has the same suspicions I do. They don't know as much about WICKED as I do. Maybe I should tell them. But then they would hate me for helping such a group of people. I don't even know if I care if they hate me anymore.
" That doesn't make sense, but okay. The shanks can do whatever they want. "
I cast a sideways glance at him. " You okay? "
He seems… off. I don't know what it is, or how I noticed, or why I noticed. Something is bothering him.
" As okay as I can be, I suppose. Pissed off, upset, feeling hopeless. " He shakes his head, " This damned situation is ridiculous. Didn't you say it was for brainwaves? What do they need those for? Why are we so important? Why are we needed to cure the Flare? Why us? Why do we have to suffer? "
He's never been so open with me. I'm stunned into silence. He's not wrong. He put everything I was feeling into words and communicated them with a person, when all I could do was let the emotions simmer under the surface until they erupted into a raging boil.
" I don't know the answer to any of your questions, Minho. But if I haven't lost hope yet, then you shouldn't. "
I haven't lost hope yet. Or at least not completely. I may have been bitten, betrayed, heartbroken and crushed, but I'm not ready to give up. No matter how much I want to, there's too much I need to do. Besides, if I give up, that's admitting defeat to WICKED, and I am not about to do that.
" Don't let WICKED win. " I mumble, reaching down for his hand before I realize what I'm doing. I stop, mere centimeters from his fingertips, and tuck my arms behind my back and walk like that. Why do I have the urge to comfort Minho? To hug him? Hold his hand?
He's so busy staring the ground he doesn't even notice.
Good. I don't want to be involved with anyone in that way. It would hurt Newt too much. It would hurt me, too. It's not like I look at Minho and see Newt. But…Newt left a wound greater than anything I've ever faced, and I'm not sure how to handle it. Until I figure that out and get over this, there's no way I could make an advance on Minho. It's unfair to him.
Whatever. Thinking about it is making my head hurt.
….
Okay. I think I severely misjudged Louisa. She isn't weak or pathetic like I told her.
She's badass.
She killed thirteen cranks like it was nothing. Just shot them and they fell. But her shots were accurate and they hit where they were supposed to. That's more than most grown men can say. And she just got a prosthetic, and it's like she is already used to it and can fight.
" Nandini, are we going to follow them any further? " Blake asks me, " I was kind of looking for my dad in the city. "
Right. " You said he would probably follow the Subjects around, right? So you could just stick with us for a little while longer. " I hope I'm not sounding to clingy or pleading. I really want him to stay with us. He helped fix my arm when it was hurt a couple days ago. It still aches, of course, but he knew what was wrong and he made an effort to help. No one has really done that before.
" I don't know… " He says, trailing off and sounding unsure. He wants to see his dad, and we're keeping him from doing that. I'm keeping him from doing that.
" You don't have to stay with us, of course. You can leave if you want. You've always been able to leave if you wanted to, but I'm glad you chose to stay with us this long. I found my brother because you helped me and I'm very grateful for that and one day I'd really like to be able to thank you properly. For now you'll have to settle for— "
He's kissing me.
His lips are on mine and he's kissing me.
What?
Heat rushes to my face as his hands go to my shoulders. I feel the urge to push him away but I also want to pull him closer and I also really really feel like hitting him. Why does he always make my heart speed up? Why does he make me so nervous? I hate it.
He pulls away and I'm still frozen with shock.
" I'll take that as my reward. " He smiles down at me and I try to respond with something sarcastic, but no sound comes out. What is wrong with me?
" Nandini! Come help with this! " Someone shouts over from the structure they're building. I gleefully accept the distraction and excuse to step away from Blake, that green-eyed bastard. Maybe I could ask Newt about this. It would bring us closer as siblings, right?
I walk over to the dark-skinned guy, Frypan, I think, and squint my eyes at the two figures in the distance slowly making their way towards us. I was surprised when she walked out of there with the prosthetic. I knew very well that King Crank was a cripple, and that he was the only one with a prosthetic in the vicinity. How she got it is a mystery to me. Maybe she bribed him.
I don't know.
" Go gather some more wood please. " Frypan says.
" I'm not in your little group. " I put my hands on my hips, glad to find that I can talk. " Don't order me around. "
" Okay, fine. Be a burnt chicken. See if I care. " Frypan huffed and stood, picking up various pieces of wood and fallen branches. Where the branches came from is unknown, but I haven't been out this way in a very long time. About two years…? I wouldn't know what had changed.
I stride over to Newt, who is standing, talking with another blond-haired boy. His name is Aris from what I can remember, but I'm not one-hundred percent sure about that.
" Newt, " I say, " Can we talk? "
He nods and looks at Aris. Aris glances between us then rolls his eyes as he walks away.
" What's wrong? " He asks, but his mind seems somewhere else. He keeps glancing towards the city, where Louisa and that asian kid are coming from. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.
" Honestly, Newt. " I say, putting a hand on his arm, " You messed up. Big time. I know you saved her life, but you should have waited until she could have considered it. She probably feels betrayed and now she's run into the arms of someone else. " With each word I said, his face grew more solemn. I remember that day I first saw them together, holding hands and talking to each other with smiles on their faces. Now, I don't think I'll ever see that again. I don't think Newt will ever get to do that again.
And for some reason, it pisses me off.
" But that's not the reason I wanted to talk to you, " I say, steering the subject back to what I wanted to talk about, " I need advice. "
" I doubt I'll be of much help, but I'll try. "
" Um, well, you see, " I stutter over my words, wondering if he's really the right person to go to, " Ugh! Never mind. "
" Is it about Blake? " He asks, mildly bored and not very attentive. His gaze keeps drifting over to Louisa, who was only about fifteen minutes away now.
" Yeah. " I lower my head, trying to hide the red flush on my face.
" Do what you feel like doing. "
He was right.
That didn't help at all.
" I feel like knocking him on his ass for ki— " I cut my words off, but it was too late. Newt narrows his eyes at me, and then at Blake, and then back to me. " For killing those bastards that kidnapped me. I really wanted to get my revenge. "
What a lame attempt to cover something up. But he lets it go.
" Bloody hell. " He mumbles, putting a hand to his forehead and shaking his head. " You're so violent. "
" I know. It's awesome. " I reply, glad he's letting the subject drop. I can't remember what kind of brother he actually is, but I really hope it isn't the overprotective type.
He just shakes his head more. " So violent. "
I laugh, unable to keep it in. A conversation with my brother seemed impossible just days ago, and now, here I am, talking to him. About semi-normal things.
Maybe life isn't as hellish as I think it is.
….
By the time we get to the little camp area they've constructed the small wooden building, and are huddled inside out of the sun. I duck my head and walk in, immediately noticing the slight difference in temperature. It's cooler, but it won't be for long if there's so many people in here.
" I'm back. " I announce, sitting on the opposite side of the hut from Newt. Which happens to be next to Aris, but I would much rather sit next to him than Newt at the moment. It still hurts to look at him, much less talk to him. Every time I look at him, I see the boy from the Maze. The one that would laugh with me and the one that helped me pick tomatoes. And then a new image is layered over it, one of a boy that's holding me down while someone butchers my leg.
It's distorting my senses and I hate it. I hate him, but I love him.
And I hate that too.
" You seem to be in a good mood. " Aris says as Minho sits next to me, our legs barely brushing. There's light coming in through the small holes in the ceiling, causing white dots to cover the sandy ground. Which is very hard on my butt, by the way.
" As good as I can be. " I say, reaching down and grabbing the prosthetic. I need to check on my leg, see how it's doing. Make sure it isn't getting infected. There's no way I'm going through that hell again.
It comes off easily, and I set it down in front of me. The bandages around my leg are no longer a pristine white, which is expected. Instead, they're stained red and a rusty brown from the blood, with an orange-ish yellow-ish color from the dirt and sand. My leg stings and burns like crazy, but I'll live.
" Who's is that? " Fry asks, his eyes staring at the metal and plastic thing on the ground next to him. I shrug.
" It was given to me. That's all I know. " I say, glancing up at him. Nandini and Blake are sitting next to him, but they're giving each other the cold shoulder. Blake seems to be touching her wherever he can without making it obvious, and she looks dreadfully confused and red.
" She probably killed someone for it. " Aris drapes an arm over one of his propped up knees.
" Jorge, do you have anymore bandages? " I ask, looking at the bag next to him. It's looking kind of empty now, but I guess when you've got a group of teenagers supplies tend to deplete quickly.
" Yeah. " He says and he grabs his bags and walks over to me. I wish the hut they built was bigger, so everyone didn't have to sit so close. No offense to them, but I would like to have some alone time to think. But that isn't going to happen any time soon.
He unwraps the bandage from my leg and I turn my head, not wanting to look at it. I know it's a mess of burnt flesh and blood. No need to look at it. It hurts as he starts to wrap the fresh bandage around it, tighter than he did the first time, but I grit my teeth and deal with it.
" Anybody have any food? " I ask and they shake their heads no. I resist the urge to groan. I haven't eaten in a couple of days. And don't even mention water. If I go any longer without water I'll probably die. I can feel dehydration's effects, but they're dull compared to my leg and the throbbing in my hand.
" How did you know how to shoot a gun? " Newt asks, looking at the gun in my lap. The safety is on, of course, and my hand is resting on top of it, relaxed. Guns scare some people, but for some reason I'm completely comfortable with it.
" Magic. " I grin, but he looks annoyed with my response. Jorge goes back to where he was sitting, next to Brenda. Brenda looks like worried, probably because of Thomas. I could put her on the spot, ask her a question about it and dare her to lie. How could she be so worried about Thomas when she just found out Noah was dead a couple of days ago?
God. Noah. How would he feel if he knew that dad was still alive? Or at least, was still alive. I don't know if he'll live anymore since I took his leg.
" So, are we going to wait for WICKED to bring Thomas back? Or are we going to continue on through the mountains and hope he can find us? " I ask, grabbing my prosthetic and putting it back on. Thomas should be fine. WICKED always held him up on a pedestal, claiming he had the best chances. Best chances for what? I don't know, but he should live. Why would WICKED kill their prized subject?
" We're going to wait. " Minho says, not even bothering to consult anyone else. But I trust him.
" Okay, I'm going to sleep. " I stretch out and lay down, knowing there is enough room for everyone to do that if they wanted. " Do not touch my gun. "
" When did it become yours? " Fry asks with a hint of amusement in his voice.
" When I killed someone with it. " I mumble curling into a ball, ignoring the sinking feeling in my stomach. All of my exhaustion hits me at once as I close my eyes, and I drift off into a deep sleep for the first time in a long time.
….
My eyes flutter open.
There's no one here.
That's the first thing I notice and it causes me to jump up, scanning the small area. I crawl to the entrance, kind of awkwardly, and poke my head out of the doorway. The sun is blinding for a moment and I squint against it before the world comes into focus.
There are voices, yes, but there's also the hum of a machine and the roar of an engine. Thomas is standing about fifty feet from me, surrounded by Familiars and tied up with a thick rope. His face is pale but clean, along with his clothes. They raise a little at the shoulder, probably due to the bandages I'm assuming he has wrapped around it.
It took WICKED long enough to bring him back. I don't know how long it's been, but we wasted time staying here. It's not like I don't like Thomas, I do, but staying here was something we couldn't afford to do.
But we did it anyway.
The Familiars, along with Blake, Nandini, Jorge, and Brenda, turn around and start walking back towards the hut as Minho cuts the ropes around Thomas's waist and torso. They look ragged and wild, covered in dirt with disheveled hair and blood-stained clothes.
What a weird bunch of people.
Minho was right. Why us? We're so different yet similar, but our brainwaves are what's important. They can be used to find a cure, but how? How are we so beneficial to saving the human race? Why would WICKED go to such lengths to save Thomas from a gunshot, but not to save me from a bite? Is it because they knew I would live?
I wish I could give up trying to figure it out. Whenever I do I feel dull and ignorant, like a puppet on a string, stuck in WICKED's twisted hands.
" About time you woke up. " Minho says when he gets close enough. I retreat out of the sun and back into the hut, loving the way my face instantly cooled.
" Pshh. I wasn't asleep for that long. " I scoot back until I barely touched the rickety wall, and feel around for my gun. It isn't in my hands, or my pants, and I don't see it on the other side of the room. Knowing my luck, I'll accidentally sit on it, turn the safety off and shoot myself in the ass.
Oh, how comical it would be for them to have to dig a bullet out of that.
And also very mortifying and embarrassing.
My hand brushes the gun as the Familiars file in, sitting down and leaving room for Thomas. I grab it and check the safety before putting it in my lap. No one sits next to me, probably knowing that Minho would want to. Or maybe they're just scared. I don't care.
Newt takes one of the only empty spots in the room that just happens to be directly on my left.
Well, I didn't care a few seconds ago, but now I wish I could switch spots with someone. He's so close I feel like I might suffocate or burst into tears or something. It just… It hurts.
Minho sits on my right, and Thomas takes the middle of the room.
And then the room erupts.
" Where did you go? "
" How's your shoulder? "
" Why do you look so clean? "
" Have fun in the berg? "
Everyone except Nandini and Blake asks questions. My eyebrows rise when Jorge says ' berg ' simply because the word sounds ridiculous. But I guess that is what WICKED is calling their little ship. Or ships, since I'm going to assume that they have more.
Thomas looks overwhelmed and shocked from what just happened to him. I'm about to speak up and tell them to shut up, but Minho beats me to it.
" Shut up, you bunch of sissies. He'll tell us if you shut your yappers. "
And he does.
A headache blossoms just as Thomas starts to talk about aliens in green suits and a bright, white light. I massage my head with my hand, ignoring some of the funny looks that are sent my way.
" …. was something…. Candidates…. "
I'm unable to focus enough to pick up on his words. My head is swimming and my stomach is flipping, a sign of what's about to happen. I feel annoyed because of it, simply because I know enough to survive at the moment. I don't need to remember anymore.
But that doesn't stop my mind from thrusting me into another pit in a vast hell.
…..
" Are you sure? " Chancellor Ava Paige asks, raising her eyebrows at me. Her office seems hotter than usual, and there's a loud thumping noise.
Or maybe that's just my heart hammering in my ribcage.
" I'm sure. "
" Once you volunteer, there's no going back. " She starts to write something down, her pen smoothly gliding across the paper. I try to peer at it, but her handwriting is illegible to anyone but herself. A mess of scribbles. " I'm not going to lie, you would make an excellent Subject, but your mother is strongly against you going into the Maze. "
I don't care. Not anymore. Newt is suffering. He tried to kill himself because of it. Minho is looking more and more hopeless everyday, and I don't know how much longer either of them are going to last. Reed is going up next month, and I want to take his place.
" Please, consider it. I would love to benefit humankind. " That's another reason I want to do it. If I'm a strong contender to be a Candidate, then I'll do it. I want to cure the Flare, the thing that drove my father mad and led him to kill himself.
" I will consult them. " She glances up from her work at me, a pleased smile on her face, " You are dismissed. "
I turn and leave her office, heading to lunch. We're supposed to be having burgers today, and I do not want to be late for that. When you're late for something like that, all the good toppings like lettuce and tomato are gone and all you're left with is ketchup.
My heels click on the floor and I bit back a wave of annoyance. Just because I'm fifteen does not mean I have to wear these stupid freaking things that make noise and announce my presence wherever I go. I also had to start wearing a dress, sleek and black, and it makes me want to scream. What if this facility gets attacked by cranks? I won't be able to defend myself very well.
The cafeteria is noisy, surprisingly. Most of the time there's just muffled conversations, but today, all of the contenders that haven't gone into the Maze are gathered into one place.
It must be the monthly meet-up.
I hate that, simply because all of the girls for group B are always whining about something. And trying to flirt with all my guy friends. I mean, they reside in a completely different building than ours, and we only see each other once a month. It's pointless to try and build a relationship like that.
I find Reed in the crowd, alone, by himself at a table. I pity him, because his awkwardness throws people off. Some say that when you get your memories removed, your attitude will change. If he goes into the Maze, I hope he gets more outgoing.
I squeeze my way to the line and get my food, my stomach growling all the while. The burger smells good, and the bread looks relatively fresh. I wonder if they made it, or if they bought prepackaged bread? I suppose it doesn't matter, but I have a right to be curious.
It's easy to navigate the tables because everyone is sitting down, so I reach Reed quickly. We've gotten closer since Newt left, mainly because we were both fairly close to him.
I pass my brother on the way there, who has his arm around Harriet with a goofy smile plastered on his face. He loves her so much, I don't know what he's going to do when she gets sent up. He's going to go through what I went through, and I really don't want that, but I won't keep him away form her.
" Hey. " I say as I sit down across from Reed. He glances up from his food, his features brightening when he sees me. I smile at him as I grab my burger.
" How did it go? " He asks. I pause mid-bite to answer.
" Decent enough. She said she'd consider. " I take a bite of my food, savoring the favor.
" You don't have to. " He says, pushing his plate away from him. It's mostly empty, save for a slice of onion.
" No offense, but I'm not doing this for you. " I try to put the words as nicely as I can, then take another bite of my burger.
" I know, but would Newt really want you to do this? Would Minho? "
" They can't stop me. They don't remember me. "
" Yea, but— "
" Drop it, Reed. " I snap, not wanting to talk about it. I'm petrified about going into the Maze, but if I can help Newt and Minho and all of my other friends, I'll do it.
I'll do anything for them.
….
The first thing I notice is that I'm being carried.
The second is the coolness of the air, meaning it's night time.
I open my eyes and see a dark sky. Stars are scattered across it like grains of salt, bright and shining. The moon is gleaming, allowing us to have enough light to walk by. We're walking uphill, that much I can tell from the way the person that's carrying me is moving.
Who is carrying me?
The gait is uneven, but I really hope I'm wrong.
I look up, blond hair, brown eyes.
Newt.
" Put me down. " I say, forcefully, startling him and causing his eyes to widen. He hesitates. " Put. Me. Down. " My voice shakes as my heart rattles around in my ribcage. It annoys me that his touch still causes sparks and my heart to speed up. I don't want it to.
My feet land on the uneven ground and I take a few steps away from him, nearly stumbling on loose rocks. My eyes start to sting and I squeeze them shut. I will not cry. I will not cry. Not because of Newt, not because of anything.
Why was he carrying me, anyway? I guess Minho got tired, and I feel bad for him having to take care of me like this. I'm still so dependent on these people; it sickens me. Useless, hopeless, worthless, selfish. The words are repeated in my mind like a mantra. Worthless.
I volunteered to jump into hell. I can't believe I did that. Well, actually, I can. Newt and Minho were in the Maze, suffering, and I was watching. Useless. I didn't go in Reed's place. That much is obvious, and I definitely didn't save his life or anything. When did I go up into the Maze? How much longer was it before I saw them?
I walk right into Thomas's back. I open my eyes and see that he stopped, and is staring ahead, unmoving.
" What's wr— " The words are cut off as I step around Thomas.
Teresa is standing there, holding a spear, looking like she's ready to start stabbing the first thing that moves. Other girls seem to appear out of thing air next to her, holding bows and lethal looking knives. I glance over my shoulder and see more girls surrounding us. They all have weapons, and they all look fucking terrifying.
Isn't group B supposed to kill Thomas?
" What's this crap Teresa? " Minho says, " Nice way to greet your long-lost buddies. "
Teresa walks froward, holding the spear in front of her. She stops a few feet in front of Newt and Minho, her eyes searching for someone or something.
" What the bloody— "
" Shut up. " Teresa says, not snapping it but saying it with conviction, " Any of you move and the bows start shooting. "
On cue, the girls aim their arrows with rusted tips at us, and I briefly wonder where my gun is. It isn't in my hand…. I twist my torso the slightest bit, and feel it in the waist band of my jeans, hidden by my shirt. Good, at least I can reach it. But two bullets won't do much good against a group of fifteen or so girls with knives and bows aimed at us.
" Teresa. " Thomas whispers, drawing her attention back to him. She glares at him but stalks closer, slowing to a stop in front of me. I won't move, seeing as she's taken sides with Group B. That nasty looking spear would be enough to kill Thomas.
" Move, Louisa. " She says, raising her weapon slightly.
" Tell me what the hell is going on. " I say, putting my hands on my hips. If I were to move one of my hands back slightly I would be able to reach the gun.
" Move. " She raises her voice slightly, but I don't budge. Teresa rears back, and knowing that I can't fight back, I tense. This is going to hurt.
She slams the butt of the spear on my left leg, just above the prosthetic. Pain explodes, blinding and suffocating. I fall onto my right knee, gritting my teeth and fighting back a scream. My thigh is throbbing, screeching out for me to stop getting hurt, but I can't.
Breathing heavy, I stand again. My leg quivers but keeps me up, and Teresa narrows her eyes at me.
" Are you stupid? " She asks, bringing her spear back again, preparing to hit me.
" Maybe. " I reply, unflinching, " Put that spear down and call of your little posse. Then we can talk and negotiate reasonably. "
" Shut up! " She yells as she brings the blunt end of the spear down on my leg, once, twice, three times. Each time I feel like the nerves in my leg are on drugs, alight with singing pain.
" Stop that! " Minho yells, but she just brings the spear down harder the fourth time. My breathing is ragged and harsh, but I don't call out for help, or scream. I'm on the ground, my face in the dirt. I should kick out, do something to defend myself, but that would only cause Group B to fire their arrows at the Familiars, and that can't happen.
I whimper as the spear comes down a fifth time. How many times is she going to do this? How many times is she going to hurt me? I grit my teeth and try to endure, but I don't know how much longer I can last. Stubborn tears are leaking out of my closed eyes, but she still doesn't stop. I can hear her readjusting her grip, the whooshing of the wood cutting air—
" Is it really necessary to do that so many times? " A voice says, and the spear stops mere inches from my leg. I should feel elated, but my blood runs cold. " She is a cripple after all. "
I don't want to open my eyes. I don't want to confirm my suspicions.
But I do it anyway.
Standing before me, arms crossed over his chest, staring down at me with pity, is someone who walked right out of my nightmares.
A blue-eyed demon.
Reed.
HOLY MOTHER FREAKING JESUS ON A BOAT WHAT JUST HAPPENED
^ That's what you're thinking, right? ^^^
Okay I have my own plot going on and it might not make sense at the moment, like how the hell Reed is alive, ( Louisa isn't as strong as she thinks she is ) But I promise it will make sense and I really hope I didn't just make the biggest mistake on this story. I know what I'm doing, but I don't want to lose readers because I brought Reed back to life, but he was never really dead soo...
{ review responses }
DigiArtisit ~ I've written a one-shot about page 250 with Louisa but I haven't posted it or anything. Just cried while writing it. Also A+ CLIFFHANGERS YAYYY
Chipmunk1123 ~ it's okay if you haven't been able to review, I know you'll get the chapter read eventually. I wanted to stick to the book and mix in elements from the movie. And then put my own twist on it. And I hope I've done a good job of that.
Guest ~ I've been watching a lot of anime lately, and that's kind of known for being overdramatic with things so if she seems that way, I'm sorry. I'll try to back off the drama. Also, I haven't even thought about that tbh.
Sarah ~ I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO CATCH UP YOU'RE PROBABLY SCREAMING AT ME BECAUSE OF LEWT. I READ ALL OF YOUR REVIEWS FOR FIGHTING AGAINST YOU AND THEY MADE ME SMILE THANKS SO MUCH
{ end of review responses }
Sooooo, don't kill me. Don't riot.
ALSO OMG WE ARE REACHING THE END GUYS. I've got the book open next to me and there's about 100 pages left?! How did I get this far?! I'M SCREAMING.
When I finish the Death Cure fanfic I might cry. Okay anyway, back to the chapter. I added Nandini's POV to kind of show her relationship to Newt, because that plays a huge roll in the future, also kind of wanted Nandilake to be added in there. I added the memory to help with the time difference. Louisa slept for forever, then she fell into a memory. Let's just say now they have four days left to get to the place.
JUST FOUR DAYS.
Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day, morning, afternoon, evening, night, I'm going to go get some water and read Lady Midnight.