I'm back with a kind of short chapter. It's about 300 words shorter than what I normally write but oh well.
Thomas is gone.
" Where the hell is that stupid shank? " I ask, a slight growl in my voice as I scan Group B. I find that Teresa is missing too—the one that has been so cold to him. And if they say that he got lost, I will pull my gun out. It's not easy to get lost when you're in a group of ten or more people.
They all shrug. Like it's not even a big deal that two people are missing.
" Where are they? " I ask again, my hand reaching around to the back of my shirt. I casually rest my hand on my hip, mere inches from the gun. It's dark, so if I shoot it will be hard, but the moon is bright and provides plenty of light. " Answer me! "
They stop walking, finally.
" If we get to that Safe Haven and Thomas isn't there, all of you are going to regret being born. "
Harriet steps forward, green eyes alight with dazzling flames. " You don't threaten us, cripple. All Teresa said was to keep moving if she suddenly disappeared, so that's what we're going to do. "
She turns back around and keeps walking, everyone else following her example. I grind my teeth together as Reed grabs my arm and hauls me along. This is bullshit! They should know where Teresa is! I'm half-tempted to just walk away and look for Thomas myself. For all that Group B claims to be, nice doesn't appear to be on the list. If they were, they would be searching for Teresa and Thomas.
I don't even want to know what happened to Teresa. She's gone crazy. I bet the Flare has already eaten her mind and all of her brain cells are gone. That has to be it. Because the Teresa I knew would never do this to her friend. And, as far as I'm concerned, she really, really, liked Thomas.
" I'm sure they'll be fine. " Reed says, and I get the urge to punch him. Thomas has a tattoo on his back that says he's supposed to be killed by Group B, and Reed has the nerve to say he'll be fine?
" Yea, sure. Of course they will. And unicorns will swoop in from the sky and save us all and cure the Flare. " I glare at him and he looks down at the ground. Thomas is gone and the only thing I can do is make it to the Safe Haven and hope he's there. I feel like sitting down and waiting for him right on this cliffside, but I know how stupid that is so I let Reed drag me across the Scorch with him.
…..
It's been two days.
Thomas is still missing.
It's so frustrating not knowing if he's okay. And the fact that we've can see across the vast expansion of the Scorch and there's no building is really ticking me off. If WICKED lied to us and just ditched us here, I'm pretty sure I'll scream.
I can see Minho and the others at the base of that other mountain to my right. I can't really tell what they look like, but it appears as though they've still got the same number of members. I let out a breath of relief. At least I know they're okay. Or, well, as okay as anyone can be in this damned place.
" Looks like they're fine. " Reed says, nodding towards them. I nod my head yea, not really wanting to talk. I've had enough of Reed to last me for the rest of eternity and more. He keeps trying to be nice, like he can make up for what he did. I know it wasn't his fault, or at least, that's what he's telling me and what I'm choosing to believe, but I'll never be able to look at him the same way. He may have been controlled by WICKED at the time, but I'll never forget the feeling of helplessness and the earth-shattering fear that had gripped me.
" Can I go meet them? " I ask, taking half a step in their direction. I want to walk with Minho, Brenda, Frypan, Nandini and the rest of them. The only downside is I would have to face Newt, and that was something I don't really want to do. It still hurts. Each painful step reminds me of what he did.
Reed grabs my arm and pulls me back to him, " No. "
" You said you only wanted me here so you could apologize, and you did that. Let me go back to my friends. "
Friends. What a peculiar word to describe them with.
" It would be a waste of time for you to go meet them. We only have a few hours left to get the safe haven. No time for detours. " He shakes his head at me and clench my fists to prevent from slapping him. He's right—there's no time for detours. But I want to get away from him. He could at least let go of me.
" Louisa! " Harriet calls me forward from her spot at the front. I look at Reed and then pointedly down at his hand on my arm. He releases it with a sheepish smile and I limp forward, away from him. With each shaky step, I feel a bit of the tension in my shoulders release.
My foot catches on a rock and I stumble then brace myself to fall, but one of the girls I was walking past reaches out and wraps their arm around my back, steadying me. I look over with a grateful smile at her, and catch movement out of the corner of my eye. My smile fades as I turn to look at the cliffside we just left earlier this morning, scanning it for any signs of life. Are Cranks following us? Are we in danger?
I just barely catch the dark hair of Teresa, and turn back towards Harriet.
" Teresa is on the mountainside. " I say, my mind racing with all of the possibilities. Thomas could be with her, still alive because she realized what she was doing was stupid. Thomas could be dead, and she's walking away from his dead body. She could have injured him and left him in the mountains to get eaten by Cranks.
If she left him for dead, she's not going to make it to the Safe Haven.
If his blood is on her hands, she's not going to make it to the Safe Haven.
I don't care if she used to be my best friend, she betrayed us. If she's stupid enough to try and kill Thomas, someone she was really close to, then there's a chance she'll be stupid enough to try and kill someone else.
" We'll keep moving, " Harriet says, just barely glancing over her shoulder, " Teresa can catch up. "
Her voice was quiet, like she knows what I suspect is true. I grind my teeth as my throat tightens. He might not be dead, he might not be dead, I tell myself over and over, trying to drill it into my mind and force myself to believe it. But it's not working—it's not working!
I take a deep breath.
Survive now, mourn later.
" What is it you needed me for? " I ask, my voice steady despite the fact that my heart is thudding in my chest. I narrowly avoid rolling my ankle on a rock as my legs start to feel heavy. There's an ache in my left leg, and I want nothing more than to sit down, curl into a ball, and sleep.
" Run ahead of us. Scout the area and see if you see anything. I expect you to come back. " She barely even glances at me over her shoulder as she emphasizes the last sentence.
" And if I don't? " I question, crossing my arms over my chest. I can barely walk, much less run. And besides, Group A would see a limping figure running, know it was me, and assume I was trying escape.
" We'll shoot you down. " She looks at the girl carrying a bow and then back at me. I glare at her and keep my walk steady, showing no signs of speeding up. I would probably trip and fall if I tried to run. Not only that, but the idea of getting that cramp in my ribs, the burning in my thighs and calfs, sounds dreadful.
" What are you waiting for? " Harriet asks, " Go. "
Geez. And I thought girls were supposed to be nice.
I almost laugh at my own stupidity. Of course girls wouldn't be nice. The few I've met have threatened me with knives, pointy sticks, and bows. And there's me, who's killed a dozen people and threatens everyone I meet. Perhaps there isn't a nice soul in the universe, not anymore. The Flare has probably killed them all.
" Go, Louisa. " Harriet says again, slowing down so she can push me forward. I stumble and turn and glare at her again, then stare at the vast expanse of desert in front of me. The skies seem cloudy and I can't see much incandescence coming off of the sand.
I release a shuddering breath as I start off at a jog, then gradually speed it up as fast as I can. My stride is short and choppy, and my limp slows me down drastically. I don't know what she was thinking sending me to do this; I'm probably the slowest person in the group. It would've been more efficient to send Reed, or Sonya.
But, no. I'm the expendable one. To them, I'm nothing more than a thing they can use.
I grit my teeth and run faster, towards the direction the Safe Haven is supposed to be in. I can see the Familiars out of the corner of my eye, just kind of walking along. I wish I could turn and go to them, towards the people I care about more than anything, but I can't. Despite how much I feel like dying, I—
No, no, no.
A headache blossoms, worse than the one before. My head pounds as my stomach flips and dread fills me. Did Group B say anything about what would happen if I stopped running? Am I going to end up with an arrow in my back?
I can't go into another memory, not now. I fight against it, against the images that are trying to fill my brain. My limbs feel heavy, and my feet drag against the ground. When did I stop running?
My legs give out, and I fall face first into the warm sand.
….
" Wasn't that Louisa? " I hear Nandini ask Newt behind me and my eyes snap open. I haven't slept in a while on account of stress and worry because of those two shanks, but now I feel wide awake.
" Where? " I ask, my eyes scanning the vast area of desert until they fall upon a figure laying in the sand. I can barely see it, but there's long, dark, blonde hair surrounding it, and I can see light gleaming off of metal as the sun peaks through the clouds.
I take half a step in her direction, not even questioning why she's out there away from Group B, just wanting to get to her, when Jorge puts a hand on my arm. I shrug it off, glaring at him over my shoulder.
" You'll get shot if you go towards her. " Jorge says, nodding towards Group B who casually have their bows at their sides, nonchalantly walking, completely unconcerned with Louisa. I look back at her still form, fighting back panic. If I can't go to her, what can I do to help her?
And then, out of the corner of my eye, I see Newt sprinting towards her as fast as his limp allows him to go. Nandini yells his name but all I hear is the blood pounding through my veins. He's running to her, so why can't I?
My feet take one step, and then another, but I'm tackled from behind by Frypan.
" You can't. " He says as my face hits the sand. I groan through gritted teeth as the beginnings of a headache start in my forehead and spreads back. " We aren't going to risk anymore lives. "
" But Lo— "
" It doesn't matter who is laying in the sand over there. You are not going to her. I care about Louisa as much as the next guy—she's like a sister to me—but there's no way in hell I'm letting you risk your life for her again. " His knee is planted firmly on my back, his hands pinning my arms down to my sides. " If I let you go, are you going to run? "
Am I? I want to go to her, but the Gladers need me here to lead them. I have to keep an eye on Brenda, Jorge, Nandini, and Blake. I have to lead them to the Safe Haven safely. My eyes travel back towards Louisa, and Newt's figure approaching her. He's about halfway there now, and shows no sign of slowing down.
But, can I trust Newt? Last time I did, Louisa lost her leg. He claims he still cares about her, and the fact that he's running out there, risking his life, confirms it. Yet, he had me so convinced he cared about her before. Will he protect her from Group B? Or will he be shot down?
I don't want to lose my best friend.
" I won't run. " I mumble into the ground. Frypan's knee hesitantly leaves my back, and his hands leave my arms. I push myself to my feet, brushing what sand I can off of my knees and chest. The people behind me seem wary of me taking off towards Louisa and Newt, so I turn to confront them.
" I said I wouldn't run. " I look at their ragged faces, each one set grimly. Yet, in their eyes, I can see the littlest bits of hope leaking through. Hope that soon this will all be over. " So let's get our asses to the Safe Haven and confront the bastards that put us through this. "
They nod in agreement and I turn back to the direction we were going while glancing up at the sky and hoping it won't storm.
….
I'm smiling.
It's a movement that's natural, yet foreign to me. Where was I yesterday? Where will I be tomorrow?
Why is this lady staring down at me with a ruby red-lipped smile?
" You are the perfect addition to the Trials. " She pushes a strand of blonde hair out of my face, resting her hand on my cheek. " The perfect, little, flame. "
I am about to ask who she was, and what she meant, when someone else burst into the dark room. The fury on the lady's face is unmistakeable, and definitely directed at the lady leaning over me. I ignore the way my heart rattles in my ribcage, and force the smile away.
What was I even smiling about?
" You… Ava. " The blue-eyed lady points an accusing finger at the lady, Ava, in front of me. " How dare you push her onto me? How dare you? " She hisses the words and looks at me like I'm poison. " This filthy little rat is worth nothing more than the gum on the bottom of my shoe. "
Ava leans away from me, deciding to address the new intruder. Her face seemed calm but her posture was tense. " Mrs. Kittredge— "
" Do not call me that. "
" I'm sure you are aware what value she has to the Trials. She was given to us, and I plan on using her as much as possible. You being her mother is a part of that. "
My mom…? Is this person my mom? I didn't think my mom had such sharp features on her face, or could scowl like that. A brief image of a crying woman flashes in my mind, but disappears soon after.
" Look at her! " Mrs Kittredge nearly screeches, " She's hideous! She'll be a disgrace to my family! "
Hideous? What did I even look like? Why are they talking about me like this?
Who am I?
" Surely Noah would like to have a sister. " Ava counters calmly as the light above me flickers.
" My son is perfectly happy as an only child. " Mrs. Kittredge crosses her arms over her chest, her face flushing red from anger. Is it my fault? Did I cause this?
" I'm sorry, dearest sister, " Ava spits the words, some of the frustration she's feeling being let out, " You will take this child as your daughter or you will not be a member of WICKED any longer. "
Mrs. Kittredge's face pales. " You wouldn't. "
" Oh, I would. Do not anger me. "
Mrs. Kittredge suddenly strides forward and grabs my arm, squeezing it so hard it hurts. " You, " She says, glaring at me so much I felt like it might kill me, " You are going to behave yourself or God help you, because you are going to wish you were dead. "
" I'll behave. " I say, but it comes out a squeak. She shakes her head and mumbles, " Pathetic. " As she drags me out, Ava smiling at us the entire time from behind. I glance at her over my shoulder, frowning. She just waves at me as I'm dragged into the bright hallway.
" It'll take another day for the Swipe to set it correctly. " Mrs. Kittredge says, coming to a stop in front of a small door. " You will say in here until it has and sit quietly. Do you understand? "
I think her fingernails break the skin on my arm, because I feel warm blood leak down my tricep. I wince at the sting, but she just squeezes harder.
" Understand? " She questions again.
" Yes, Ma'am. " I say as she opens the door and slings me inside. I land on my butt, hard.
" Good. " She slams the door shut and I release a shaky breath. The room is small, no larger than a closet. I just decide to sit in the floor and hug my knees to my chest, trying to calm down and stop the questions from racing through my head.
What is the Swipe? Why did Ava call me the ' perfect little flame' ? Who are this people?
Who am I?
I get my answer the next morning as my door is pulled open. A brown-haired teen walks in, his glasses sliding down his face. I sit up, staring at him with a blank expression on my face. Nothing is in my head but a short melody that won't stop repeating itself.
He holds a hand towards me.
" My name is Noah, and you're my sister. " He says as I grab his hand.
" Where are we? " I ask, wondering how I got here and why this teenager was calling me his sister. I hear him mumble something about data not being fully uploaded. Then he just smiles at me, and for some reason, I feel assured.
" Welcome to WICKED, Louisa Kittredge. "
…..
What was that?
What the hell was that?
That definitely had the feel of a memory, but it seemed more like a dream. I want it to be a dream, because it didn't make sense. Not at all.
Wait, why is someone shaking my shoulders?
What happened before I passed out goes through my head, and I sit up so fast my head starts to spin. My eyes open and land on Newt's brown ones, before focusing on something in the distance. The two groups were starting to merge together at one spot, and my heart skips a beat. Are they going to be at the Safe Haven? Are we almost safe?
" How much time is left? " I ask, choking the word out and fighting past the pain I feel at seeing his worried, chocolate brown eyes. I want to dive into his arms because it's someone familiar—someone that hasn't molested me before, someone that I love. But a sudden ache in my leg reminds me of what he did, and the feelings fade.
" A couple hours. " He says, his voice strained as well. I realize his hands are still on my shoulders. He seems to notice too, because they leave and drop down by his sides. " We should go. "
I nod my head, pushing the latest memory far out of mind. I'll think about that later, when I have time.
Newt stands and offers his hand down to me, and I take it after hesitating for a second.
" We've fallen behind, " I say as he pulls me up. " We'll have to run. "
I don't think about the fact that the reason he's behind is because I collapsed. I don't think about the fact that Group B walked right past me, yet left me on the ground to fend for myself. I only think about getting to that Safe Haven, so I can figure out what the hell I have to do next.
" Are you sure you can run? " He asks, still holding my hand even though I've stood up.
" I don't have a choice, Newt. " I say, pulling my hand out of his.
" Are you okay? " He asks and I look pointedly at the dried blood on his shirt and his ruffled hair. He glances down then back at me, " I'm okay, Louisa. I'm asking if you are, after seeing Reed. "
" Oh, that ass? " I ask, even though I fully knew what he meant, " He's nothing. "
Newt doesn't believe me, that much I can tell. But, thankfully, he drops the subject. I don't want to think about Reed and why he's still alive and the fact that I tried to kill him. I don't want to think about what I just remembered. I don't want to think about anything.
" Let's go. We're getting even further behind. " I say as I take off at a sprint and Newt soon follows. I hear his harsh breathing behind me after a while, along with my own. My eyes stay glued on the horizon, on the groups that have stopped walking and are now seemingly conversing with each other. Soon, I lose myself in thinking about the next step, and about the people and things I'm running towards.
The Familiars.
WICKED.
Revenge.
A slow smiles spreads across my face.
Revenge is kind of the only thing keeping Louisa sane right now if you ask me. But I'm trying to sort her emotions out and also plan for something else in the next story.
Oh, you're probably wondering why it's been three weeks since I updated. Well, let me just say, injuries are hell. I swear to God I was going to scream. I nearly re-injured it at a practice, so I've had to back off the typing. So I wrote fifty words at a time until I got this so I'm sorry if it seems choppy or anything.
and omG GUYS I THINK THERE'S ONLY GOING TO BE LIKE TWO MORE CHAPTERS. WHAT. WHAT. WHAT.
{ Review Responses }
mazerunner26 ~ thank you. I'm sorry about the late update.
Chipmunk1123 ~ I think I may have taken too much time writing. oops. Anyhow, I feeeeeel. I've been writing about Louisa for over a year now, and thinking about wrapping that all up makes me wanna curl into a ball and cry. Yet, I'm excited at the same time to actually finish something I started for a change. I also reread the book and I now know how I'm going to finish this.
{ End of Review Responses }
When I finish this story, I think I'm going to take a little break. Possibly. And work on my other fanfiction. Only for a couple of weeks though. Not like half a year or anything like that. I just need to get ahead on the other fanfiction so I can put all of my time and effort into the final maze runner one.
Gosh, even saying that makes me nervous.
of course, I will be going back and revising all three stories when I finish them. Making them better. I'll post an extra author's note on those when I finish revising so you can go back and read a decent story that's put together well.
Anyway, my wrist is starting to ache again, so I'm going to go ice it.
Have a good day, night, evening, morning, afternoon!