Author stuff: And we're back! This is much different from the original chapter that I wrote. Actually, the next 10 chapters are different. But the end of the second part changed a lot of that, and the rest of the story needed to go along with that.
SO! That altered the story I'd already written. I actually really like the way this third part turned out. This is where we deviate from the books and the movies. For at least the rest of Conspiracy. Book 2 will... well, book 2 is interesting so far. And a lot of fun, with what I have planned. I don't think it'll be as long as this, but I haven't written all of it yet, so we will see.
Trigger warnings: Death, injuries
BOOK III — THE GREAT ESCAPE
Chapter 41
In Which They Have A New Goal
Verena's banishment was not something any of them wanted to attend. In fact, most people didn't want to attend.
Nick and the other Keepers had the forethought to keep her hands tied behind her back. They also had her ankles tied together. It was unusually cruel, but all of them were too afraid that she'd run off into the Glade again.
Nick and Alby carried her out into the Maze five minutes before the Walls closed, so none of them would have to do it. Her scream rang out and ricocheted around the Glade.
Archie found himself sitting with Adne and Graham, the former doing some stretches. They watched the unusual Banishment from the Box.
"Wish they'd gagged her," Adne grumbled under her breath. "Would've saved us from her screaming."
Archie winced.
"Things already aren't in her favor," Graham said, kicking a pebble away from his toe. "It's..."
"It's already cruel," Archie said, finishing for him. Graham nodded.
"Cruel or not, she hurt a lot of people," Adne said, straightening. "She went after Flossy with her own sickle. Who the shuck does that?"
Archie heaved a sigh and ran his hands through his hair. He heard a scuff of movement next to him.
Graham got up and walked away, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
"What's up with him?" Adne said.
"No idea." After a moment, he said, "Have you seen Flossy today?"
"No, have you?"
"I know she's in the Med-hut, but Clint and Jeff are limiting who goes in and out. Apparently she and Gally had it out with Verena last night when we all went to bed."
"Didn't hear that."
"Her leg's pretty jacked up, and they're all worried there might be an infection or something."
"How about Gally? Have you heard anything about him?"
"He has a concussion, I know that much."
Adne opened her mouth to say something, but she was interrupted by Alfred who called out to them. He jogged over from the Wall.
"Hey!" he said, giving them a little wave.
"What's going on?" Archie said, nodding in greeting.
"Nick's called a Gathering for the Runners. Don't know about what, just that we're supposed to be there."
Archie got to his feet and stretched, his back popping in several places.
"Any chance we can grab dinner before we head over?" Adne said, fixing her hair. She twisted it into a bun at the very top of her head.
YOU ARE READING
This Conspiracy
FanfictionWhen Archie came up in the Box, he was accompanied by a girl, Flossy, and another boy, Graham. They arrived in the Glade, unsure of their futures or what would be expected of them. It all seems peaceful, until they start to learn about the Maze beyo...
