Saiki K x Maze Runner AU

Chapter Fourteen: Left Behind

Warning: s*icide

The morning after everything had happened, Saiki was the first to awaken. The sleep he had was rough, considering he had laid on the concrete rubble that was part of the parking garage. He peeked out from their hideout, looking around to make sure there weren't any of those creatures around before he shook everyone awake one by one. They all groaned, feeling the effects of last night as they stood.

"Ah–!" Takahashi yelped out as he fell back in pain, clutching his stomach.

"Woah, take it easy, man." Toritsuka said, helping the boy up. Saiki felt something turn in his stomach just looking at Takahashi. He was hurt badly, his stomach almost torn to shreds– and though Teruhashi had done her best to help him, he could barely stand, let alone walk. It was a wonder how he was able to pick up the satchel he had found while in the mall and keep up with the group as they ventured off.

When the group eventually climbed up a hill of sand, they were able to see more of the city. It looked difficult to navigate through. Their destination being right on the other side, though going through the city unscathed was going to be difficult...

"If we go now, then we're going to have to find a place to camp for the night–" Akechi was cut off by the sound of a body falling to the ground.

"Takahashi!"

Without a warning, Takahashi had tumbled over in his weakened state, rolling onto the sand. The group slid down to tend to him quickly. Kaidou and Kuboyasu grabbed his shoulders to push him upward. His breathing was ragged, his face was pale, lips cracked and dry, and limbs weak. He was in no shape to move anywhere.

"One of us is gonna have to carry him..." Akechi said upon observing the boy's state. "He can't walk on his own."

"How are we gonna do that?" Kaidou asked. "Should we take turns?"

"I guess so, if we have no choice–"

"No–" Takahashi spoke through a strained voice, "I can walk, I swear– Argh!" Upon trying to get up, the pain in his abdomen was too much, causing him to fall back into the sand. He grit his teeth, holding back a groan of pain.

"..." Saiki visibly frowned. He knew Takahashi's state would severely affect the way the boy would travel for the rest of the time being until they got to the safe zone. Not only that, but carrying him would severely slow everyone down as much as he hates to admit it. If they were to come across a hoard of creatures again, escaping them would be near impossible. There had to be some resources they could use to make this easier.

"Hey," Teruhashi pointed out about a few yards from where they were– a wooden plank that stuck out of the sand amongst the rest of the rubble. "Maybe we could make some kind of sled?"

"Yeah, that might work." Kaidou sighed. "But what are we gonna pull him with?"

"..." Saiki thought for a moment... "Gimme his satchel." Toritsuka carefully took the satchel off of the injured Takahashi, handing it to Saiki. It was easy to take the strap off the thing by undoing its buckles, then going over to the plank and tying it to the end to create a makeshift sled. Toritsuka and Kuboyasu placed Takahashi onto the sled. "We'll take turns pulling him. This'll be quicker than carrying him." Or at least that's what Saiki hoped...

It took longer than they realized it would, trudging through the thick sand in the boiling heat. They were struggling to keep it together, sweating profusely and groaning once their turn to pull Takahashi came up. They switched off every five minutes. Once they got to an old bridge, Saiki decided it was time to take a break. Sitting underneath, the group drank their water and sat down in the shade for a bit and even took a quick nap. After resting his eyes for a few minutes, Saiki felt someone shake his shoulder. "Hm?"