One shot (teen wolf & maze runner)

Thomas - Becoming one of them

The sun was setting, casting an eerie orange glow over the desolate landscape of the Scorch. Thomas trudged through the sand, his thoughts consumed by the trials ahead. The search for a safe haven, a place free from the Flare virus, seemed more hopeless with each passing day. His only solace was the presence of his friends, especially Mae, whose strength and determination had always been a source of inspiration.

They had been through so much together, survived the Maze, escaped WICKED's clutches, and braved the harshness of the Scorch. Thomas glanced over at Mae, walking beside him, her face set with determination despite the exhaustion evident in her eyes. She caught his gaze and gave him a reassuring smile, but there was something in her eyes that troubled him-an unspoken fear.

As they approached their makeshift camp, Newt and Minho were already there, setting up for the night. Brenda and Jorge were tending to a small fire, the flickering flames a rare comfort in their bleak world. Mae sat down heavily, wiping sweat from her brow, and Thomas couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

After a meager dinner, Thomas found Mae sitting alone, staring at the horizon. He approached her cautiously, sensing her need for space but unable to ignore his concern.

"Mae, is everything okay?" he asked, sitting down beside her.

She hesitated, then turned to face him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. "Thomas, there's something I need to tell you."

His heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

Mae took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. "I... I've been feeling strange for a while now. At first, I thought it was just the stress and exhaustion, but it's more than that. I think... I think I might be infected with the Flare."

Thomas felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under him. "No, Mae. There has to be another explanation. We can find a cure, we can-"

She shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thomas, I know what the signs are. I can feel it inside me. I'm scared."

Thomas reached out, taking her hand in his. "We'll figure this out together. We won't let this beat us."

Mae's grip tightened on his hand. "You don't understand. If I turn, I could become a danger to all of you. I need you to promise me something."

"Anything," he said, his voice breaking.

"If I start to lose control, if I become a Crank, you have to stop me. You have to promise me you'll do whatever it takes to protect the others."

Thomas felt a lump form in his throat, the thought of losing Mae unbearable. "I can't do that, Mae. I can't lose you."

Tears streamed down her face now. "Please, Thomas. You have to be strong. Promise me."

He closed his eyes, fighting back his own tears. "I promise," he whispered, his heart breaking with every word.

Over the next few days, Thomas watched Mae closely, hoping against hope that she would show signs of recovery. But her condition only worsened. She became more withdrawn, her moments of clarity interspersed with bouts of confusion and aggression. The others began to notice, casting worried glances in their direction, but no one spoke of it openly. The unspoken fear hung heavy in the air.

One night, as the group huddled around the fire, Mae suddenly stood up, her eyes wild. "Get away from me!" she screamed, backing away from the group.

Thomas jumped to his feet, his heart pounding. "Mae, it's okay. We're here for you."

"Stay back!" she cried, clutching her head. "I don't want to hurt you."

Newt and Minho exchanged worried looks, ready to intervene, but Thomas held up a hand to stop them. He approached Mae slowly, his voice calm and soothing. "Mae, it's me. It's Thomas. You're not alone."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. "Thomas, it's happening. I'm losing myself."

He took a step closer, his heart aching at the sight of her pain. "We'll get through this. Together."

Mae shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, Thomas. You promised. You have to stop me before it's too late."

Thomas felt a surge of panic. "No, Mae. I can't."

"You have to!" she screamed, her voice filled with anguish. "Please, Thomas. Don't let me become one of them."

He stood there, torn between his promise and his love for her. Every instinct screamed at him to find another way, to save her, but he knew she was right. The Flare was merciless, and if he didn't act, she would become a danger to everyone.

With a heavy heart, he nodded, tears streaming down his face. "I promise, Mae. I'll make it quick. I won't let you suffer."

Mae's expression softened, a sad smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Thomas. Thank you for everything."

As she turned away, giving him the moment he needed to gather his strength, Thomas drew his weapon, his hands trembling. He took a deep breath, aiming carefully, his vision blurred by tears.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling the trigger.

The shot rang out, echoing through the silent night. Mae fell to the ground, her body still, the torment finally over.

Thomas collapsed to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. The others stood around him, their faces etched with grief and sorrow. In that moment, the weight of their world seemed too much to bear.

But as the first light of dawn began to break, Thomas knew he had to carry on. Mae's sacrifice would not be in vain. They had to keep fighting, to find a cure, to ensure that no one else would suffer the same fate.

With a heavy heart, he rose to his feet, his resolve strengthened by the memory of Mae's courage. Together, they would honor her memory and continue the fight for a better world.