Maze Of Hearts (OC X Gally)

Welcome To The Glade

Belle's eyes rapidly opened, and her eyes tried to adjust to her dark new surroundings. She had no idea where she was. She saw boxes and almost like a silver cage that she was trapped in, but this cage was moving. Belle looked up and saw a red light in the distance, slowly getting closer and closer. Emerging in the distance, she saw a rusty, bronze ceiling. As it got closer and closer, Belle started to get dizzy, and it got difficult to breathe.

The cage finally came to a complete stop and thudded against the ceiling. Belle got knocked back onto the floor, the ceiling flung opened, and then she made the connection. The ceiling was a hatch. The light pierced through her eyes, and her eyes adjusted to the sun once again.

Belle's heart pounded in her chest as she stared up at the unfamiliar faces. Her eyes darted around the sunlit, clearing, trying to make sense of the strange environment. The last thing she remembered was the darkness, and now she was surrounded by greenery and the murmur of voices.

"Hey, hey, calm down," a soothing voice broke through her panic, as she backed into a corner of what seemed to be an elevator. A blond boy with a reassuring smile jumped into the elevator and kneeled down beside her, his hands raised in a non-threatening gesture.
"My name's Newt. You're safe here."

Belle took a shaky breath, her mind still reeling. "Where am I? Who are you people?"

"You're in the Glade," Newt replied gently, extending a hand to help her up. "And we're just like you. We all arrived here the same way, no memories, just confusion. But you're safe now, I promise."

She hesitated for a moment before grasping his hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. Her legs wobbled, and Newt quickly steadied her with a firm grip. His touch was comforting, a grounding presence amidst the chaos.

"I know it's overwhelming," Newt continued, his voice calm and steady. "But we'll explain everything. Just take it one step at a time."

Belle nodded, her breath coming more evenly now. Newt motioned to another boy, and a tall, muscular boy with short dark hair jumped down beside her.

"Quite a start there, greenie." His voice was deep and intimidating.

"Greenie?" She asked confusion, filling her voice. The boy chuckled and took grip of her arm, the same way Newt did.

"It's what we call new people. You'll learn to love it." Newt chuckled, and both the boys lifted her up, almost effortlessly, like she was a feather.

Belle looked around her new surroundings, and all she saw were vast greenery and trees. In one corner, there were huts and all different types of architecture. But what really caught her eye was the colossal mounds of concrete surrounding the Glade. One thing came to her mind. There is no way out.

"Remember one step at a time, greenie." Newts' voice was low and calm. He could tell she was still scared and confused. "This is Gally." He motioned towards Gally, and she reached out her hand, trying to be as friendly as possible. Gally just nodded and awkwardly smiled. Then he turned around to the other boys and ordered them to get the boxes from the elevator.

"Okay then. I dont think he likes me very much." Newt laughed and patted Belle on the back.

"Dont worry, he doesn't like anyone in here. You'll get used to him." She nodded and took one look back at the muscular boy. He was lifting various boxes and handed them to the other boys. Newt's calm demeanour seemed to spread, easing the tension in the air.

"First things first," Newt said, guiding her gently across the glade towards the huts. "Let's get you some water and something to eat. Then we can talk."

After Belle had practically scoffed down her meal, she thanked the tall, dark-skinned chef, also known as Frypan. Then another dark-skinned, older man walked into the hut and held out his hand to Belle.