Marooned | Maze Runner | Minho

41. 𝒞𝓇𝑜𝓌𝒹𝓈.

The streets were bustling with life as the group made their way through the city. Viya had learnt a lot on their journey to the city, the man's name was Jorge and the group was looking for a rebel group called the right arm. She also learnt what a Crank was, Jorge was quite surprised to hear that she hadn't encountered one yet.
The farther into the city center they got, the more packed the streets got. She could tell that everyone was disturbed by the half-sane people that swarmed around them. But Viya couldn't help but find comfort in their insanity, it made her realize that she wasn't alone. When they'd pass people who were talking to themselves, the others would flinch and move away, yet Viya stayed still, she wanted the passersby to know that they weren't crazy, they were normal.

Most buildings in the city were just shells of their former glory, windows didn't exist anymore and half of the buildings were on the verge of collapse. Despite the fallen infrastructure, the citizens of the city seemed to be having the time of their lives. Parties raged in almost every building, their distorted music echoing through the streets. Viya understood why Jorge had called it the party sector.

Apparently there was this guy they were looking for, he was supposed to know how to find The Right Arm. The rebel group was rumored to live deep in the mountains in hidden camps. They worked against WCKD and were meant to have an army. Viya wasn't sure how much of that she believed.

Jorge led the group confidently, seemingly looking for someone.

"You kids stay close to me, alright?" Jorge suddenly turned around.

Viya nodded uncomfortably, not quite sure on where this was going. Viya followed Jorge as he stormed around the corner. Jorge stomped up to a drunk-looking blond man who had to be at least in his 50s.

"Nice to see you again Marcus." Jorge said, "You didn't happen to see two teens come through here?"
"Oh well, I see a lot of teens so–"
"Tall brunette boy, and slightly shorter brunette buzz cut girl." Jorge interrupted.

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Marcus said with a shrug, "I'll of course tell you my friend, for a price that is."

Jorge gritted his teeth, "How about you tell me now hermano, we are pals, are we not?"
Marcus sighed as he took a sip of his drink. "You know I don't do things for free, Jorge."
"Hey Marcus, do you want me to go see if those two teens are drunk yet?" A younger man asked as he blindly walked into the room.

Marcus glared at the man.

"So you do have them." Jorge stated.

"They could be any two teens–"
Without warning Jorge punched Marcus in the jaw, sending the blond hurling towards the floor. "You know better than to lie to me hermano."

Marcus' goons went to defend the beaten man, but they soon realized they were severely outnumbered.

"You two," Jorge said pointing at Minho and Viya, "Go inside and fine Brenda and Thomas, I'll meet you out by the alley."

Viya glanced at Minho, but he didn't meet her gaze. She knew she didn't have much choice as she walked towards the entrance.

"You find Brenda, I'll find Thomas." Minho directed.

"No, I'll find Thomas." Viya countered.

"Why?"

"Because I don't know who this Brenda chick is? As far as I know she could be a chicken!"

"...good point." Minho agreed. "Don't get lost." He said as he entered the crowd.

Viya hesitated for a bit, she could hear the loud music from outside, and she had no idea what she was looking for. She entered the room with confidence that quickly disappeared as she was scooped up by the crowd. Her feet weren't moving, yet somehow she was getting pushed through the crowd. She could feel sweaty bodies brushing up against her as people danced aggressively. The ground vibrated to the beat of the music as bright lights spun around the room.
Viya could feel her breaths getting shorter and shorter, she would do anything to get out of this crowd. She tried to keep her eyes out for Thomas, but there were so many bodies packed into a tight room that identifying anyone was an impossible task.