Phase 1- The Maze

Into the Maze

The group was moving steadily at a quick pace. The Gladers were spread out the whole width of the passageway. Casey was keeping up good pace with Thomas, even though she was sweating heavily. Then, Newt appeared at her side. He had dropped from the front of the group, where Minho now led the way. They exchanged a nod and kept moving, knowing what was going to happen. Thomas, with his Runner skills showing, pulled towards the front of the group. Automatically, Casey followed by his side along with Chuck and Teresa.

As soon as they got to the front, Minho stopped and signalled the others to as well.

"Do you hear that?" He asked. Griever sounds were echoing from around the corner.

"Right on cue." Casey whispered. Thomas whipped around to face her.

"Did you know?" Thomas asked.

"More or less." Casey admitted.

"Why didn't you tell us?!" Minho shouted.

"Well, the Creators would not have made it easy for us to get out now would they?" Casey fired back. Minho looked back around the corner.

"There are about fifteen of them." Minho kept glaring at Casey.

"Guys look, Case is right." Newt stood beside Casey, "We knew we would have to fight."

Casey looked at him and saw so much hurt in his eyes. That cued the wave of guilt. They all stood in silence until the familiar whirring noise echoed through the walls. From both ends of the corridor. They were trapped on both sides by Grievers. All of the Gladers formed a group-like circle, forcing Casey and Newt together, pushing them and Thomas, Chuck, Teresa, Alby and Minho facing the Griever Hole.

"Any ideas?" Thomas asked Newt.

"I don't know what they are bloody waiting for." He replied.

"They are waiting for us." Casey corrected.

"We should not have come. Maybe I should..." Alby started walking towards the Cliff, as if in a trance. When he reached the Grievers, he jumped onto one. The Grievers burst to life, ripping Alby into shreds. Newt yelled and ran towards the Grievers.

"Newt, no!" Casey called. She and Thomas grabbed him and pulled him back.

"Let go!" Newt was still struggling to get to Alby.

"There's nothing you can do.' Casey screamed. Newt stopped and glanced back, hung onto her words.

"He's gone."

Newt slackened and stopped fighting. He just fell back in defeat. Casey drilled her eyes into the Maze floor.

"I can't believe he did that." Newt whispered. Casey stood beside him and squeezed his shoulder. This time, he did not shove her away.

Minho finally spoke up, "We can't waste it. Fight them, make a way through for Thomas and the others. Maybe they will lay dormant for a while."

"How are you guys so heartless?" Newt questioned.

"You want us to hold a bloody funeral?" Minho silenced everyone, "He freaking sacrificed himself for us, so maybe it has worked. We would be heartless if we wasted him.

"Listen up! Number one priority: get Thomas and his gang into the Griever Hole so that..." Minho was cut off by the whirring sounds of the Grievers. They had noticed them again and began to slowly creep towards the Gladers. Newt handed Casey a knife.

"You may want that." Newt commented, his eyes glued to the Grievers.

"They are coming!" Teresa cried, "We have to do something."

"Make a bloody path for them to get through." Newt spoke, taking charge. He turned to Casey to whisper, "You okay?"

"Not really. My heart is beating so hard it feels like it is about to explode." Casey spoke fast.

"Ready?" Minho shouted.

Nope, Casey thought.

"Now!" Minho yelled. Then they all charged.