The Variable

The Sting

When Rakau was released from the homestead she was immediately swarmed by Chuck and Nico.

"Agh Chuck! Get off of me!", Rakau stumbled as Nico lept into the group hug. "Nico I can't breathe! You are seriously strangling me!". They all were laughing when the boys finally let her go.

"Jeez guys, I was only gone for a day!". Chuck smirked.

"Ya but without our Glade mamma we had to put up with the bullies ourselves. I thought Nico was gonna wet himself!", Nico frowned and punched him in the shoulder.

"Oh really? Who was the one that was all 'yes Mr. Gally sir, of course I will shine your shoes for you'". Rakau laughed and shoved them both. The three of them started walking towards map room.

"Don't let Newt hear you call me Glade mamma, I don't want him to think I am stealing his job!". The group burst out laughing. Suddenly Newt walked by.

"Glade mamma, huh? Well someone has to keep you lot in line so I guess I accept that honorable tittle". Rakau grinned and the boys doubled over laughing.

"Besides if I'm the mama I can ground your little shank behinds when you are being stupid, now get out of here before I ground ya for being to annoying!". The boys grinned and bolted off. Rakau and Newt were still laughing as they met Minho at the door.

"Hey there's the lazybones! Ready to get back to work?". Rakau smirked and shoved him away from the door.

" Heck yeah. I have never been so bored in my life, one more day of that and I actually would have gone insane!". 

"Well now you die of exhaustion running circles in the maze, fun times!". Rakau smiled and they continued to gather their gear. Finally they were off running. For Rakau that was the best feeling in the world. But nothing exciting happened that whole day. By the time he sun started to get lower and they began to head back both runners were feeling pretty discouraged.

"Race you back?", Minho sighed before nodding his head.

"Fine, we may as well head back now.". They took their positions and where about to race off when a voice called their names. They both turned and saw Ben waving to them. He looked excited so they jogged towards him.

"Guys you'll never guess what I found today. It's something new, I've never seen anything like it out here!". Minho and Rakau perked up and excitement shone in their eyes.

"What do you mean something new? We have searched everywhere in this dump.". Ben grinned and was about to answer, but out of the corner of her eye Rakau saw a metal claw shoot out and pull Ben around the corner. An instant later his screams filled the air. Rakau lurched forward, but Minho pulled her back. His eyes were filled with terror and he was inching back towards the entrance to the Glade.

"Minho, we can't leave him. We have to help." Rakau pulled away and turned to run just as the screaming stopped. Rakau shot Minho a scared look and took off with Minho right behind her. When they turned the corner they saw Ben curled up on the ground shaking. He looked up its a terrified expression, then his eyes rolled back and he collapsed. Rakau rushed forward and tried to pull him up. She glared back at where Minho was still standing paralyzed.

"Come on, we have to get back to the Glade before the maze closes or we are all dead.". Wordlessly Minho grabbed Bens other arm and together they manège to pull him back to the Glade. They had just passed him to the med jacks when the screaming started. Bens voice was unrecognizable. The screams were shrill and inhuman. Everyone in the Glade was pale and no one spoke. It had been a while since anyone had been stung, but now the memories flooded back into everyone's minds. This was Rakau's first encounter with a griever, suddenly running in the maze seemed a lot more dangerous. But after seeing what happened to Ben it only made her more determined to escape the maze. 

*Hey readers! This chapter kinda marks the starting point, things are going to pick up from here! I am super excited to write the next few chapters! Thank you to everyone that is actually reading this book, also don't be a silent reader! It helps me to know what you are thinking and what I need to improve. So thanks again and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!*