Left Behind//The Maze Runner

T W E N T Y T H R E E

My feet pound on the concrete roads as I make my way back to Newt, trying to get to where we were only moments ago. Tears stream down my cheeks as my heart pounds out of my chest. I can't let him die. Not only for Minho, but for myself.

He's become one of my best friends. He's become my brother. With everything we've gone through together, there's this ache in my chest at the thought of losing him when there's something to be done about it.

And I'm not gonna stop trying until he's in the Berg, flying with us to the Safe Haven.

Bombs go off around me, my arms going up in fright as I cover my head, continuing to make my way down the street. I slide to a stop at a covering, bending down, hiding from the Cranks that are running by.

My chest heaves up and down with every breath, my eyes squeezing shut for a moment. I just have to keep pushing. It's what Minho would do.

After a few moments, I open my eyes, slowly rising from my spot and watching to make sure no Cranks or guards see me. Thank goodness the coast is clear. I dart from my spot, making my way to where we just were, sliding to a stop as I get there.

It's... It's empty?!

"Are you fucking kidding me?" I cry out, more tears pouring down my cheeks. Those finchfaces!

A groan leaves my lips as I turn around and run back down the street. They couldn't have gotten far, I've only been gone for thirty minutes tops.

Weaving in and out of street corners and burned-down storefronts, I make my way through the city, panting heavily as tears stream from my eyes. I have to get to Newt and Thomas before it's too late.

My feet hit the pavement as I make my way down a deserted street, no one seeming to be around for miles. My guess is all of them are where I just vacated.

I'm hoping they keep it that way.

Without any warning the city goes dark, the emergency lights barely lighting up the street. My eyebrows furrow as I come to a stop, turning around and looking for what did that. It's like–

"Thomas?" Teresa's voice rings through a PA system, a chill running down my spine. "Can you hear me? I need you to listen to me.

"I know you don't have any reason to trust me. But I need you to come back. Thomas, you can save Newt."

My heart drops to my feet. What does she mean?

"There's still time for him. There's a reason Brenda isn't sick anymore. It's your blood."

It's like all feeling in my legs gives out, the two of them turning to jelly, barely holding me up anymore. How is that even possible? There was no hope for a cure and all of a sudden there is one? And we're supposed to believe it's Thomas?

"Do you understand? She isn't sick, because you cured her. She doesn't have to be the only one. All you have to do is come back. Please, just come back to me. I know you'll do the right–"

The broadcast cuts off, the lights flashing back on, making me squint my eyes, my hands moving to shield them for a moment.

I have to get to Newt.

• • •

There they are! Oh my gosh! What is going on?

Newt straddles Thomas' chest as I slide to a stop in front of the two boys, shock and fear growing heavy in my chest. His arms are raised high above his head, a knife in both hands as he attempts to stab Thomas.

"Newt!" I shout as I dart over to the two boys.

His eyes move to mine, the black irises turning brown as they sober for a split second. Yet all too soon the Crank returns and he growls, scurrying off of Thomas and running toward me, lunging at me.