The Runner - A Newt FanFic

The Glade

Because of all the drama, I hadn't had a proper look of my surroundings. And boy, was this place big. It was a massive landscape full of glorious trees that rose up from the soil like nuclear bombs. Odd shaped huts and shelters were planted across the field of saturated-green grass with poor structures and architecture keeping it together. A large lookout point close by was as tall as the trees. What it was looking out for was something I should find out. A garden blooming with plants and shades that shone in the light of the sun glistened as I walked past, their pristine condition and orderly appearance the only thing that seemed to be professionally intact. Almost everyone seems to be doing something laborious though they stare at me as I march past, making me feel uncomfortable considering they were chasing after me like prey only a few minutes ago. 

The one thing I notice straight away is the walls that circle around us. At around 20 metres tall and covered in moss, its overbearing presence makes the trees, the huts, the lookout, the gardens and even the boys look like pawns or figurines in a game. It seemed to be trapping them in. But I remember the entrance I ran through. 

So, we're not trapped in here. But for some reason they don't want out; they stay well clear of it...What is up with this place?

"That was quite some escape you just did", the British guy calls out. I stay silent, still trying to understand what the hell is going on.

"Name's Newt, second in command. Alby is first in command...wherever he is. He'll give you the tour and tell you the rules." 

I'm barely paying attention and I think he knows that, but he doesn't seem annoyed and keeps directing me to whoever this commander in first is. Eventually, one of the boys in front yells "Hey, Alby!", and a boy with dark skin looks up, a miniature smile cutting its way into his face.

"Is this the new-", he pauses and stares at me for a while as I approach, just the way Newt had; confused and shocked. 

What is wrong with them?

"Yeah. The new Greenie", one of the boys explains to him. 

That's what a Greenie is then...me. 

Alby continues staring, almost as though examining me, taking it all in before nodding. "Ok, well get back to work and I'll show her around", he commands them. They're off in seconds except Newt takes the time to say, "be careful Alby, she's fast". 

He looks over and winks at me, before running off.

"You, uh, ready?", Alby asks. I turn to him and nod. He starts walking and I slowly follow, taking my time and having a good look around the Glade.

"Can you tell me what your name is?", he asks while walking. 

"No", I reply. I realise this is the first time I have talked since I got here...wait no, I was screaming my head off in the Box and...Thomas. 

Was that my name? No, that couldn't be it. It didn't feel right.

"Aida".

"What?", Alby turns around to looks at me.

"Aida...I-I think that's my name", I answer. The same small smile Alby had before comes back and we continue walking.

"We have four areas here: the homesteads where we sleep, the gardens where we grow food and get water, the bloodhouse for the animals and finally the deadheads which is our cemetery. We built everything, grew everything, made everything; everything we have is because of us. We worked hard for it too. But we got help from whoever sends up the Box, with new supplies every month and a new Greenie, which is you for this month. We also have different jobs. Slicers, Med-jacks, Track-hoes, Cooks, Baggers, Sloppers and Builders. Each job has a Keeper; someone who takes care of the job, almost like a leader. Normally, Greenie's start work the day after they arrive, but I'd rather have someone keep an eye on you till you settle in and become more trustworthy to be alone. Any questions?", Alby finishes.