Sacrifice

Chapter Sixty-Three

The streets were mostly empty, which made it hard for them to slip through unnoticed. Patrol cars were everywhere, there was even a helicopter with search lights overhead. Somehow they managed not to get spotted. 

Gally led them to a small park between three tall buildings. They had to stop in order to hide from patrol cars, and because Newt was growing weaker and needed a moment to rest. In the park there were small walls they could hide behind. Minho, Claire and Newt hid behind one while Thomas, Gally and Tony ducked behind the other one. 

Newt sat with his back against the wall, taking a moment to catch his breath. Claire and Minho were right beside him. 

"Newt, how are you feeling?" Minho asked. 

"Terrible," Newt replied as he unzipped his jacket. "It's good to see both of you though." 

Minho smiled and then went over to talk to Thomas. 

Claire shifted her position so she was now sitting down next to Newt. She held his hand in both of hers and took in every detail of him. Even though he was getting sicker, she still felt the same warmth and comfort radiating off him, and his small smile still melted her heart. 

"What are you thinking?" he asked. 

"Nothing...I just missed you. I almost can't believe you're here." 

Newt smiled. Before he could respond he let out another series of coughs. Claire looked at him worried, he nodded to let her know he was alright. 

"I missed you too," he said. "I'm sorry you were taken, I should have saved you from that." 

"That wasn't your fault, you're not the one who led WCKD to us. Besides, it's over now." 

Newt smiled. He couldn't even imagine what WCKD had put her through, but despite all that they did to her, she was still the same person he had met back in the Glade. with the same kind and generous soul that made him feel lucky to know her. 

Meanwhile, Minho was talking to the others, trying to figure out what to do next. He was also stealing worried glances at Newt. 

"Hey, how long has he been like this?" he asked Thomas. 

"He'll be okay," Thomas assured. "We just gotta get to Brenda, she's got the serum." 

Thomas walked over to Newt and Claire. The others watched as Thomas and Claire got Newt to his feet. The blonde boy lost his footing, and this time his friends had to steady him. 

Tony was growing more worried. Newt was getting worse faster than they had anticipated. Ever since she was a baby, Tony had promised that he would always protect his sister, he just didn't want to have to protect her from Newt. 

He also wanted nothing more than to tell Claire who she really was, who they were to each other. But that would be too much for her to handle right now. 

"Why are you helping us, Gally?" Minho asked. "I put a knife through your chest." 

"Yeah," Gally acknowledged. "Nobody's perfect, man." 

*************** 

The more they traveled through the city the slower they seemed to move. Thomas and Minho were now both fully supporting Newt. 

Soon they were walking down a set of stairs in front of a large building. Suddenly Thomas heard Brenda's voice coming from the walkie that was in his pocket. He and Minho set Newt down so that he could answer it. 

"Thomas, where are you guys?" Brenda asked. 

"We're on our way to the tunnels, we've got Minho and Claire. Brenda...Newt's not looking so good." 

"Don't worry I've got the serum. But, Thomas, something's wrong. Lawrence isn't here, he's gone." 

"What?" Gally said. "What do you mean?" 

"I don't know what's going on, but I think you need to get the hell out of there." 

"We're on our way," Thomas said. 

"Hurry." 

*************** 

The crowed had gathered at the edge of the rundown city, just close enough to the wall that separated them from the Last City. The excitement in the air was so electric, they could almost touch it. Soon the wall would no longer be a problem. 

They all waited for Lawrence. Apart from Jasper, Gally and a few others, no one had actually seen their leader in quite some time, not since he became infected. 

Now their mysterious leader approached the truck parked at the front of the crowd and climbed up onto the bed. He pulled his hood down, finally revealing his face to the public. Some people gasped, others took an involuntary step back. 

"Don't be scared," Lawrence said to the crowd. "I may not be pretty, but we all know who the real enemies are, cowering behind those walls!" the crowd cheered in agreement. "They have a name for people like us, they call us Cranks! But I say they are the monsters! They're the ones who started this war, but tonight, we will finish it. Follow me and we will show them the faces of the people that they have chosen to forget!" 

Now the crowd was cheering so loud, the people inside the city could probably hear them. 

Good, Lawrence thought, let them know we are coming for them. 

"Follow me and the city is yours!" 

Before turning around and facing the wall, Lawrence exchanged one last look with Jasper. The two of them had known each other for years, Jasper had always been his loyal lieutenant. If there was anyone Lawrence trusted to carry on their cause, it was Jasper. 

The truck drove away with Lawrence still in it, as well as all the explosives.