Escape (The Maze Runner fanfic)

Chapter 1

She plays around with the faded leather bracelet on her tanned wrist. It’s worn and coming apart from the number of times she's fingered the smooth material. It was a habit that took place during her sleep; she would find the bracelet between her fingers several times a day without even realizing it. It was something she especially did during deep thinking.

“Eliza,” his unique voice, in that capturing accent, snaps her out of her reverie. “Please stop bloody overthinking, as ironic as it is for me to say. Just be grateful that I'm…”

He doesn’t need to continue. They both know what he is referring to. Those who were still sane enough to understand what exactly happened had driven them away into hiding, which was hard enough. Now in this dusty cave, it seems impossible to think of anything else other than… the thing.

The lighting is dim. Even though the blinding sun is bright enough to illuminate the darkest void, the couple had gone so far back that the small circle of white light seemed miles away.

It is a narrow cave that would probably open up at the rear end, and could possibly lead to other tunnels that would eventually end up in other caverns.

Her whole life, Eliza depended on caves. Whichever type you could think of – she’d explored it, knew it like the back of her hand.

They were obviously the safest hideouts in the Scorch, but given the circumstances, not much Cranks knew that. Besides, they were hard to stumble upon anyway. A lot were underground caves too, but at the moment, the two had managed to get away to the mountains after several long days. From there on, they survived in moist, and echoing caves.

Eliza wished they hadn’t ended up in this sooty cavern. But he insisted that they find cover here. Why, she didn’t know. It was darker than most of the ones they’d accommodated, but she knew from her experience and knowledge it was safe. With every breath she would choke on dust; there was no way any creatures could be living in this wretched place.

“Newt,” she speaks his name carefully, examining his features but making sure to keep hers even. His back is facing the front of the cave, which meant whatever little light is available shines on her. “We need to wash up. It’s been weeks. I’m sure there’s-”

A large rumbling noise cuts her off. Her eyes widen with fear, but his remain curious. Newt never panicked. Even becoming a Crank, he approached every situation with a sensible theory. It was either that, or he never bothered to express his true emotions.

“It’s coming from the back,” she shouts above the noise to be heard, pointing a thumb behind her to indicate the location of the clamor.

He nods, gesturing for her to lean in closer. “It can’t be far if it’s this loud! Let’s go check it out!”

She nods, not surprised at his suggestion. The roaring almost sounds familiar even.

“Sounds like it’s coming from a machine,” he whispers hotly in her ears, sending shivers down her spine despite the heat.

She doesn’t respond at first, since she’s momentarily distracted, but then it hits her like a sack of bricks.

“Newt! Wait!” Excitement is laced within her voice and a baffled wildness takes place in her eyes. “It’s a Berg!” She screams with wonder. A Berg? In this cave?

At first he’s confused, but then seems to remember what that is. He frowns. “C’mon. Let’s sneak up on it.”

Even though it does not seem appropriate, a tingle of joy creeps into her mind. She loves that he doesn’t even doubt her. But after all they’d gone through together, it was almost expected.

Sneaking up on things was something they’d excelled at. It was required, what with living amongst maniacal Cranks.

The reverberating sound vibrates around the narrow cave. It’s just wide enough for the two to be side by side, but they’re pressed against each other.

In defiance of the fact that her mind tells her she could not afford to feel this way, during this situation even, she likes that. ‘We really need each other to survive,’ she thinks, which worries her, and she finds the leather bracelet in her fingers once again.

Soon enough, there’s a wind whipping at their faces, and the tunnel broadens out, so unfortunately, Newt obliviously drifts away from her.

Her ponytail swings left and right as they jog at their brisk pace.

Then the light. It’s almost like they’re outside again in the dead land.

Now they’re in a huge open section of the cave, like Eliza guessed would gradually happen. There’re tunnels leading to unknown places. But amidst it all, is a Berg, just like she pictured it to be.

Up above, it oddly doesn't cave in and it’s noon, so the sun shines directly above the cave, the source of vivid light giving it an enchanted feeling. Stalactites seem to shimmer. No acids drip off them, again because of the parched state the place is in.

Newt pulls her to hide behind a large rock, both of them looking around in awe and interest.

Someone jumps out of the Berg – a strict looking woman with blonde hair pulled back into what looks like a severe and painful bun. Her clothes are tattered though, as if she’d been through hell and back.

Newt’s face is neutral at first, but then he seems to recognize her.

Someone else follows the woman, and leaps out of the Berg. As he does so, the Berg stops its humming, and the wind dies down.

“They’ve gotta be here somewhere,” the man’s voice is rough but Eliza can also hint at a subtle sort of concern in it.

“I hope they haven’t left the cavern,” the woman’s voice rings out clearly. Sharp and neat. Newt is breathing rapidly, a grim expression written across his features. Eliza wishes she could tell him to quit breathing so loudly.

“Makes you kinda wish we still knew every next move of theirs,” he chuckles but it seems dry, like the cavern itself has squeezed out every last bit of humor left in him. For some reason, this makes Eliza sad.

“I hope they’re okay,” the woman sighs, and their footsteps move closer to their hiding place.

“Don’t worry, Ava. Newt and Eliza have made it this far. We can’t lose faith in them now.”

A stricken look reaches Eliza’s face. Newt is not as disturbed, but he fumbles for her hand, which sends a wave of comfort through her.

They press themselves against the rock, holding onto each other, and breathing through their mouths as the men and woman come closer.

It’s too late though. The strangers round the corner.

Eliza internally groans. It’s time to escape. Again.

Excuse this first chapter, as suckish as it is. True, I already have a T.B.S fanfic but for one, this is the first time I try this style of writing in an actual full-on story, so it's new to me, and it's an actual tmr fanfic, not a real life situation one. Guess who's bringing Newt back, my bby. ANYway, hope this gets reads lol.