Feral → newt, tmr

Extras 1: Escaping The Maze

Vera is ready. She roars with the other girls and the male twins. She knows they should probably be quiet, not bring any more attention to themselves, but she doesn't care. The game is on.

Sonya thrusts her weapon into the air and yells. "Hear that, Creators! We're coming!" And with that, she turns and stomps into the Maze.

Into the gray air that seems darker than the Spring, full of shadows and blackness. The girls around Vera, still cheering, pick up their weapons and run after her, even Harriet.

Vera follows, falling into line between Rachel and Chris, hefting a big wooden spear with a knife tied at its tip. She keeps a steady pace as she runs with the others along the stone pathways toward Shades Hole. She is used to running through every path of the maze and can remember every corner of it crystal clear as a result of being a mapper for the last three years. But this is completely different.

"Scared?" Chris asks her through the sounds of shuffling feet echoing up the walls.

"No, I love things made out of blubber and steel. Can't wait to see them." She feels no mirth or humor and wonders if there ever be a time again when she will.

"So funny." He responds. He is right next to her, but his eyes stay glued up ahead. "We'll be fine. Just stay close to me."

"Ah, my Knight in Shining Armor. What, you don't think I can fend for myself?" Vera asks.

"No, I'm just trying to be nice." He shrugs simply. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"I don't hate you. It's just you're above the limit of punk in my opinion."

Chris rolls his eyes at her reply. "Whatever."

Unlike Aris, Chris is more of a mischievous, optimist who sends off bad boy vibes. He's better for someone's partner in crime, rather than an angelic best friend. It makes Vera want to keep a distance from the kid even though there's a part of him that reminds her of someone to her. She's not quite sure who the person is. But it should be someone she loves out of the maze.

The group is spread out across the full width of the corridor, running at a steady but quick pace-Vera wonders how long the non-mappers will hold up.

As if in response to the thought, Sonya falls back, finally tapping her on the shoulder. "You lead the way now."

Vera nods and runs to the front, guiding the girls and the twins through all the turns necessary. Every step is agonizing for her. What courage she gathered is turned to dread, and she wonders when the Shades will finally give chase. Wonders when the fight will begin.

And so it goes for her as they keep moving, those girls not used to running such distances gasping in huge gulps of air. But no one quit. On and on they run, with no signs of Shades. And as the time passes, Vera lets the slightest trickle of hope enter her system-maybe they'll make it before getting attacked. Maybe.

Finally, after the longest hour of Vera's life, they reach the long tunnel that led to the last turn before the short corridor to the right that branched off like the stem of the letter T. They reach section 5.

Vera, her heart thumping, sweat slicking her skin, notices that Aris has moved up right next to him with Rachel at his side.

Aris slows at the corner, then stops, holding up a hand to tell Vera and the others to do the same. Then he turns a look of horror on his face.