Error | The Maze Runner / Newt ? ?

{2.1}

"What'll make you stop me from running back to Group B?" I asked sourly with my jaw clenched. I had never felt this angry before in my life. Was anything ever not planned? Would I ever be free from the clutches of W.I.C.K.E.D?

Once again, Julia laughed as if my question was obvious. "Stupid girl. They can't see or hear us. Run back to them all you want- you'd starve."

Great. So, I literally had no choice but to follow them. My two favorite people in the world. Yay.

"Why aren't you bringing me back to my group?" I questioned with genuine interest. They were answering my inquiries - or, at least, Julia was - no matter how bluntly. My fear and nervousness were increasing with each realization of how little control I had.

"They don't need you for the Scorch Trials anymore," Maseo answered that time. "Your purpose has been fulfilled, and now they'll move on to Phase Three."

"Phase Three?" I blanched. The safe haven thing I could grasp, but the Flare... "There's no cure?"

"Nope," Julia replied simply like it was no big deal I had been lied to again. "Not yet, anyways. That's what they need you for. And your brother. And maybe that chick."

What was so special about Thomas, Teresa, and I? I had my memories, but what could that contribute to the Flare? What made us different than the rest?

"No more questions," Maseo shot me down before I could ask another. "We've said too much already."

I snapped my mouth shut and rolled my eyes. It was going to be a long walk to the Berg.

-/-

The sun was an orange ball spilling color over the night sky. It spread bright hues that made me yearn for the earth to be normal. If it was, I could enjoy sunrises like that so often that they'd lose their awe-inducing beauty. But the earth was scorched by sun flares, a disease was slowly driving everyone insane, and I was possibly marching to my doom.

The walk was silent except when Julia would whistle and Maseo would shush her. Despite being partners, they didn't seem to enjoy the other's company very much. It was understandable considering they were practically foils for one another. Maseo was level-headed, constantly thinking of the goal and getting the job done. Julia was slightly off the wall and definitely more wild than he was, convinced she knew everything. She was cruel and hated me. I didn't mind. I hated her, too.

"The Berg will land in ten minutes," Maseo announced, causing my head to lift from where I stared at the ground. We were approaching the base of the mountain, where the land leveled out to a hard and dry rock that was severely cracked. "Let's go!"

He broke into a run, leaving me no choice but to copy the action. I attempted to make my breathing as steady as possible as I ran, reminding myself of my time as a Runner. Oh, how much I disliked it. My feelings toward it were no different even then.

After what I assumed was less than ten minutes, Maseo slowed to a stop and held a digital watch up to his face. "Two minutes."

Julia waited with her arms crossed and weight shifted onto one foot. Her mouth was puckered impatiently, dark eyes on the brightening sky. Her youthful face was impeccable compared to mine, which was full of sand, blood, and dirt. I wondered if I'd have access to a shower, at least.