Remembrance (Newt X Reader)

Chapter 15~ Kill Thomas

        Janson went on to talk about what he called "Phase Two of the Trials," something that rang a bell in the back of your mind, but you couldn't pinpoint why. He spoke about the Safe Haven and the Scorch. His words would sometimes be followed by loud gasps or choked sobs, but he never stopped to acknowledge them.

     When he'd told everyone that they had the Flare already rooted inside them -- their motivation, as he called it -- you closed your eyes. They'd probably stuck the virus into you with one of those pointy needles they carried around the labs at WICKED.

     He told the group about the Flat Trans, and how they would have five minutes after 6:00 in the morning to cross into it, and when you thought he was done and about to disappear in a puff of smoke to leave you to ponder everything he'd just said, he sighed and moved out from behind his desk. Walking over to where you assumed was the end of the barrier, he positioned himself right between you and Teresa, who stood just a few feet away.

     "Now, here's the tricky part," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Another... Variable, if you will. That boy, Thomas. Well, he's meant to be killed by you, Group B." Theresa didn't seem fazed, but you stared at Janson in shock. "Now, I'm supposed to give you very clear instructions on how to do it -- and if you fail, than every one of you puts their life at risk, do you understand? He's done some very bad things-" Janson paused to throw a knowing glance at Teresa before continuing "-and he needs to pay for what he's done."

     "Kill Thomas...?" You stumbled back, reaching out for something to keep your balance. "I can't- she couldn't-" you stammered, and Janson paused to flash you a small smile.

     "You don't really have a choice girlie. Would you be willing to throw away the lives of everyone in this room for one boy? Even an idiot would know that would be a stupid decision." You shook your head again.

     "We can't-"

     "I'll do it," Teresa said, meeting Janson's gaze evenly. "I'll kill Thomas." A smug smile crept onto Janson's face.

     "That's the spirit."

     A mutual silence swept through the room, as every girl stared incredulously at Teresa, who was still watching Janson with her stony expression.

     "Why do we have to... kill him?" one girl piped up. When no one answered, she grew quiet again and shrunk back into the crowd.

     "You will have exactly two weeks to make it to the Safe Haven -- but WICKED has one small task for you first... that involves Thomas, and you, Teresa." Your hands hung limply at your sides, and you fumbled for something to say. Anything.

     Kill Thomas.

     You couldn't. You knew you couldn't. But you were also smart enough to know when to hold your tongue and just go along with things. You'd surely figure some way out of this -- some way to save Thomas. You couldn't help but think about Newt, and wonder if finding their group again would mean you'd be reunited with him.

    That was selfish.

     Now, you had all these girls to worry about -- and Teresa, who definitely wasn't the same person she was down in the Maze.

     "We'll give you guys special instructions," Janson continued, "Just a bit different from the boys to start." Your ears perked up at that comment, but still, you remained silent. "There's an old warehouse down there, and we've pinpointed its exact location. We'll be responsible for helping all of you get there unharmed to do what you need to do -- but after that, you're on your own."