The Deadliest Generation: The Maze Of Monsters

Preparation for the Night

The Builders - who were without their leader, Gally, who was still missing, his whereabouts unknown - were ordered to put up barricades at each open Door; they obeyed, though Thomas knew there clearly wasn't enough time and there weren't the materials to do much protection. It almost seemed to him as though the Keepers wanted to keep everyone busy, wanted to delay the inevitable panic attacks.

Thomas was pretty sure he would be the first one to fall apart. 

But he helped anyway, he helped the Builders gather every loose item they could find and piled them into gaps, nailing things together as best as they could. It looked ugly and pathetic and scared him to death - no way that'd keep the Grievers out. 

As Thomas worked hard, he caught glimpses of the other jobs going on across the Glade.

Every torch was in the compound was gathered and distributed to as many people as possible; Newt said he planned for everyone to sleep in the Homestead that night, and they'd kill the lights, in case of emergencies. Frypan's task was to take all the non-perishable food out of the kitchen and store in case they got trapped in there. Thomas could only imagine how horrible that would be.

Others were gathering supplies and tools; Thomas saw Minho carrying weapons from the basement to the main building. Alby had made it clear they could take no chances: they'd make the Homestead their fortress, and must do whatever it took to defend it.

Thomas finally snuck away from the Builders and helped Minho, carrying up boxes of knives and barbed wire wrapped clubs. Then Minho said he had a special assignment from Newt, and more or less told Thomas to get lost, refusing to answer any of Thomas questions. 

Thomas felt a bit hurt, but he left anyway, just wanting to talk to Newt. He finally found him, crossing the Glade on the way to the Blood house. 

"Newt!" He called out, running to catch up, "Newt, wait."

Newt stopped so suddenly Thomas almost ran into him. The older boy turned to give Thomas such an exasperated and annoyed look that Thomas thought twice about saying anything.

"Make it quick." He said. 

Thomas stopped, unable to speak for a few moments.

Newt looked so tired.

Underneath his eyes were purplish-black bags, highly noticeable against his pale skin.

Thomas really wanted to force Newt to go to shucking sleep, knowing for a fact he wouldn't get it tonight. 

But for now, more pressing matters. His sister.

"Um... can you let the girl go? Teresa?" He faltered as he spoke, a slight note of pleading in his voice.

She had some knowledge, so she could be essential, Thomas guessed. He could play on that to let Newt let her go. 

"You know I can't let your sister go, Alby would kill me," Newt started walking away, swiping a clothed wrist over his face, rubbing his eyes, voice dropping to a slightly exhausted whisper along with his hands, "don't waste my shucking time, Tommy."

Thomas grabbed his arm gently, the skin of his palm and fingers meeting the cloth around Newt's thin wrist, and Newt span round to meet Thomas's worried glance with a pained glare. 

His eyes fell onto Thomas's hand on his wrist, and his face softened, but he looked almost...fearful. 

The words Thomas wanted to ask seemed to hang between them for a moment.

What are you so afraid of?

I haven't intentionally done anything to hurt you.

"Newt, I'm sorry."