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~ DAY TWO ~

Since Zelia told Alby about her plan yesterday, she started training today. Alby talked to Winston to tell him to teach the girl how to hold a crossbow, knife, and dagger properly. The keeper did not hesitate to agree.

They practiced for several hours near the Slammers. Nothing fancy about there, just the two of them, Winston and Zelia, while holding a crossbow, and a tree that serves as a target. Winston had show how to do it first, and with just one release of the arrow, it immediately hit the tree.

Zelia listens seriously to what the man says about how to properly hold the bow and when to release the arrow. She failed many times, but that doesn't mean she will just give up easily. She will finish what she started no matter what. The man saw how much the girl wanted to learn, so he secretly smiled and allowed himself to teach his friend.

"What do you think? Do I have progress as the time goes by?" Zelia said when she had just finished drinking her own water. Winston decided to continue practicing tomorrow because it was getting late.

"It's early to say that, but a little more practice because you're about to hit the target." The girl smiled at what the young man said. They started walking in another direction.

Zelia went to the Maze to keep an eye on the Runners for waiting for the news. It wasn't long before she saw that they were running back inside the Glade, and she took a deep breath when she didn't find what she was looking for. Ben patted her on the shoulder as if to say that there is still tomorrow and not to lose hope.

~ DAY THREE ~

The next day, after everyone ate their breakfast, Winston saw Zelia waiting at the place where they would practice. They wasted no time, and they started practicing.

More than 4 hours have passed before Zelia hit the target. They were both happy because of what happened.

"Nice one, Zel! You finally hit the tree. It seems like just yesterday that your arrow is going everywhere. Seems like can't focus where the target is," Winston said teasingly, so Zelia rolled her eyes, which made the man laugh.

"Thanks for reminding me that. I can say that there's a chance that I can protect myself, not just with my own punch," Zelia said while smiling.

"So proud of you," Winston said, and they went back to practice. The girl did not fail, and she hit the target several times.

They practiced for a few more hours before deciding to stop and continue it tomorrow. Zelia immediately went to the door of the Maze to look for the Runners, but she failed again.

"Maybe tomorrow we find him," Ben said as he stood in front of the girl and patted her on the shoulder before walking away.

~ DAY FOUR ~

Zelia took a deep breath before leaving her room. She can say that she feels safe since she has a room. Even though the two klunkheads were still in the Glade, it still wasn't doing anything to her. Maybe they're just waiting for her to be alone to do what they've been wanting to do for a long time. Sadly, Zelia is still really focused on practicing, so she always has someone with her.

She met Winston, and together they went to the place where they were practicing. Alby also said this morning what Zelia was planning, which immediately made the entire Gladers happy. It's obvious to them that they have the support of their female friend, so they can't wait for the job to become official and a new Keeper will be added to them.

"Tomorrow, we'll use knives and daggers since you already know how to use a crossbow," Winston said when they finished practicing and started walking. "Using a crossbow today, you didn't miss a target today." Zelia smiled because of what the man said.

"As a result of practice every day and every hour, and besides, my teacher is also good." Winston just laughed softly and shook his head at what the girl said. He said goodbye to her that he was going to see the Slicers, and Zelia just nodded before going to the entrance of the Maze.

She took a deep breath when she saw that the man she was looking for was still not with them when the Runners had returned. Ben immediately gave her a pat on the shoulder before going to where he was going.

~ DAY FIVE ~

"So, how's your training, Ms. Future Keeper?" Kendrix asked teasingly. They are now at the long table while eating their dinner. She had just finished practice and was once again disappointed that the runners did not see even a shadow of Minho.

"Well, I accidentally cut myself with a knife," Zelia said and showed the bandage of her right hand in front of the man. "But Winston said, maybe I can perfect the training tomorrow because I already know how to hold a knife properly."

"You really dedicate yourself to practicing harder," Newt said after taking a drink of his water. Zelia just shrugged her shoulders.

"Her plan is great though. When the job is official, we both know it will be a great help to the Glade." Ben said that Kendrix agreed with him.

~ DAY SIX ~

Zelia was now at the tree where the entire Glade could be seen; she had almost finished her dinner. Six days have passed, but they still haven't seen any sign of Minho. Even though it is unlikely that he is still alive, the girl still does not lose hope.

On a positive note, she is now officially Keeper of the Defense, and she will start tomorrow since she is ready to teach the Gladers. Only those who have a day off and are allowed by the Keepers can go to Zelia's place, where she will teach, so that at least someone is left behind in each job.

The girl took a deep breath and looked behind her when someone called her name.

"Newt." She saw how he smiled. He finally went up and sat next to Zelia.

"Why are you up here so alone?"

"Nothing, just happy."

"I can see why." They both laughed softly. They were just looking in front of them right now; almost all the Gladers are in their respective beds.

"I can't believe that I'm ready to fight using my hands and weapons."

"That crossbow looks good on you. You look like a badass person." Zelia rolled her eyes at him in a joke way. Newt just chuckled at her.

"Slim it."

"I'm telling the truth. The way you let go of that arrow, I feel like someone will fall in love with you." The girl just glared at him.

"How can you say that, Mr. Second-in-command?"

"That's not impossible though, like I saw someone looking at you — not in a weird way — while you're practicing with Winston. Before you said anything, it's not those two bloody klunkheads." Zelia just shook her head and looked back at the front. She saw Frypan and Kendrix talking at the long table, so the girl couldn't help but smile for her friend.

"Your friend has a love life now." She heard Newt say, and Zelia just laughed softly.

"Glad for him, actually. He allowed himself to be happy even though there are still too many questions on our mind."

"How about you? When will you let yourself be happy?" The girl looked at what the man said with a confused look on her face.

"What do you mean by that? I mean, I'm happy right now."

"Yeah, right." Zelia frowned even more and was about to speak when Newt suddenly tapped her on the shoulder before he went to his own room, leaving her alone while confused.

Seriously? That's so weird. I don't have any idea what he meant by that.