‧₊˚✧ ⁝ 𝑪3  ❪ 忘却 ❫ ‧₊˚✧

weight of the 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 ...

THE NIGHT SKY had arisen with a company of stars. The extensive twilight seemed to stretch on for miles, veiling the mysteries of the Maze under it's heaviness.

Ria was finishing her dinner, spearing a slice of cucumber with her fork. The atmosphere was high spirited, boys joking and exchanging tales over steaming plates of Frypan's cooking. Under the glow of torchlight, Ria had tried to stay as invisible and silent as possible. Unease was still settled in her stomach, churning painfully whenever she caught someone's eye. Her solitary had worked until she gained unexpected company from a boy named Chuck. He had bouncy, chocolate brown hair and the most innocent eyes. The boy had acted extremely welcoming towards her and she took an instantaneous liking towards the youthful Glader.

"So, once we've finished dinner, we usually head over to Homestead to sleep." Chuck explained with a mouthful of pork.

Ria nodded thoughtfully. "Newt said something about that earlier."

"You'll be lucky if you're not sleeping in a room next to Newt, he snores super loudly." Chuck giggled as he stood, stacking Ria's empty plate atop of his own. She warmed at his kindness.

Homestead was a large wooden structure situated in the north—west corner of the Glade. Constructed of long sticks and branches, they interwove tightly to create the sizeable sleeping area for the boys. Hammocks swung gently to and fro as some boys lay peacefully within them, huddled or sprawled under their thin blankets. Ablaze torches hung on the walls, mellow light spilling from the flames to battle the darkness.

Although Homestead looked relatively secure, Ria was afraid that she would have to sleep with all the strange boys around her and countless, terrifying scenarios played within her mind. She began to feel anxious, palms sweating as she curled her fists closed.

"Chuck ... I'm not going to sleep here. Am I?" she asked the boy tentatively, gesturing to the huddle of hammocks.

Chuck stopped in his tracks, turning to face Ria with a look of earnest. "No! Alby said it would be um ... awkward for you to be sleeping with us boys. You've got a room of your own."

At this, Ria let out a breath of relief she didn't know she'd been holding.

"Thank God," she managed a smile which seemed to please Chuck.

Weaving her way through the sea of hammocks, Ria continued to follow Chuck until they reached a short corridor apart from the main body of Homestead. The young boy took a few more strides until he reached the end. There were three small rooms located on the corridor and the dim radiance of light illuminated the dark passageway from under the small cracks of the doors. Chuck stopped outside the end room and after a pause, swung the wooden door open. Ria peeked her head in hesitantly, then slowly ambled after Chuck.

The room was small. A timber bed was positioned in one of the corners, draped with thick woven blankets for the cold. Alongside the bed was a stall holding a glass jar of water, beside that a glowing lantern. Ria was surprised when she sited the wooden chest of drawers, marvelling at the way it had been crafted so expertly. She found herself not minding the simplicity of her room, in fact, she quite liked it.

"Thank you, it was kind of you to give me my own room."

Chuck grinned happily. "It should be Alby that you're thanking. Whilst you were eating he prepared the room for you with Gally. Actually, I think it used to be Nick's ..." he trailed off at the last part, smile wavering ever so slightly. Ria chose not to pry.

"Oh, well, thank him for me."

"I will if I see him! Anyway, you should probably get some rest now. I remember how exhausted I was on my first day."

Ria eyed her bed longingly. Chuck was right, she was exhausted. "Good idea. I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"Goodnight, Ria." Chuck shot her a thumbs up before sliding the door shut quietly. She listened to the gentle patter of his retreating footsteps and sighed. The heavy feeling of fatigue began to dawn on her and she felt the overwhelming urge to crumple to the floor. Ria had no idea how she'd be able to sleep in the absence of nightmares as she pulled her boots off.

The blankets were soft as she slid her body under them. Ria inhaled the slightly dusty smell of them and it was somewhat comforting. She lay still for a minute, afraid to close her eyes despite the leaden burden of fatigue. However, just as she was about to blow out the lantern, there was a timid knock on her door.

"Come in," she called wearily, sitting up so her body weight rested on her elbows.

The door swung open gently and Newt appeared in a plain t-shirt and shorts.

"Just checking in to see if you're all settled and say goodnight." he smiled wearily, running a hand through his hair. Strangely, he seemed almost shy.

Ria relaxed. "Thank you, you know, for the room."

Newt nodded. "It's no problem. Remember, tomorrow is the tour with Alby." he reminded her and she felt a sudden rush of anticipation for the following day. Answers.

"How could I forget?"

Newt looked down. "It may not seem like it now, but you'll settle in here quicker than you think. Trust me, alright?"

"Alright," Ria offered quietly. "Goodnight, Newt."

"G'night, Greenebean."

The hollow click of her door was too loud. She was alone again. Pushing down her disquietude, Ria blew out her lantern letting the darkness swallow her room. She lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling as she pulled her blankets tight around her trembling body.

You're trapped here.

This time, Ria couldn't stop the single tear from gliding down her cheek. It dawned on her that she had no idea who she was, and neither Newt nor Alby had the answers. She was a ghost trapped inside the body of a stranger and it terrified her. Hours passed as she lay still, gaze transfixed on the ceiling trying to figure out how everything turned out so wrong. Then, sleep came at long last.

But, it wasn't empty.

━━━━━

She is seated on a spotless metal chair, her legs swinging to and fro gently. She's slightly younger, skin radiant and hair pulled into a long braid hanging over her shoulder like rope. Opposite her perches a girl about the same age. She is chewing her lip nervously, blue—green eyes glittering with tears she struggles to hold back. They are holding hands, both shaking uncontrollably as they grasp onto one another across the table.

"It wasn't your fault, Ri."

"Don't lie to yourself, it really was my fault. It wasn't a mistake, I did it on purpose."

The girl withdrew a hand to wipe her tears. Her tousled brown hair shadows her expression. "I'll tell them I did it with you! They can't just take you away from us, Ri."

"Don't be silly, it's too late for that." The blonde shook her head. "I did it to protect you."

"You shouldn't have. I'd rather be with you in any sort of danger than without you in safety."

"I'm sorry. I really am. You forgive me, right?" Ria leant forwards when her friend didn't reply, hopelessness stiffening her muscles. "Please."

With a shuddering breath, the girl lifts her gaze. Something different battles the sorrow within her eyes, something broken. When she speaks, her words are laced with a tinge uncertainty. "Of course I do. You're my best friend."

Ria awoke with a short gasp, eyes snapping open. Sweat glistened thickly on her forehead, hair matted and wet as she lurched upwards.

The Glade. She reminded herself frantically. I am in the Glade.

It seemed all too real to be a dream, strangely familiar in a way that made Ria's skin crawl. She forced herself to push the odd dream to the back of mind before she spiralled into madness. Whilst she stretched her aching limbs, Ria pushed her blanket down to her knees. Multiple cuts and bruises painted her arms — probably from the box.

Early rays of sunlight poured in through the cracks in the walls, draping the room with a subtle glow. Her state of disorientation soon faded as her stomach growled with hunger. After wiping the sleep from her eyes and shoving her boots back on, she silently slipped out of her room and dodged through the multiple swinging hammocks trying her very best not to make a single noise. As soon as she exited Homestead, she was hit with a wave of the sweet breeze. The sun was ascending, sending shards of light breaking over the top of the Maze walls. Distant stirs of the animals waking up drifted into the peaceful atmosphere.

Ria felt like the only person alive.

Frypan looked surprised to see her up so early. He was busy cracking eggs into a big bowl, strips of bacon lined up on the countertop ready to simmer under a glowing stove.

"Mornin', Ria. You're up early, how'd you sleep?" he greeted her warmly.

"I had a weird dream," Ria responded with the faintest of shrugs. "You?"

"The first night's always a strange one. No shank experiences it the same," Frypan began to whisk the eggs. "As for me, I slept like a log thanks for asking."

"You must be tired from all the cooking,"

Frypan paused. "It gets easier everyday. Anyway, I'll make you your breakfast seein' as you're up and it's you're first morning in the Glade."

Ria grinned and thanked him, watching silently as he prepared her meal. He whistled an unfamiliar tune to himself, completely absorbed. The girl was soon eating a plate of eggs and bacon, savouring every mouthful. She felt considerably better than yesterday, the subtle tingle of energy circulating her bloodstream.

Just as Ria was scraping her plate, Alby arrived.

"Morning Greenie, ready for the tour?" he questioned, but was out of the building before Ria could even reply. Frypan rolled his eyes jokingly at her as she hurried after the leader. His strides were lengthy and Ria struggled to match his pace. Boys were now milling about under the morning sun, some warily and some full of energy. The Glade was awake and Ria was desperate for her long awaited answers.

Alby led Ria to a large tree located around the heart of the Galde. It supported three platforms veiled by the leaves within it's many twisted branches. A fragile, splintered ladder sat propped up against the tree that created a stairway to the very top. Alby did not hesitate to begin climbing, pulling himself up each rung with ease.

Ria was hesitant, registering the way the ladder seemed to splinter.

Alby stopped. He turned his body so he faced Ria, holding onto the feeble ladder by a single hand. When he saw her feet were still planted on the ground, he rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Take your time Greenie. I've got all day." he murmured sarcastically.

Brushing off the sharpness of Alby's words, Ria began to climb to the top after the boy. A few times her feet slipped on the unstable rungs of the ladder, grazing her arms with a sting. She arose shakily once she reached the top, but was soon blanketed in complete awe as she gazed at the incredible view of the Glade.

"Wow," she breathed.

"Nice, ain't it?" Alby mused, stealing a quick look at Ria. A small smile tugged at his lips at her reaction.

"It's kind of beautiful," she whispered softly, pressing her body against the ledge. The tops of the trees were canopies of emerald green and the crops bloomed with health. Boys were busy at work and she could hear their distant laughs and calls from up in the safety of the branches. From the height she was at, the people looked a lot smaller and vulnerable. It gave her a strange sense of power, like she was somehow commanding over them. However, her eyes inadvertently trailed upwards towards the stone Maze walls and a sinking feeling dropped in her stomach. She creased her brows together, squinting at the ropes of ivy that hung from wall to wall.

"What's in that Maze?" she pondered aloud, eyes locked on the labyrinth.

Alby coughed in surprise. "How on earth do you know that? Did Newt tell y—"

"No, no! Newt didn't tell me anything, I just sort of ... guessed." Ria interjected hurriedly. She quite liked Newt and didn't want to get him into any sort of trouble.

Alby raised an eyebrow, clearly doubting her. "You're a bloomin' good guesser then," he scoffed but didn't press the subject. "Anyway, you should never go out there. It's far too dangerous and nobody's lived to share what actually lives inside those shuck walls. Only Runners are allowed and they return before the doors close, mapping the damn thing."

"Like Minho?" Ria offered.

"Like Minho." Alby nodded. "I see you've met our Keeper, that's his job. We have jobs 'ere in the Glade. For example, the Track-Hoes work in the gardens." he explained, pointing a finger towards the part of the glade burdened with crops blooming and climbing trellises.

"What job will I get?" the girl asked, suddenly curious.

"You'll have to try out each one and we see which one fits ya best. Then, we'll decide. Listen, we've got three rules 'ere. First, do you part. There 'ain't no time for slackers. Second, never hurt another Glader, we have to trust eachother. And last ... never go into the Maze unless you're a runner. Never."

     Ria nodded, the rules seemed simple and orderly enough. "Okay ... got it." she paused. "So, why can't I remember anything from my past?"

     "That's beyond me, Greenie. We're all confused of how we got here and who we were before we arrived. I ask myself the same question everyday." Alby wiped his brow and Ria sensed he was holding something back but decided against asking.

She traced her fingertips over one of the wooden beams. "And why do you guys call me Greenie? I told you my name's Ria,"

Alby chuckled at that. "That's the name we give all the shanks that come out the box. Don't fret, you'll be back to Ria as soon as the next comes up."

"Oh ... what's your job, then?" Ria shuddered at the phrase 'as soon as the next comes up.' Whatever world she had been thrown into had an algorithm, some sort of secret code.

Alby sighed in what seemed like a divergence of amusement and exhaustion. "I'm first-in-command. Newt is my second."

"So you're the leader?"

"Of sorts." he didn't expand further and instead lifted a finger. "The Glade's cut into four sections. Gardens, Blood House, Homestead, Deadheads. You got that?"

She nodded quickly, tracing a mental map within her mind.

"The gardens is where we grow the crops and plants. Water's pumped in through pipes in the ground so we have access to fresh water." He pointed a single finger the animal pens where they were bending their heads to eat the grass. "Next to that is Blood House, it's where we raise and slaughter animals."

Ria's eyes grew wide. "Slaughter?"

"Well, what else are we meant to eat?" he scoffed, shaking his head at the girl's innocence and perplexity.

"Yes, bu—"

"Deadheads is where the graveyard is, Greenie." he interrupted, squinting in the luminous sunlight.

To think that some of the boys had died in the Glade was like a punch in the stomach. An image of contorted bones obscured by dirt and flowers plagued Ria's mind and she struggled to inhale.

"How many have died?" she asked quietly, afraid of the answer.

Alby swallowed thickly, the corners of his lips tugging downwards. "The Glade ain't perfect."

Ria let the breeze carry the hair from her shoulders, kissing her skin lightly as she closed her eyes. "I understand."

A mournful silence lingered in the space between them.

"Best not to dwell on the past." Alby sighed deeply after a few minutes. "C'mon Greenie, I'm sick to death of talkin' now."

Ria took one last look at the world below her feet before following Alby. She descended from the tree and her feet hit the grass soon again. The leader hadn't waited for her and was already striding away towards the Gardens in the opposite direction. She turned to follow, colliding with another body in the process.

After stumbling backwards, embarrassment rushed to her cheeks. "Oh god, I'm so sorry!"

The boy she'd ran into's mouth was agape with incredulity. He was tall, steel blue eyes glazed with a hard look. A cluster of brown hair was stuck across his forehead with beads of sweat. Dirt streaked his hollow cheeks and he was gripping a shovel so tightly his knuckles turned white. Ria's brows creased in concern at his silence.

"Are you alright? I didn't m—"

"Get out of my way." the boy snapped out of his trance, voice a bitter snarl as he glared at her. Ria's heart leapt at his tone and she took a step backwards, unable to string together a sentence in shock. His shoulder deliberately connected with her's as he barged past her, the weight of his hatred burning against her skin.

Ria stared after him, unable to move. He had looked at her as if she was a monster, as if she was the cause of all his pain. It was cutting and cold.

She couldn't tell if she despised herself or the boy more.

‧₊˚✧ ⁝ 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒂'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆  ❪ 忘却 ❫

oo. oooHhH the tension!!!! also, i changed the faceclaim of jem from timothée to richard harmon (murphy from the 100) as it fits his character better. i'm sorry for the lack of newt/ria scenes but you probably know that there's many to come🥺 i've also completely got ria's backstory and plot sorted out and everything so i'm a very happy girl :))  as always, i hope that you enjoyed this and i'll see you in the next chapter angels <3