❝ 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 ❞
▬▬ Chapter 01
• . ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳₊·͟͟͟͟͟͟͞͞͞͞͞͞➳💧

Madison and Newt crouched behind a massive boulder, their bodies pressed against the cold, rough surface. The night air was dense, every breath feeling heavy as the seconds dragged on with excruciating slowness. Around them, the wilderness was eerily quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. Madison's hand gripped her weapon tightly, her knuckles white with tension. Next to her, Newt's jaw was set, his sharp eyes flicking over the terrain as if willing danger to show itself.

"Stay sharp," Newt murmured, barely loud enough to be heard.

Madison gave a terse nod, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. They'd been through hell together, but each mission seemed to ratchet up the stakes. This wasn't just about survival—it was about saving the people they cared about most.

Finally, a crisp, clear whistle sliced through the oppressive silence. Thomas.

Newt and Madison exchanged a glance, unspoken understanding passing between them. Both nodded in perfect synchronization before darting out from their hiding spot, their movements swift and silent despite the weight of the moment pressing down on them.

"Newt! Madison!" Vince's voice carried over the distance, sharp with urgency but tinged with relief.

"Come on, mate, let's move!" Newt hissed, his body already propelling forward. Madison was on his heels as they sprinted toward the towering, imposing walls of the WICKED train car where Thomas was already waiting.

Thomas's fists pounded against the cold, unforgiving metal as if sheer will could rip the walls apart. "Minho! Evie!" His voice cracked, loud and desperate, cutting through the night. "Can you hear me?"

Inside the train car, a cacophony of voices erupted. The captives, hearing Thomas's voice, banged on the walls, their cries for help barely audible through the thick steel. Madison's chest tightened at the sound, her mind conjuring images of Minho and Evie trapped inside, battered but fighting for freedom.

"Newt, the fire blower!" Thomas barked, snapping Newt into action.

"Got it," Newt replied, his tone clipped but focused. He swung the heavy tool into place, his movements precise as he set to work on the lock.

Madison pivoted instinctively, taking up a defensive position. Her eyes scanned the shadows, muscles coiled like a spring. She spotted them first—the unmistakable flash of movement as WICKED guards emerged from the darkness, their weapons glinting under the dim moonlight.

"Company's here," Madison muttered, leveling her weapon. Without hesitation, she fired. Her shots rang out, sharp and deliberate, each one hitting its mark. Two guards dropped before they could raise their guns, their bodies crumpling to the ground.

"Madison, cover us!" Thomas's voice cut through the chaos, urgent and commanding.

"On it!" she yelled back, repositioning for better sightlines. She took down another guard, her movements fluid and calculated, years of survival instincts honed in the Maze driving her every action.

Behind her, Newt was still working, his focus unshakable as the fire blower hissed and sparked against the stubborn lock. "Almost there," he muttered under his breath, sweat beading on his brow.

"How's it looking?" Madison called, not taking her eyes off the advancing guards. She fired again, forcing the enemy into cover.

"Don't bloody rush me!" Newt snapped, a flicker of amusement breaking through his otherwise tense expression.

Thomas suddenly clambered up onto the side of the train car, shouting from above. "Madison! Newt! We need you up here now!"

"Not yet!" Newt shouted back, his hands steady as he fought against the relentless lock.

A sharp crack echoed through the air—a gunshot. Madison felt the impact a split second later, a searing pain ripping through her shoulder. She staggered but caught herself, her teeth gritting against the fiery agony.

"Madison!" Newt's voice wavered for a fraction of a second before snapping back to resolve.

"I'm fine!" she barked, switching her weapon to her other hand and continuing to fire. "Just keep going!"

"Guys, we're out of time!" Vince's voice rose in alarm from the distance as more guards poured onto the scene.

At last, the lock gave way with a metallic groan. "Got it!" Newt exclaimed, his relief short-lived as he grabbed the ladder leading up the side of the train car.

Madison scrambled after him, her wounded shoulder protesting every movement. Thomas reached down from above, helping to haul them up. "Come on! Faster!"

Jorge's berg hovered overhead, the whirring of its engines drowning out the sounds of chaos below. The massive hook descended, and Frypan worked swiftly to secure it to the train car's roof.

"Hook's in place! Pull us up!" Thomas shouted, his voice nearly hoarse with exertion.

The berg began to rise, the train car lifting with it. On the ground, the remaining guards fired futilely into the air, their bullets sparking against the metal but doing little to stop the escape.

Madison collapsed onto the roof of the train car, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Blood seeped from her shoulder wound, staining her shirt, but she managed a shaky smile.

"Hell of a rescue," she murmured, glancing at Thomas and Newt.

Thomas grinned, his exhilaration infectious. "Hell of a team." He pulled her into a quick, careful hug, mindful of her injury.

As the berg carried them away into the night, the cries of the captives below finally subsided. They'd done it. Against the odds, they had pulled off the impossible once more.

But Madison knew this was only the beginning. They had Minho and Evie to save, and WICKED wasn't done with them yet. She tightened her grip on her weapon, her determination burning brighter than ever.

AUTHORS NOTE;

Here we are, guys! The rescue mission is in full swing, and Madison, Newt, and the gang are putting everything on the line to get their friends back. This chapter is all about action, adrenaline, and the unwavering bond between them as they fight through the chaos and push forward, no matter the cost. Madison's injury is just a reminder of how high the stakes are, but her resolve to protect her friends remains unshaken. It's not just about surviving anymore—it's about defying WICKED and rescuing the ones they love.

As always, thank you for reading and sticking with the story! This journey is far from over, and I can't wait to share what happens next. Don't forget to leave your thoughts in the comments! Your support means everything to me. Until the next chapter—stay tuned!