Fallen

Chapter Twenty-Five: Pike

Ash stands against the wall as a mass funeral for the twenty-nine killed in the explosion takes place. Bellamy goes up to talk about Gina. The pain in his voice is killing her. He sets down a book on the table before returning to his seat. Lincoln walks in and stands by Ash. Another peson notices him.

"Why do you get to be here while our people die?" he shouts. Lincoln doesn't respond. Probably not sure what to say. At this point, others notice Lincoln. They join in yelling and insulting him.

"Hey!" Ash snaps. People stop and look at her. "Lincoln had nothing to do with bastard that blew up the mountain. Now leave him alone."

Marcus and Abby enter the memorial, late.

"What about the Grounders outside then?" a woman asks.

"They are here to protect us," Marcus states.

"Or to control us," Pike speaks up. "We need to protect ourselves from them."

"Creating a concept of 'others' is what led to this to begin with," Ash states.

"Why don't your father then show us what he allowed the Commander to do then."

All eyes turn towards Marcue. He rolls up his sleeve to show  branding mark on his arm. Mutters start to hum through the crowd.

"It's the symbol of the Coalition," he informs them. "Meaning if anyone moves against us, then they are gainst the others."

"It's what farmers do to mark their cattle," Pike states.

"If you have a problem with it, then run for Chancellor. Until I am removed from office, I will stand by my decision."

The two men stare each other down for a minute. That's until someone throws something, hitting Lincoln in the head. Blood starts to trickle down his face. However, his stoic expression never faltered. As Abby goes to check the injury, he leaves. She goes after him.

"Disband, now!" Marcus orders. People slowly leave. Some still wanting to place something on the altar for their fallen loved one. Once the others had left, Marcus places his hand on his daughter's shoulder.

"You did the best you could defusing the situation," he tells her. She crosses her arms, looking at the ground.

"Pike didn't help with the situation. He riled them up even more."

"At least Lincoln didn't react to the attacks."

"He shouldn't have to live like that. He's already been through enough."

"You're right, but what can we do now? Everyone is on the edge."

She pulls away before leaving the hall.

*****

Ash looks up to see Pike leading a group of men with weapons. Among them is Bellamy. She goes to stop them, however Lincoln steps between Pike and the gate.

"If you want to pove you're one of us, move," Pike tells him.

"No," he answers. "The chancellor has ordered for everyone to stay."

"Well maybe Pike should be Chancellor instead," someone shouts. Marcus and Abbey hurry out to see the scene taking place.

"Stand down Pike," Marcus calmly states. "This is your only warning."

"We will not," Pike argues. "We are deffending our people."

"Guards arrest them for treason!"

Some of the guards hesitate before doing as told. Belllamy lock eyes with Ash for a moment before they are taken into the building. His face remains blank as he gets his wrists cuffed behind his back.

As the group gets led into the building, some other people start chanting "Pike!" over and over again. Ash can't look away as she watches the door close. Her father walks over, placing a hand on her shoulder. He breaks her from the trance before leading them inside.

*****

Marcus walks towards the prison with Ash and a couple other people. Unlike before, all prisoners are kept together and aren't being executed over the smallest thing.

He notices that Ash hovers by the door when they enter. She must be uncomftorable still after being imprisoned for about a year. He still regrets letting his daughter get arrested.

A guard opens the cell door so Marcus can step in. His eyes hover a moment on Bellamy. He had the brightest future out of everyone. He wanted Ash and him to be together. But even when he was with Gina; Marcus saw potential in him being a great leader. If only events recently haven't taken place.

"Why are you here?" Pike asks. Marcus stands a bit straighter before delivering the news.

"The results from the election came in. Congratulations Chancellor Pike."

"Good," Pike states.. "My first act as Chancellor I pardon me and these people. And my second act is to reject the Coalition and becoming the thirteenth Clan."

The group starts to leave, but Marcus stops Bellamy.

"It's not too late to choose the right side," he tells him.

"Yes it is," Bellamy responds, walking away. Marcus watches him try to leave. Ash places her hand on his chest, saying something to him in a hushed voice. He pushes her hand away before heading out.