𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 [ 𝑇ℎ𝑒100]

Chapter 2

 As we stepped out, the vibrant green of the grass contrasted sharply with the cold, metallic world we had left behind. I took a deep breath, the fresh air filling my lungs, grounding me in this new reality.

"Look!" Jasper pointed toward the horizon, where the mountains loomed like ancient sentinels.

"We're really on Earth."

"What do we do now?" Monty asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace of the moment.

"We survive," I said, my heart quickening with determination.

"We find a way to make this place our home."

As we gathered together, our group formed a fragile alliance, and I felt the weight of our shared fate pressing down on us. 

The ship had barely settled on the ground when I wandered off, the hum of machinery fading behind me. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety, thoughts of the morning still buzzing in my mind.

The forest around me was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, a stark contrast to the chaos I expected once we touched down. I took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of damp soil and pine needles, letting it wash over me.

"Crazy, right?" I muttered to myself, taking in the vibrant greens and browns. I was ready to get flooded with adrenaline and fear, and instead, here I was, lost in a forest. After a few moments of tranquility, I turned back, ready to find the others.

As I walked, I spotted Jasper and Monty, their heads bent together as they whispered. A playful grin spread across my face.

"Boo!" I shouted, lunging forward.

Jasper yelped, a high-pitched sound that made me laugh. "What the—! You scared the crap out of me!"

"Yeah, well, you should pay more attention!" I teased, but before I could finish, a firm grip seized my arm.

"Five of us. Can we go now?" Finn's voice was urgent, his brown eyes darting to the blond beside him. She simply nodded.

"Sounds like a party—make it six!" Octavia chimed in, breezing past us, her excitement palpable.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" Bellamy's voice was sharp as he caught Octavia by the wrist, pulling her back gently but firmly.

"Going for a walk?" she replied, confusion knitting her brow.

The blond girl stepped closer, her expression darkening. "Hey, were you trying to take this off?" she pointed to the wristband strapped tightly around Finns wrist.

"Yeah, so?" he shot back defiantly, but the tension in the air was thickening.

"SO, this wristband transmits your vital signs to the Ark. Take it off, and they'll think you're dead!"  her voice rising slightly.

"Should I care?" Finn shrugged, a hint of defiance in his tone.

"Do you want the people you love to think you're dead?" she snapped, her eyes blazing. "Do you want them to follow you down here in two months? Because they won't if they think we're dead!"

Finn looked away, shame washing over him. I could see it the embarrassment etched into his features.

"Well, I don't have anyone up there, so I couldn't care less," I chimed in, trying to lighten the mood, but her expression shifted to one of disbelief.

"Are you serious? Do you have any idea how many people are waiting to get down here? You should at least consider what you're saying before you say it. Now, let's go!" She started walking, her back stiff with frustration.