A Kiss Before The War

Chapter 5: Descent to Hell

Clarke's perspective

After snapping at Lexa, the two of us along with our army entered the bunker and immediately the distinct units begun to separate. I barked out a command of my own and was glad to see that the Grounders were even following my commands. I knew some of them weren't my biggest fans so for them to make this concession spoke to the seriousness of the task ahead.

I heard Lexa and Gustus arguing about something but I was more concerned at this point in time on finding my friends alive and well. They had managed to secure level 5, so the plan was to meet up with them to bolster our forces and then to escort them to safety once we'd dealt with the threat of the Mountain Men once and for all.

I followed those Grounders who were assigned to this part of the plan as we made our way towards the destination. It some ways it only seemed like yesterday that I'd woken up in that white sterile room, confused and confined unsure of what my fate was. I didn't trust the Mountain Men from day one and the fact that we were back here to disrupt their plans only validated my opinion of them.

I hoped that Jasper was alright after the last time we'd spoke we had left on pretty bad terms. When I saw him next I wasn't going to say anything trite like 'I told you so'. I'd just be relieved to find him and the others alive.

I felt bad that I'd left them to what horrors they had been subjected to in my absence, but I knew that this was only all possible because I had escaped. I shuddered to think what might have happened had I been confined in here with the rest of my people.

As we entered level 5 I don't think anyone was prepared for the sight we found. Dead Mountain Men littered the floor at random spots. Some were leaned up against the wall and could almost be mistaken for sleeping if not for the slackness of their bodies, the lack of light in their eyes and the trails of blood which were still relatively fresh.

The smell of death hung heavy in the air, weapons lay on the ground or still holstered by the sides of those unable to wield them. The elevator that led up to this level continued to attempt to shut but kept hitting the arm that was in the way.

I drew my gun as we neared the living quarters they had assigned to us during our stay but at the present time I found them empty. 'They must have left in a hurry,' I thought as a quick survey of the room had beds that were untouched as well as a few forgotten supplies.

As I turned to leave the room, I watched in horror as those Grounders who hadn't accompanied me into the room were skewered by a barrage of bullets, the life leaving them before they even hit the floor. I screamed, equal parts shock and horror as soldiers entered the room with their guns trained on us.

"We've secured priority target one Mr President," one of the soldiers barked into a radio he had clipped to the front of his vest.

The soldiers made light work of disarming us then securing our hands behind our backs, the rope tight and chaffing against my wrists as I struggled for a moment.

"Excellent work men! Priority target number two is sure to be not far behind; we'll wait for her to come to us."

These words came from a young guy with jet black hair and attire that made sure he was just as impeccably dressed as his predecessor. A young guy who was clearly not President Wallace.

"You aren't the President." I stated as I gained his attention fully.

My stance was as defiant as I could manage given the circumstances. His expression was one of amusement as he looked me over,