Fallen

Chapter One: Return to Earth

Ash taps her fingers work to unweave the fabric of her blanket only to just braid it together. The bottom of it is frayed from her working on it over time. Her eighteenth is soon, so she is to be floated. Honestly why they just put them in the cells only to be killed later makes no sense. Might as well float the kids too. Probably save more supplies if they did that anyway. Who knows how long the Ark has left? The doors to her cell swing open with guards enter and she shoves the string in her pocket.

"Face the wall," one orders. "Hands on your head."

She turns to face the gray metal and press the palms of her hands to her reddish brown waves. One grabs her left arm roughly, clasping a cool metal band around her wrist. He grabs the top half of her arm and start dragging her out of the cell.

"Three days early," she chuckles, going with them. "Will my father be there?"

Once out of the room, she can see every person imprisoned being dragged out. All of them with the same metal bracelets on. Her feet stumble, trying to keep up. They throw her in a line where the guards stand on each side. One girl, Clarke, is carried past her on a stretcher. Her eyes scan around her as her heartbeat increases. They must be mass killing the cellblock now. Her eyes lock with her father's standing next to Clarke's mother. She return her attention to the back of the head in front of her and continue walking.

"Fasten the seat as you enter," one woman states as they enter a dropship. Ash swings herself into a seat, locking the safety bar into place. The ship quickly fills as others enter as well. Guards go around, making sure everyone is secure in their seats. All those not strapped in soon leave and she watches the hatch doors seal shut. The ship rumbles as it disconnects from the Ark, shooting outwards. Screens turn on with Chancellor Jaha's face.

"Prisoners of the Ark, hear me now. You've been given a second chance, and as your Chancellor it is my hope that you see this as not just a chance for you, but a chance for all of us-"

A couple of people unbuckle themselves, floating around. Clarke keeps telling them to buckle back up. The transmission cuts off as the dropship enters the atmosphere, plummeting to Earth. Ash can feel her stomach lurch upwards as her fingers grasp the bars around her. She squeezes her eyes shut, trying to steady her breath. 

Soon it lands on the ground, and she thanks whatever deity that exists. Shakily, she unlocks the harness and stands up. Two bodies lay on the ground not too far away. A couple of people who were enjoying the lack of gravity earlier. Everyone starts gathering near the door, debating on whether or not to open it. There could still be radiation out there, but they do need supplies as well to live. 

"What are we standing around for?" someone from the back calls. A guy with dark brown hair and eyes in a guards uniform steps forward.

"Bellamy?" a voice calls. People move aside as a girl that looks like embraces him. People start discussing about how she is the girl who hid under the floor. The only set of siblings on the Ark. Octavia and Bellamy go towards the door, opening it. Octavia steps out first, taking in a deep breath. Everyone takes in the sights. There are colors Ash have only seen on videos and in pictures. It is the most beautiful thing she has seen.

"We're back, bitches!" Octavia screams. Everyone rushes out as Ash pulls her hood over her head. She follows the mass of people out, taking in the fresh air. Just the smell is different from when the ship and it feels amazing how the sun beats down on her skin. A hand grabs hers, turning her attention towards them.

"I see you made it, Bell," she smirks.

"As did you," he responds. "Now it looks like we have three kids from the Councilor's. Others won't trust them, but I can-"

She pulls away from him.

"You are already picking sides? We've been here only a few minutes."

"I'm being realistic."

"And I'm being rational. We divide, we fall."

"Always the Politian's daughter."

"Get bent."

She walks off before settling under a tree. She rests against the rough bark, taking in the sight. Clarke leaves with Octavia and a few other in hopes of finding Mount Weather. She reaches into her pocket, pulling out the started braid of thread. Her fingers work the material, interlocking it together. A shadow is cast over her, causing her to look up.

"What do you want, Murphy?" she sneers. He has brown hair not too long and brown eyes. She has seen him multiple times in survival classes, but never talked to him.

"I was having a stupid idea."

"Then keep your stupid idea to yourself." She gets up, looking him directly in the eyes. "Also don't think you're the big man here. You're only tough when you have your boys backing your play."

She pushes past him, trying to find somewhere to just relax. Most people are making out or having sex with each other. Wells is currently trying to set up some sort of camp. She walks over and helps set up some of the tents with him. Might as well construct some sort of shelter for the night. 

The day seems to quickly pass as she continues to do so. Some people harass her and Wells but otherwise nothing too bad. The two with help from others every now and then manage to get enough set up for the night. As she carries wood for the bonfire, someone pulls her close.

"Let go Bell," she grumbles, looking at him. They were just far enough away from the camp where the fire was just an orange glow and the laughter was more muffled.

"I never thanked you," he tells her. "You tried to defend my sister."

She leans against a tree, looking up. She did not want to discuss this.

"You know the stars look different down here. Same balls of helium and hydrogen, but just seem different."

He glances up at the night sky.

"They do." His eyes glance down at her wrists. "Everyone is taking off their bands. We rule the Earth now. Not them."

She rolls her eyes before starting to walk back to camp.