I drew ahead from the group, emerging closer to camp. The first thing I noticed was cheering for a fight. As I stepped back into camp I saw Wells and Murphy going at it, with makeshift knives, whilst Bellamy stood their cockily. I rolled my eyes at the sight. It was stupid.

I strongly disliked Wells, because it was easy that way to deal with my hatred for Jaha. What was weird was I didn't really want to see him die, especially in some testosterone battle. His dad was a dick but I guess I should give him a chance since you didn't pick your parents.

Marching over I stood beside an unwavering Bellamy, my eyes were locked on the side of his face.

"Are you not going to stop this?"

Bellamy shrugged uncaring.

After shoving Wells away Murphy turned to us and grinned twirling his knife.

"You're all acting like dogs, trying to see who has the biggest balls. Newsflash― neither of you have any," I said to Murphy acting as if I wasn't slightly intrigued.

Murphy laughed grabbing his crotch and I rolled my eyes attempting to hold in my snort and chuckle. "Whatever," I waved my hand dismissively. "If you're just going to keep fighting then go ahead."

Wells would be fine, he practically had Murphy trapped with a knife to his throat.

I started to walk away, when I felt myself being grabbed and turned around. I hissed in pain at Bellamy's hand on my forearm. When I looked up, we were practically chest to chest or the closest to it, since I was a little shorter than him. His dark eyes glanced down at my arm before returning to my eyes.

"What, Bellamy?"

"There aren't rules down here. If they want to fight, who am I to stop them."

I subtly bit my lip at the sound of his low voice massaging my ear drums. "Whatever the hell we want, right?"

Bellamy slowly nodded, not making a move to release me.

"What is going on?" Clarke's loud voice sent me a few steps back from Bellamy. The others came walking into camp solemnly taking in the scene.

"Octavia, are you alright?" Bellamy's first priority was Octavia and checking her over which I found sweet.

I chose to sit next to Finn on a rock and rest my legs. Relaxing meant I finally realised how tired I actually was. My thighs ached a little, a reaction to trekking uphill the majority of the time, as well as my arm which felt like it was pulsing.

"Where's the food?" Bellamy asked aloud only looking away from his sister the tiniest bit.

"There isn't any," I replied dully.

"We didn't make it to Mount Weather," Finn finished.

"What the hell happened out there?" I knew Bellamy was probably irritated we had left and come back empty-handed but so were all of us. He probably also meant that directed at his injured sister and the shaken looks some of the others held.

"We were attacked," I explained further because it seemed like Clarke had something else on her mind.

"Attacked? By what?" Wells questioned curious now.

"Not what. Who. It turns out, when the last man from the ground died on the Ark, he wasn't the last Grounder."

I knew what Finn was saying, it was about there being people out there who aren't friendly at all.

"It's true. Everything we thought we knew about the ground is wrong. There are people here, survivors. The good news is, that means we can survive. Radiation won't kill us."

"The bad news is, they're spear wielding maniacs so they'll kill us instead," I piped up after Clarke getting a not so impressed look from her.

"Where's the kid with the goggles?" Finally someone noticed and it just so happened to be Wells.

"His name is Jasper. He got a spear to the chest by a Grounder. Then they took him." I dared to peek over at Monty who looked awful. "We need to go and get him."

"Where's your wristband?" I almost groaned at Clarke's question to Wells. We wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.

"Ask him," Wells spat towards Bellamy. The smirk on his face made me roll my eyes for the hundredth time. I didn't understand Bellamy and I didn't understand his game plan. There had to be a reason why he was pushing to show dominance and leadership or maybe that's the type of person he was.

"Soo, how many have you taken off so far?" I queried leaning forward.

"Careful your leader might mistake your interest for joining the dark side." I scoffed at Murphy. Clark definitely wasn't my leader.

"How many?" Clarke seethed.

I sat back and watched Murphy grin wide, "Twenty-four and counting."

My eyebrows raised, twenty-four out of one-hundred in one day. I had to give Bellamy and Murphy credit, they wanted something done and they were getting it done.

I rolled my wrist analysing the silver bracelet and poked it a little to see if anything would happen. Having this on meant they knew I was still alive, it also meant that my dad would know I was alive, if they even informed parents of anything.

"You idiots. Life support on the Ark is failing. That's why they brought us down here." Clarke now addressed the camp. "They need to know the ground is survivable again, and we need their help against whoever is out there. If you take off your wristbands, you're not just killing them. You're killing us!"

I mimicked everything Clarke was saying out of slight boredom and for my sheer amusement. Although it seemed a lot of people noticed and snickered to themselves.

Finn jabbed me in my side and I would have jabbed him back if he hadn't jabbed me where the bruising was. I flinched smacking my head on his shoulder.

"Ow, Finn," I whined.

"Sorry, I forgot," he apologised wrapping an arm over my shoulder.

"We're stronger than you think. Don't listen to her. She's one of the privileged. If they come down, she'll have it good. How many of you can say the same?" Bellamy argued clearly getting a better response from the crowd.

I bit back a laugh as Finn nudged me again for mimicking Bellamy. Octavia sat holding back a laugh as well which made me snicker more. Speeches weren't really something I took seriously. To me it just felt like the speaker was trying to coerce you into whatever they wanted whether wrong or right. It never felt genuine or original to me.

"...We can take care of ourselves. That wristband on your arm? It makes you a prisoner. We are not prisoners anymore! They say they'll forgive your crimes. I say you're not criminals! You're fighters, survivors! The Grounders should worry about us!"

Everyone started cheering and from that it was obvious Bellamy had the most influence. Clarke wanted those from the Ark to come to Earth, yet she wasn't really deemed a criminal; so the biggest question on our minds was, would we really be forgiven for our crimes?

No. Why would we be forgiven now? What's changed? Absolutely nothing.

I stood up at the same time as Finn with a yawn, noticing how everyone was dispersing.

"That boring, huh?"

"Yeah," I frowned pulling up my sleeve to see small crimson droplets spilling to the floor.

"Why don't you get that cleaned up with Octavia," Finn pointed to where Octavia sat with Bellamy, Murphy and a few other guys.

"Sure thing. . . Dad," I cheekily stuck out my tongue at Finn before strolling off and sitting beside Octavia.

Bellamy carefully tended to his sister's leg, gently wiping away blood that smeared her thigh. Bellamy was an odd one; one minute his thoughts tell him to be a tough leader and insert dominance, the next minute his heart tells him to look out for his little sister and do everything he can for her. I wish I still had somebody like that. Someone to care for me like that.

". . .it was, Eden?"

"Sorry what?" I shook my head to clear my mind to concentrate .

"Bellamy wanted to know what attacked us, it was a water snake or something right?" Octavia's eyes pierced my concentration in place.

"Mhm, yeah. The others said it looked like a snake and it felt like one so-"

"Wait. It got you too?"

"Yeah," I held up my bloody arm. "I seem to put myself in dangerous situations quite often."

"Bell, clean Eden's arm first." The blue-eyed girl beside me eased her leg away from her brother's hovering hand, much to his dismay.

"Your leg, Octavia."

"What about it? I can wait, it's not like I can run anywhere." She boasted a smirk and sent a sly one in my direction.

There was a weird pause, neither of us flinched, I sat still and Bellamy stayed crouched with a damp piece of material balled in his hand.

"Come on. Grab her hand and wipe her arm a little," Octavia pressed.

With a small snicker I decided to take charge of the situation and held my arm out for Bellamy. He took it in a firm hold as if he hadn't just hesitated and proceeded to softly wipe around my wound. It felt odd, Bellamy being so gentle.

"I made it worse when I grabbed your arm. You both could have been killed."

"Yeah but Jasper was there to pull Octavia out of the water," I sent a suggestive smile to Octavia on behalf of my buddy Jasper.

"Who was there to get you out?"

"Monty. Anyway... I wanted to talk to you."

"Uh huh. Why's that?"

"I've seen you with a gun. You still have it right?" I didn't even know why I was asking. Why would Bellamy get rid of it. To confirm my suspicions Bellamy eased his top up showing me I was correct about him having a six-pack. . . and the gun. He had the gun.

"Good. You're coming with us to get Jasper back." I shot up walking ahead slightly.

"Who's us? And why would I do that?"

I pursed my lips in annoyance. "Because you want to enforce being the leader and leaders don't get scared. However, in this moment I think they'd all say you were the scared one."

I smiled sweetly stepping forward so only him and the few directly around us would here what I said next, "There's nothing to worry about though is there? You said the grounders should worry about us, so we have nothing to fear."

Bellamy looked very pissed that I dominated the situation. He didn't have much to say other than, "Who's 'us'?"

"Us two." Clarke and Wells marched past confidently and took the lead of our little search party.

Bellamy stood tall when he turned to address his small group of boys, I couldn't help but stare at his taut arms that were free of any sleeves.

"Murphy, Gareth and Callum. Come with me." My favourite rebel Murphy stepped up first followed by a blonde and brunette. "Atom? My sister doesn't leave this camp. Is that clear?" The finality in Bellamy's voice was crystal clear, Atom had no option but to nod.

"I don't need a babysitter."

I bit my lip hiding my grin from Octavia.

"Anybody touches her, they answer to me."

I shouldn't have done it. Yet for some reason seeing an irritated or pissed Bellamy was entertaining. Against my better judgement I leant over and touched Octavia.

"See you later."

Murphy laughed along with Gareth and Callum. I patted Murphy's shoulder in appreciation as I passed by. Another dick but he was growing on me with his asshole ways.

●▪●

"Those guys aren't just bullies, Clarke. They're dangerous criminals." Wells hadn't realised I'd caught up to them as he voiced his stress.

"I'm counting on it."

"You know-" I spoke loud enough to make them jump. "I'm one of those dangerous criminals."

"No you're no-"

"Well I'm definitely not one of the privileged. If you're going to talk about us like we're below you and use us for your benefit, then you should know you've failed as a leader before you've even started."

Clarke struggled to find words but I kept her quiet with a glare. We came down here and at first I thought we were going to die, we didn't, now I wanted to have fun. And well, every chance of fun gets ruined by someone or something. Now, to top it off, our 'leader' thinks very little of us.

I heard leaves crunch and twigs snap behind us and knew the other four boys had caught up. Callum, the very buff brunette with green eyes, came over to my right whilst the others stood to my left.

"Something happen? Is there a problem?" Callum asked feeling the obvious tension.

"Nope. Clarke was just waiting to lead the way."

He nodded and left it at that. That was the end of that until Bellamy spoke up in the silence.

"Hey, hold up. What's the rush? You don't survive a spear through the heart." Through the corner of my eye, Bellamy slipped out his gun from beneath his shirt.

"Put the gun away, Bellamy."

"Wells to the rescue," I scoffed. I don't know why he bothered trying to impress Clarke, it was obvious she didn't like him let alone genuinely care.

"Well, why don't you do something about it, huh?" Murphy stepped forward.

"Jasper screamed when they moved him. If the spear struck his heart, he'd have died instantly. It doesn't mean we have time to waste."

"I agree, but if we face trouble who's going to stand at the front and take charge. You?" I asked. "You seem a bit hesitant to get your hands dirty."

"Who's side are you even on?" Clarke threw her hands up.

"I'm on my side, exactly like you and Bellamy."

"I'm on the side of the people," Bellamy exclaimed taking a confident step forward.

"How many times a day do you say that to yourself?"

"Feisty," Gareth chuckled with Murphy but quickly shut up when I glared at him.

"If this kid doesn't have a lot of time, let's go. I'm not wasting my time for a dead kid."

"Callum, his name is Jasper."

"As soon as you take this wristband off, we can go." Bellamy swerved away from the focus of this journey again, directing his focus on Clarke.

"The only way the Ark is gonna think I'm dead is if I'm dead. Got it?"

"Well I'm sure Murphy, Callum and Gareth would help me kill you, since we're dangerous criminals. That's what you said right?"

Bellamy tilted his head slightly to look at me with the slightest tinge of amusement. "Little Red has balls."

"Hey! You call this a rescue party? Got to split up, cover more ground. Clarke, come with me." Finn marched out of nowhere and practically pulled Clarke away. I rolled my eyes at the sight of Wells watching them walk off.

"Go catch up to them." I pushed past him followed by Murphy, Callum and Gareth.

"He wouldn't," Murphy snickered.

The four of us trudged forward keeping an eye out for our surroundings. We didn't know when these grounders could appear and I'd rather notice them coming than feel a spear pierced through my back.

"Murphy, can you carry me?" My waist ached when I asked him with a big smile. I thought a piggy back might be somewhat entertaining plus it could be a little bonding moment.

"What's in it for me?"

"A hot girl, that actually likes you, grabbing onto you for more than a second."

"Callum," I said in a shut up kind of way until I realised that was kind of my argument, except the 'hot' bit.

Gareth and Callum laughed loudly at me and I spied a discrete smile on Murphy's face. I raised my eyebrows to him in question with the sweetest expression I could muster.

"Fine, whatever," he caved in making me grin.

"I love you right now, Murphy." I hopped onto his back and we were off walking again.

Contrary to what people would think, we actually all talked and had a laugh, even Murphy. We were on a mission to save Jasper but we still all managed to enjoy each other's company and get to know one another. It was as if we'd all been friends for a while now and all clicked.

Despite the influence of others in the camp as well as his actions, I quite liked Murphy. He was cynical, pessimistic and demoralized yet he still made me howl with laughter.

Callum was similar although less negative and way more bubbly than anything.

You could tell I was enjoying myself because I swung my legs while Murphy carried me, even when he told me it was irritating I still continued. Nothing made my legs still, until I heard Clarke yell for us.

I expected Murphy to drop me to my feet so I was shockingly surprised when he kept hold of me and made his way to Finn. My eyes widened to saucers at the sight of rich blood smeared across Finn's fingertips. My eyes scanned the area and found more blood splattered on the gravel and the leaves on a bush.

Jasper. He had to be close.

"Hey, how do we know this is the right way?" Murphy questioned.

I rested my head on Murphy's shoulder gazing intently at Bellamy whilst he spoke. "We don't. Spacewalker thinks he's a tracker."

"It's called cutting sign. Fourth-year earth skills. He's good." According to young Wells Jaha, Finn was more than a pretty face and the boy who cost The Ark three months of oxygen.

"You want to keep it down or should I paint a target on your backs?" Finn snapped back to us.

Easily distracted, I heard a faint moan emitting from a distance. I tapped Murphy signalling him to listen as well, I needed confirmation I wasn't hearing things.

"What the hell was that?" I asked no one in particular. Another moan came again, it had to be Jasper. "Bellamy, I don't want to die yet, so you should whip out that gun."

"Yeah, now would be a good time to take out that gun," Clarke agreed.

I wiggled down from Murphy's back, noticing Bellamy's hovering hand near my lower back. I guess, he didn't want me to trip and crack my skull open.

We were moving too slow for my liking, I shut out the others' protests and ambled forward quickly stepping into a small clearing.

"Jasper!" I breathed out.

There in the centre, Jasper hung wrapped to a twisting, winding, ancient tree. He looked like death. His skin a ghostly pale, an obvious sheen of sweat and blood smeared over his bare torso. We had to get him down immediately.

"Callum! Help me get him down."

I appreciated that Callum moved sharply and stood by me as we jogged forward to Jasper. Both Callum and I were almost there, when I felt the floor cave in at the touch of my feet.

We both yelled out in surprise.

My heart was in my mouth, barely beating. I felt light-headed at the sight of huge, menacing spikes pointing up at me. We'd fallen into a pit, an obvious death trap, and I was hanging onto Callum like my life depended on it. What really spiked fear was the fact I weighed down Callum on one arm and he was clinging to the soil above.

A strong ache run along my stretched side, making it harder to hold onto Callum.

"Quick, pull them up!"

Bellamy came into sight and he grabbed for Callum.

"Don't, no. Pull Eden up first."

I quietly shrieked as I felt my grip being swapped to Bellamy, who hauled me out as the others got Callum. My breathing was like a strong gale. I almost died and Callum and Bellamy saved me.

I stared up into his eyes gratefully, "Thank you."

Bellamy nodded before shifting to glare at Finn who said something I didn't here. Him and Murphy scaled the tree and began sawing at the ropes trapping Jasper. But it couldn't be that easy. We couldn't just have one near death experience, no, we had to have two.

Growling erupted from the undergrowth causing me to flinch into Bellamy. He briefly looked at me before surveying the area. I think I liked when he looked at me.

A vicious growl broke the air and a huge wildcat sauntered into the clearing. Well sh*t. We are screwed.

"Bellamy, gun," I whisper shouted. I watched him pat himself down only to come up short. What the hell.

I shrieked as it leapt for us.