013.

━━━━━━ ◦ ❃ ◦ ━━━━━━ 

     "Magnolia Gray— do you have anything to say for yourself?" 

     The brunette sat, hands bound together and the new addition: metal shackles at her feet. Her eyes remained glued on the chancellor, staying like that for as long as she could. His eyebrows raised at her initial silence, awaiting something— anything to come out of the young girl's mouth. 

     Not breaking the eye contact, she still managed to scoff loudly. "I'm getting a serious case of déjà vu, lemme tell ya," Maggie cracked a notorious smile, snapping her head to crack her tense neck. It was the sort of grin she'd let out after wasting the guards' time on the Ark years ago. Perhaps some old habits tended to die harder than she thought. 

     But, safe to say, she was the only one in the room finding any amusement in it. 

     Although she was fucking around with them at that point, she wasn't lying whatsoever. After all, she had been a criminal for as long as she could remember, and she had an inkling that many people had let that slip their minds. The situation was comparable to one years prior, and if it wasn't the same exact room, then it was at least one that looked very similar. 

     In true Maggie Gray fashion, she wasn't scared, nor threatened by the man. Sure, the clear leverage everyone had on her at the moment was a tad intimidating, being as she was locked up, but she wasn't exactly shitting her pants over it. All things considered, if Pike had allowed Bellamy in the room as she was interrogated, it would feel much different, but in a way, she was glad. 

     Quite frankly, she was livid at him. Maggie knew she should've held her ground more, and agreeing to put their political beliefs aside for the sole sake of their relationship wasn't a good call on either of their parts. 

     It didn't even make sense— they both went off and betrayed the other, anyway. Bellamy went out and tried to take over another Grounder village, and Maggie took place in the faction that was out to bring Bellamy's beloved chancellor down in flames. 

     Nothing about their relationship at the moment was a relationship, and the Gray girl could at least recognize that. Still, there was a slight chance of him coming to his senses, but even assuming that would be giving the Blake the benefit of the doubt. 

     It didn't help that he shoved her, either. If she happened to see him at any given point, they'd surely be having a word about that. Actually, they'd have a word about a lot of things, and when that time happened to come, Magnolia made a vow to herself to not forgive him nearly as easy. 

     "This isn't a joking matter," Pike shook his head in disapproval, snapping the girl to reality once again, "You put everyone's lives in this camp at risk today, do you even realize that?!"

     "By cocking a gun at you? Punching a few of your guys, some of which I  trained?" she replied incredulously, "But killing hundreds and initiating a war is just shits and giggles to you, naturally."

     Nostrils flaring, he shot back in a firm tone, "At one point, I thought you were smart. However, I guess I forgot the whole reason you're here today is because you've always been a criminal. Now maybe that's because of that shitty childhood, or—"

     "This isn't about the Ark, or my childhood, anymore. Even if I grew up with the wealthiest family on the Ark, I'd still not hesitate to use my last bullet on your fascist ass," she determined. 

     The chancellor tilted his head to the side, "Then why am I still here? You had the chance."

     "If I just put one bullet through your skull, there would have been six in mine. And I can't protect the people I love if I'm dead."

     With that response, Pike eyed all the other men in the room with a knowing glare. "Well, I guess you could say that was a pointless call then. Because Maggie Gray: for all of your countless acts of treason against Arkadia, your punishment is death." 

———

     The faint whirring of the door made everyone in lockup's heads snap towards the girl practically being shoved in there by one of the old guards. They rid her of the handcuffs and shackles, which she was at least a little bit grateful for. 

     Kane walked up to the girl he treated like a daughter, placing a fatherly hand on her shoulder. he had been in there just before her, but the last words they had spoken to one another was prior to each of their arrests. 

     Little did she know, Kane had been punished to death as well. 

     Maggie was lost for words. A small part of her already had strong feelings as to what her punishment would be anyway, so another small part of her wanted to insult Pike just a few times, while she could get them in. While it felt nice to give him a small piece of her mind, it was finally starting to sink in that it very well might be the end for her. 

     Questions buzzed through her mind rapidly. Was anyone coming up with a plan on the outside to get them out of lockup? Did they even know Maggie had been sentenced to death? If so, did anyone even care enough?

     Kane could sense the off-ness in her, and he guided her to a bench without a word. 

     "I wouldn't mind dying in a lot of ways, but Pike pulling the trigger just isn't going to work for me," she tried to make a joke, but it just sounded like a failed attempt of one. 

     The man's eyes widened. "Pike punished you to death too?" He wasn't surprised, per say, being as he knew how much of a spitfire Maggie could be at inconvenient times and how Pike probably wouldn't tolerate it. But killing an eighteen year old just seemed— wrong? What kind of example was that setting? She nodded, and noted the way he said "too," which was more than likely the reason for the tears beginning to form in her waterline. "Hey, hey— don't cry. Be strong. I chose this, and I knew the consequences going into it."

     "The whole reason I hesitated and didn't shoot Pike was because I didn't want you to die for my actions. That can't be for nothing— I'm not letting him win," Magnolia explained, sniffling, "I'm gonna talk to Pike, or be the first one, or something. We need someone to give Arkadia hope."

     "Maggie—"

     "Chancellor on deck!" they were interrupted, as Pike and his whole brigade turned the corner and stood on the other side of that cell so calmly. For the first time in hours, Maggie saw Bellamy, and a plethora of emotions flooded her mind. 

     Granted, he wasn't hiding the worry in his eyes very well. But Maggie didn't really feel too much sympathy; he was the main instigator of their whole plan turning to shit. 

     "Thought I had more time," Kane heaved a sigh, slowly rising from his seated position. 

      Before Maggie could embrace him, or say any words, Pike intervened. "I'm not here for you. Each of you is guilty of the same crimes as Kane, and as such, you will share the same fate. Death."

     Danae, one of Lincoln's people, rose at the man's words, which were entirely foreign to her. He attempted to calm and console her, but anxiety was still prominent in her facial expression. 

     Lowering his voice, Lincoln stepped forward to speak to Pike. "My people are innocent. They know nothing. Don't let them suffer for my crimes. Please."

     Much to her surprise, the next person to speak up was actually Bellamy. "Sir— Lincoln's right. All the others did was run through an open door. Same thing we would do if we were in there."

     Scanning those in the cell, Pike seemed influenced, mainly by the Blake's words. Magnolia could almost scoff at how the boy she loved had became the chancellor's right-hand-man by that point, "I believe that's true. Kane, Lincoln, Sinclair, Maggie— as the leaders of this coup, you will pay for your crimes with your lives. Execution is set for dawn."

     Fear was in nearly everyone's eyes. Pike was the first to spin on his heels, and Gray seized the opportunity to find anything behind Bellamy's eyes. She could see anguish in his gaze towards her, but nothing that suggested that she was entirely safe, unless she wasn't picking up on it. 

     Not having a plan scared her beyond belief, but she wasn't going to show it. 

     Hours passed, and Magnolia basically kept to herself in the corner; there was no plan to be made, and if they heard anything, someone would come to them. Every once in a while, she would pick up on the fact that Kane, Lincoln, and Sinclair were talking about her and glancing her way. Truth be told, she was the youngest out of all of them, and she really wasn't dying to die— at least not yet. But all hope seemed to be lost, until a couple guards tapped on the metal rungs of the cell. 

     "Gray— Pike's being generous and allowing you a visit... before," one of them announced, opening the door and ushering for her to follow them. They placed handcuffs around her wrist though, so she couldn't do anything. 

     She was escorted to another room, where Miller stood very solemnly waiting for her. 

     "You get five minutes— not a second more."

     Waiting for them to leave, Miller walked up to her, giving her an indecipherable look that troubled Maggie. It even brought tears to her eyes— she was happy to see Miller of course, but did that mean she wouldn't see anybody else ever again? Bellamy, Raven, Octavia, or Clarke? Jasper, Monty, or Harper? That's when a small sob raked her body, and Miller instinctively pulled her in for a hug. 

     "They're listening, so let's make this seem like an actual goodbye," he whispered as lowly as possible into her ear, and he momentarily pulled away to make sure she was on board with what he was saying. 

      Huh— there was some sort of plan being enacted, but they couldn't let anyone know that. So, Maggie played into the act, just in the rare case that they were listening through the other side of that wall. "I'm so sorry, Miller," she spoke despondently, the corner of her mouth raising into a mischievous smile and his mirroring hers.

     "What the hell were you thinking?" he responded somewhat-sharply, lightly slapping the girl's shoulder and then pulling her in for another hug, "Play the waiting game and trust us," he whispered.

     In response, the girl nodded. She had no clue what they had come up with, but she had no other choice. 

———

     "Chancellor on deck!"

     "It's time," Pike's voice practically reverberated off of the walls. 

     Maggie didn't share her inside knowledge with the others; with a guard there 24/7, she had no intent of taking the risk of him hearing her. 

     Despite knowing there was a plan, her mind still wandered, asking herself questions she couldn't formulate an answer to. If Bellamy wasn't a part of this plan Miller spoke of and was just downright avoiding her, she didn't know how to feel. Even if they weren't on good terms, would he truly do that to her?

    Gray didn't know for sure.

    Some of Lincoln's people raised to their feet, being met with confusion at the frightening men holding frightening weapons and speaking a language they couldn't understand. He spoke in his calming manner, although it didn't work its usual charm. 

    With the typical beep of the cell's door, Pike, alongside many other guards, flooded the room. The lovely chancellor commanded, "Back up. Back up. Against the wall. Now. Come on, let's go." 

     Pike clearly found delight in handcuffing the youngest traitor, almost as though he volunteered himself to complete the simple task. Maggie took notice of it, too. "You enjoying yourself?" 

     "It's good to know that you think this is a big joke," Pike deadpanned, "Says a lot about your character."

      Huffing out an excessive breath, she licked her lips, "Speak for yourself, chancellor. If you really want me to be honest, I think you find enjoyment in treating us all like pawns in your little game."

     Standing a few feet away from her, Kane audibly exhaled; he didn't think it was possible under such circumstances, but Maggie Gray was digging herself an even deeper grave. "Maggie— stop."

     The statement had caught her off guard, but she sent him a tiny nod. After all, she couldn't find it in herself to have any respect for Pike anymore, but Kane was a different story. 

     All four of them were escorted out, each assigned a guard to make sure they didn't get away. She might've made it known before, but Gray couldn't escape it: the whole thing felt the same as it did years ago. 

     Not making it evident that she wasn't worried, she slowly trudged— certainly there was no pep in her step. To her left, making her way through the corridor, she caught a glimpse of Harper, seemingly pre-occupied. Interesting.

     "Make way!" Pike bellowed. 

      In a believable kiss-ass fashion, Harper answered, "Yes sir, Mr. Chancellor."

     Continuing through the completely desolate halls, Maggie wondered what it was they were planning. Not to rush them or anything, but it wasn't much longer until they were going to be executed. 

     Almost as if her mind had been read, a voice came through over Pike's radio, and it didn't take an expert to decipher that it was Hannah Green. "Sir, you were right. Octavia Blake is here, and she's not alone."

     Spinning around rapidly, the man ordered everyone to their knees. Pulling out his radio, he replied, "Can you confirm a location?"

     "Negative, sir."

     "We can assume her friends have already told her where we're taking them. We shouldn't go any further until we know the route's secure," Brian advised, making Magnolia question what side he was truly on.

     Pointing towards a close-by room, Pike pointed, "Put them in there. Let's go, move! Move it!"

     Literally being shoved into the room, a wave of relief washed over the eighteen year old, but she didn't dare to show it. 

     Only two guards stood outside, as watch, and although Maggie didn't know which two were on the other side of that door, she could almost guarantee that it wasn't enough. Between the four of them and whoever came to rescue them, it wouldn't be much of a fight unless they chose to shoot.

     "Did you know about this?" Sinclair questioned Kane, who only shook his head to decline, "Lincoln, Maggie?"

     The girl's mouth quirked at the corner as a result. "I knew there was a potential plan, but I wasn't made aware of the details. We'll live to see another day, I guess."

     A minute or so passed with relative silence, as Maggie tried to listen to any commotion on the other side of the door. Being weaponless didn't exactly enthuse the teenager, but she supposed there were worse situations to be in. 

     Safe to say, Magnolia could tell when their inside men had arrived— with a shock baton. The guards had clearly chose not to shoot, because in a matter of seconds, Octavia pulled the door open and revealed herself, surprisingly standing alone. 

     "Thank you," Gray met eyes with the younger Blake, who nodded once but surely, "You okay?"

     "Yeah— they didn't even put up a fight. Hopefully Miller's not pissed off I shocked Bryan, though," the girl smiled just a little to lighten the mood, but it didn't alleviate all of their troubles, of course.

     Suddenly, a bit of static from the guards' radios could be heard. "Unit 4, what's your status? Are the prisoners secure? Unit 4!"

     "Shit."

     Unfortunately for them, the room they were enclosed in was shut out from outside, with no windows or other sneaky ways, from what Maggie could see. However, Octavia quickly had a plan, that nobody but her could devise. 

     Kneeling down, her fingers pried up one of the large floor tiles, and it didn't take a genius to put two and two together. To be fair, just as Magnolia was a thief, Octavia was the girl under the floor. And in a moment like that, they were lucky to of been criminals; nobody else would come up with such a slick, fool-proof plan. They were just about certain that Pike wouldn't even think of that, and that was what they needed. They needed to play the waiting game. 

     Lincoln got in first, lowering himself into the seemingly pitch-black space. Sinclair was next, and then Kane. Barely anyone spoke, being as they didn't have ample time for casualties. They'd have plenty of time for conversation once they were out of Arkadia. None of them knew what would come after that, but it didn't even meet any of their minds. 

      Maggie hopped into the crawl space, and it was a wonder the men before her were able to breathe in there. She hugged her legs at she sat, shoulder to shoulder like it was some elementary school shelter-in-place drill. Not long after, Octavia came in behind her, reaching her hands up to place the flooring back in place. 

     She could barely make out the faces of her friends and fellow traitors, so she rested her forehead to her knees as they waited. 

★━━━━━━━━━━━━★

this magamy angst is killllllling me