Chapter 1: The Coalition Center
"Clarke."
"Clarke…"
"CLARKE!"
Clarke woke with a start, her head smacking painfully against the small shelf above her bed. She swore and then looked up at her mother, who was stifling a laugh behind her hand.
"It's ten in the morning Clarke. I thought you'd have been ready by now," said Abby.
"It's ten?!" exclaimed Clarke, scrambling out of bed. She began to hastily pull on the clothes she had thrown about the night before. "Damn it! I must have forgotten to set my alarm last night!"
"Forgotten? That's not like you," Abby remarked. She took a quick breath, preparing to breach a sensitive subject. "Are you absolutely sure you want to do this Clarke? Nobody expects anything from you."
Clarke huffed, trying unsuccessfully to pull on her left boot and jacket at the same time.
"I've told you mom," she said, "That's exactly the problem. Everyone thinks that just because I'm the Chancellor's daughter, I have this privileged, carefree life." She glanced around her spacious room, knowing how different it was from those who lived outside the Sky People's land. "And they're not wrong. But I want to change that. I want to do something…meaningful. I want to help people."
Abby looked at her daughter, the determined look on Clarke' face something she knew all too well. She smiled.
"I'm proud of you, Clarke. You're braver than most who sit on our Council. But please, promise me you'll be careful. Those kids from the other clans, they were raised different from you. They are used to a much harder life."
Abby raised her hand, seeing Clarke about to protest. "I'm not saying I don't think you can do it. Just don't take on anything you can't handle. Be smart, Clarke. Don't let anyone make you question who you are."
Clarke nodded, taking her mother's advice to heart. But she was ready. She had been waiting for today for as long as she could remember.
"Thank you." Clarke blinked quickly, holding her tears at bay. They had said their farewells the night before, Clarke not wanting to make her first appearance at camp with a runny nose and red eyes. "So I'll see you…?"
"Eight months," said Abby through a watery smile. "Seconds always visit each other's homes once they've passed the first trial together. Depending on where yours comes from, it may be sooner."
Clarke nodded again, not trusting herself to speak without her voice shaking. She picked her bag up off the floor and swung it over her shoulder, then, in two purposeful steps, gave her mother a tight hug.
"Be brave, sweetheart," Abby said softly.
She gave her one more squeeze and then, Clarke was off.
Clarke nearly cried out in relief when she saw she hadn't missed the convoy.
There was a group of four waiting at the pickup point, all of whom Clarke knew by name. Despite the years of peace among the 13 clans, the Sky People were still by far the smallest community. Neither Sky nor any of the original 12 clans were too keen on mixing gene pools quite yet. When Clarke first heard this she thought it was absurd, but she realized it did make sense when she thought about it. She couldn't remember the last time she saw someone her own age from another clan.
"Hey, look who showed up after all!"
Clarke slowed her pace and clutched at the stitch in her side, trying to retain some of her dignity. She waved halfheartedly at Jasper, the boy who shouted her arrival.
"Got a bit of a late start," Clarke breathed, trying to mask her panting. She came to a stop and stood next to the small group, all of who were surveying her with mixed expressions.
Octavia, the only other girl present besides Clarke, gave her a haughty smirk.
"Nice of you to join us, Princess," she teased, "We thought you bailed for sure."
Clarke grounded her teeth at the nickname they appointed to her. Finn had started it a few months back and, much to Clarke's dismay, it had spread among the younger ones in the Ark. She was determined to prove herself worthy of shedding the nickname.
"It was a rough night," she said irritably.
As if on cue, Finn strolled up to the group not two seconds later, an anguished look on his face not much different than Clarke's.
"And where the Princess goes, Finn shall soon follow!" laughed Jasper. The boy next to him, Monty, elbowed him sharply in the ribs. He obviously did not get the news.
"Not anymore, actually," mumbled Clarke. She met Finn's eye for a brief, awkward moment. He was the reason she had been so scatterbrained last night and forgot to set her alarm. She had broken up with him that morning, only two days after their six-month anniversary. She regretted her timing, but it was something that had been coming for a long while.
Luckily for Clarke, she was spared the rest of this awkward interaction as they heard the sound of the gates to the Ark being opened, and convoy of three large, uncovered wagons began to make their way towards them.
"That's it?" Clarke asked, as the convoy rolled to a stop in front of their group. Besides the drivers, there were only eight other people on the convoy, scattered throughout the three wagons. "I thought there'd be more."
Bellamy, who had previously been silent throughout their exchange, answered Clarke as he stood.
"This convoy only goes to the three farthest clans. The rest require their candidates to make the journey to the Coalition Center on foot."
"Great," Clarke groaned. She was already worried enough about those from other clans thinking she was soft, and knew this would definitely not help her case.
"Well kids, let's roll!" exclaimed Octavia excitedly. She jumped onto the nearest wagon, followed soon after by Finn and the rest of the boys. Clarke climbed up behind them and as soon as she sat down, the wagon lurched and they were on their way.
She looked over her shoulder as they went through the gates for one last look at the Ark. The safe, comfortable home she had always known slowly became smaller in the distance, and although Clarke could not ignore the pang of sadness in her chest, she felt, for the first time, excited about what the next day would bring.
The sun was just beginning to set when the convoy rolled to its final stop. There was an air of sudden excitement among the Sky People, as this was the first time any of them had been among those from other clans. Clarke sat up straight quickly, trying to shake her mind of the numbness that had set in during the journey.
A tall woman dressed all in armor, her face streaked with black paint, waited for them on the ground as they awkwardly climbed out of the wagon. Once Clarke and the thirteen others on the convoy lined up in front of her, the woman stepped forward and spoke.
"My name is Indra." Her voice was strong, and commanded respect. There was no doubt who was in charge here. "I commend you on your decision to train at the Coalition Center. I can assure you these will not be an easy 18 months. But those of you who manage to make it to the end; you will be the beginning of a new generation. One that will cross clan boundaries and truly unite the people of our coalition."
Clarke glanced down the line of her peers, each one wearing the same expression of rapt attention. She swallowed nervously.
"You have arrived just in time for the opening feast," Indra continued, "During this time you will learn more about what will be expected of you during your stay at the Coalition Center. You will also be assigned your Second at the end of the feast. Now, this way."
Indra led them through the gates and into the main square of the Coalition Center. In the center of the square was a fountain, a large, granite ball rotating slowly as water poured down its sides. Surrounding the fountain was a number of vendor stalls, crafting all kinds of weaponry, armor, and common medical supplies. Beyond that were several rows of two person tents, where Clarke assumed they would be sleeping. Further beyond that was a large gathering hall, flanked by two small gardens on either side. Indra motioned them inside, and Clarke followed the line of her companions into the hall.
Clarke's palms suddenly became very sweaty. She had never seen so many people her age in one place. There must have been 100 other teenagers at least, sitting around 12 different tables, each with the flag of their clan hanging overhead.
As Clarke made her way towards the Sky People's table, she noticed how different those from each clan looked. The table nearest the entrance held those from the Desert Clan, all of whom were thin and had dark brown skin. The next table was the Ice Nation, tall and extremely pale with sharp, unfriendly features. A few of them scowled at Clarke as she walked by, and she increased her pace.
Clarke sat down next to Octavia as she reached the Sky People's table.
"Looks like we're a little underrepresented here," said Octavia, craning her neck as she looked around at the other clans. Clarke mimicked her actions and noticed she was right. All the other tables had fifteen candidates at least. The Sky People's table looked dismal with just the six of them.
"Are you nervous about getting your Second?" Bellamy asked Clarke. "I just hope I don't get anyone from the Ice Nation. They definitely don't look the friendliest."
Clarke, remembering their scowls, nodded in agreement.
"I want someone from the Woods Clan," answered Octavia. "I've been reading papers about them on the Ark. They're supposed to be divine or something right? The Commander of the 13 Clans is always chosen from their people."
"You believe that?" Finn scoffed. "Sounds a little farfetched to me."
"What do you know, Finn?" growled Octavia. "I'm sure a flying hunk of metal in the sky seemed farfetched to the other clans too, but here we are."
Clarke glanced at the Woods Clan table, only two down from theirs. She had to admit, they did look pretty formidable. All the candidates had black paint smeared on their faces like Indra, with tall, lean, warrior bodies. There were thirty of them seated around the table, each with an expression as intense and focused as the last. As Clarke scanned their faces she jumped, startled to see a girl with dark green eyes staring back at her.
"Candidates, thank you for making the journey to the Coalition Center," spoke Indra, standing up at head table. Clarke quickly looked away from the girl with green eyes and shifted her focus to the woman speaking. "Please enjoy the food we have prepared for you this evening. When you are ready, step forward to receive the name of your Second."
There was a murmur of excitement throughout the crowd. Clarke's heart started beating faster.
"For those of you who don't know," Indra continued, "Your Second will be your partner for the duration of your stay here. You will share living quarters, eat together, and train together; you will receive the same rewards, and endure the same punishments. If you are training to be a Warrior, you will get paired with a Healer, and vice versa." Indra paused to stare severely down at all of them. "I will not accept any complaints or requests to be reassigned a new Second. You will support and defend your given Second until death, if you must."
A ripple of tense whispering spread throughout the hall. Clarke felt her palms become clammy again. Death? Was that a possibility?
"Yes," Indra said, correctly guessing their concerns. "There will be death. The quests you will be sent on throughout your training are very real, and very dangerous. Those of you who make it to the end will be chosen to serve the Coalition and protect our people through any danger that may arise. It is, therefore, imperative that you have complete trust in your Second. I cannot guarantee your survival if you choose otherwise."
At this, Indra sat down and waiters streamed down the rows of tables, placing various kinds of meats and fruit in front of their plates. There was a moment of stunned silence at the abrupt end to Indra's speech, but soon the sounds of scraping forks and muffled conversation filled the hall as the candidates began to eat.
"Fuck," murmured Octavia. "I really hope my Second doesn't suck."
Clarke remained silent but wholeheartedly agreed. She reached forward and forced herself to eat, her stomach squirming uneasily with nerves. When she couldn't take it anymore she stood up and walked outside the hall, turning to walk through one of the small gardens outside. She spotted a small fountain in the middle of the vegetation and began to make her way towards it when a movement among the trees caught her eye.
A girl, tall with long dark hair, emerged from the tree line. She shoved her sword into the sheath on her back as she walked, eyes fixed on the ground, lost in thought. The girl was coming straight towards her and Clarke, not feeling too much like making conversation, moved to dart behind the low wall surrounding the fountain.
"Chon ste der?" the girl called, and Clarke froze at the commanding sound of her voice. She turned, surprised to see that the girl was only 15 paces away now, her hand hovering over the sword on her back.
"S-sorry?" Clarke answered. Feeling foolish, she stood up from her hiding place. The girl walked slowly towards her. Clarke wasn't sure why, but her heart stuttered nervously as the girl stepped into the light. She had black paint smeared on her face and dark green eyes...
"I saw you," blurted Clarke, "In the hall. You're a candidate."
The girl came to a stop in front of her. She looked Clarke up and down, like she was sizing her up.
"You are a warrior?" the girl asked. Clarke had never heard someone speak quite like this girl did. Her heart started to beat fast again. This time she wasn't so sure it was from nerves.
"No. A Healer," Clarke answered. The girl smirked and her posture relaxed. Clarke couldn't help but notice how pretty she was.
"That explains it."
"Explains what?" Clarke asked edgily. The tone of the girl's voice gave her a sense she should be offended.
"You are not light on your feet," the girl answered. "I heard you before you even decided to move."
"Yeah, I probably should work on that," Clarke mumbled, embarrassed. But the girl was not laughing at her. She was watching her, eyes squinted slightly, as if Clarke was something she couldn't quite identify.
"Leksa kom Trikru," the girl said, stretching out her hand. Clarke did the same and grasped the girl's forearm, thankful for the dim lighting that covered her sudden blush.
"Clarke. Of the Sky People," she added quickly. She wasn't used to stating her clan after her name, but it made sense, now that she was among so many.
"Skaikru," Lexa said quietly. There was a brief flash of surprise on her face, but it was gone so quickly Clarke was sure she imagined it.
"Right. And trikru, that's Tree People, right? From the Woods Clan?" Clarke suddenly realized she was still holding on to Lexa's arm and quickly dropped her hand.
Lexa nodded once. "I do not know much of the skaikru," she admitted, "My people do not have many records of them."
"That's not surprising," Clarke sighed, well aware of her people's self-imposed isolation from the rest of the coalition.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the hall door opening, a slow stream of people beginning to exit and make their way towards the tents.
"The assignments must have begun," said Lexa, turning to look at the hall. Clarke took her moment of distraction to look at the girl again. She thought about what Octavia said, and wondered if those from the Wood Clan actually were divine.
Lexa turned back to her. "May we meet again, Clarke of the Sky People." She nodded once and then strode off towards the hall.
Clarke watched Lexa leave, trying to settle her nerves before she went back in to receive her Second. She followed the other girl's path several moments later, and when she arrived back in the hall, there were only a handful of candidates left. Clarke joined the small queue near the head table, heart hammering in her chest.
The line went out the hall through a side door and into a small connecting tent, in which only one candidate at a time was allowed to enter. When Clarke was finally at the front, Indra emerged from inside the tent and held the flap open, gesturing her inside.
Clarke crossed the threshold to find herself in a dark room lit only by a dozen or so candles, all of which were surrounding a young woman who could only have been a few years older than Clarke. Her eyes were closed and she was sitting cross-legged on a large pillow. She was dressed in a simple brown tunic, her face and arms adorned with scrawling lines of black ink and her hair full of intricate braids.
When Clarke was only a few steps away, the woman's eyes opened. Clarke froze.
"Sit," said the woman. Her voice reminded Clarke of Lexa's, and she immediately obeyed. "State your name and path of study."
"Clarke." She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "Of the Sky People. I want to be a Healer."
The woman stared at her for several long seconds. Not knowing what else to do, Clarke stared back, becoming increasingly more self-conscious the longer the woman remained silent.
Then, finally, she spoke. "Tent 7. You will find your Second already waiting."
Clarke stared. That was it? The woman looked pointedly at the back exit of the tent. Clarke stood up abruptly.
"Thanks," she offered lamely, and then walked quickly out of the tent.
She went to the area of tents she had passed earlier and went down the first row, looking up at the numbers scrawled on the side of each as she passed. Four… six… seven!
Clarke stopped outside of her tent, taking a deep breath in an attempt to stifle her suddenly fluttering stomach. Then, biting the bullet, she threw the flap back and strode into the tent, gasping in surprise when she saw who was waiting for her inside.