I had thought my entire life was nothing more than calm and relaxing. What would make me feel otherwise, right? I had an amazing mom and great friends that stuck by me through anything. So nothing could make me feel like it was all about to change; until the zombie was the most unexpected thing in my life, and I honestly had no idea what would happen to the life that was now ending. There was no more laughing and being relaxed. Now everyone was alert and way too serious. Many of us seeing way too many things that had ruined any optimism that was left deep down inside us. My father was the one who had tried to warn anyone he could about the potential outbreak, but my best friend ratted him out. He died last year. I have blamed my best friend ever since. And just recently he had passed away too. A young child had bit him while he was out, thinking that she needed help. We have our own enemies to deal with as well. There are people out there who want to be in control and don't want us rebelling against them. Zombies are the least of our worries with them all lurking about.
"Clarke, you are detailed to go on patrol with Octavia and Lincoln. They spotted some of the Violent Bloods around our camp, and think you would be a great asset to them both," Monty explained. I groaned, getting up from where I was seated. Not really wanting to join them. Octavia was a bit much when she wanted to be. Especially since she has learned a few things from her boyfriend about fighting with swords and not guns. Lincoln used to be a part of the Violent Bloods, but fell for Octavia while he was held captive here. Turns out the Bloods had created their own form of a language so that we wouldn't know what they were saying. I had heard rumors about the group before, and really wanted to speak with their leader.
As I was collecting my weapons, Octavia came through the entrance, lifting the cloth that had covered it. She was wearing a leather jacket, black shirt, black pants, black combat boots, and had her sword in a brown baldric around her chest. She was definitely prepared for a battle if one were to happen.
"Octavia, we don't always need to dress like we are about to have a war. For all we know they could be long gone by now. But, I do appreciate that you are prepared for anything. Wait for me by the entrance. I'm just grabbing my gun and I'll be right with you," I informed. But Octavia stayed there with her arms crossed over her chest.
"Thought you said we don't always have to be ready for war," Octavia sneard. Before I could try and explain she was already out of my encampment. With a frustrated sigh, I also walked out into the clearing seeing all the familiar faces I was used to. Bellamy was preparing a group of people to start a search party for Jasper and Harper. They had made it out a daybreak and haven't been seen since then. He saw me approaching and stopped what he was saying and jogged over to me. His smile seemed to just brighten the mood of everyone around this camp. I had always thought of him as a great friend, and he was always by my side. Even though in the beginning we fought over leadership.
"Lincoln and O are waiting for you just outside the entrance. There's been more Bloods spotted about fifteen feet near camp. Be careful, Clarke. We can't lose our best leader just yet. I know Octavia can handle herself thanks to Lincoln, but I just…" he trailed off, no longer facing me. I grabbed his hand; squeezing it gently. Letting him know that I knew he was just worried about my well-being. We had been through a lot this past year alone. I wanted to say something else, but the moment was ruined by Octavia yelling for me. Without hesitation I quickly snapped out of my thoughts and ran over to the duo. Seeing them together, I could see just how much Lincoln meant to her. She could seem fierce to everyone else, but her whole world is flipped when she stares at him. It's the kind of love everyone hopes they get in this lifetime.
"We need to get going. If they really this close to camp, we need to scout out and just how many of them there really are," Lincoln stated. His gaze intense as he stared out into the forest. I looked at him intently and saw a very shocked look on his. He then slowly turned to me, and was about to speak until someone else did.
"So you're the one who killed three hundred of my men. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Lexa, the Commander of the Violent Bloods." She waited for her words to sink in before approaching us. As she moved forward so did her other three warriors behind her. She had on some kind of war paint surrounding her eyes, and a circle piece in the center of her forehead. I was taken aback at the fact that their commander was female. Octavia and Lincoln both stared in silence and focused their attention on me. In fact, I could tell everyone in the clearing had focused their eyes on the newcomer. They were also all drawing their weapons.
"Do not attack! For all we know she comes to speak. Not to kill," I explained. Lexa noticed this as well and a slight smile appeared before she was serious again. Once she was a mere two inches from me, she stopped in her tracks. Her eyes were a great shade of green that I had never seen on another human being. I was trying to focus on anything but the fact that she was so close I could feel her breath against my skin. Moments seemed to pass before she looked towards Lincoln.
"I had heard that you switched sides. I didn't want to believe it, but now I know it's true. Indra will be ashamed of you. But I'm not here to talk about you. Clarke, is it? I have heard so many things about you that I just had to come and see if you are as tough as they say. I see that I have been disappointed. That's a shame. My people will be dealt with accordingly. Until then, let's talk. Zombies are my biggest concern right now, and I need some extra help. You have more advanced weapons than we do. Which will be an advantage. But I'd like us to discuss this privately," Lexa whispered stepping a little closer to me.
