Chapter 1: Death is not the end
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EXT. ON THE COAST / NEAR OF POLIS – AFTERNOON (PRESENT)
Many things happened in 2 months.
Many things.
It's funny – not really. But a part of her had faith in Clarke and knew she had the strength and the intelligence to find a way to save her people. A part of her wished Clarke finds a way to survive so they could meet again.
And yet, a part of her, gave up on her. Gave up on what could have been « them ». Gave up on hope. Gave up on love. Because weakness is a luxe Lexa could never afford as Commander. Her people came first. It always did.
Once, she thought about what she wanted, she thought she could have a life beyond her duty. She thought she could have more. She was wrong. She was young.
The Commander couldn't afford to love. « Mistakes are made so we can learn from them. To avoid them in the future. »
Their present was the crual consequence of mistakes made by the people before them. Maybe their motives were dictated by love ? Who knows ?
Today, while she was watching the water coming closer, rise higher, the only thought she had was for Clarke. Because right now, for a short moment, she was no more the Commander. She was only Lexa. And with her death will rise a new Heda.
– –
INT. THE COMMANDER'S HOUSE (LEXA) / POLIS – UNKNOWN(2 MONTHS AGO)
─ As we speak, the leaders start to have doubts about the coalition. Knowing the Sky people have defeated the Mountain, and that you gave up the alliance with them to make a deal instead of fighting by their side...
─ Instead of losing hundreds of our warriors ? I made a choice based on saving the lives of our people without losing any. It was the logical choice to make.
─ They asked the price of blood.
─ A price has been paid. What is done is done.
– –
EXT./INT. POLIS – NIGHT(LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AGO)
The rumor had spread beyond the walls of Polis. One night, Lexa put some clothes on, and escaped unseen, like she did once with Clarke, and walked in the streets of the Capitol. She liked the life in of her past, somewhere long forgotten and yet...
She took a drink at the bar she knew well. The Arbuc. It was filled with the common people.
The first time she heard about the legend of Clarke, it was there. Her hand frozen in the air, she listened to those people talking about how the sky girl had defeated the Mountain. How Clarke of the Sky people had destroyed their greastest enemy all by herself.
─ Like a wave of death, taking their lives with the sound of their last breaths. (speaking Trigedasleng)
Leaving the Arbuc, whiter than a ghost, Lexa pushed herself against the nearest wall and looked at the sky, trying to see the stars above. But all she could see was a lifeless ocean of darkness.
– –
INT. THE COUNCIL ROOM – THE UNION / POLIS – UNKNOWN(1 MONTH AGO)
─ This coalition has no reason to be anymore ! The Mountain men are dead and with it, this coalition !
Whispers and voices were heard all around the room. Angry glances, scornful smirks. The old grudges made surface again.
And in this din, Lexa remembered three years ago...
3 years ago – Polis – FLASHBACK
─ We're fighting each other when we should be united against our true enemy. Too much lives have been lost. Too much blood has been spilled. Grounders blood. Our blood. But it's time to make them bleed ! Jus Drein Jus Daun !
─ 'Jus Drein Jus Daun ! Jus Drein Jus Daun ! Jus Drein Jus Daun !'
END OF FLASHBACK
The alliance between the twelve clans almost failed when the Queen of the Ice Nation tortured and killed Costia, Lexa's loved one, trying to find informations on her true motives about the alliance.
Thinking she was only craving for more power.
After several days of pain and mourning, after the fire of revenge burning her veins had decreased... Refusing to make the same mistakes than her predecessors, Lexa maintained and formed the alliance of the twelve clans.
She only asked one thing.. That the Queen of the Ice Nation was banished from the Coalition.
She had paid a high price for this alliance. For this coalition to exist. The price of love.
And now, how ironic it was to realize that the same coalition was going to vanish for the same price.
─ em pleni! The coalition has every reason to still be. The Mountain is dead yes, but when an enemy falls, another one rises. Sometimes stronger than the one before. We are strong because we are a coalition. Because we fight together and not one another.
─ The Commander's right. Our army can destroy the Sky people if we attack them now, before they get stronger !
─ No ! The Skaikru aren't our enemy.
Disagreements raised all around.
─ The Sky people aren't Grounders ! They are more like the Maunon . And they destroyed them ! We have to take them down before they get stronger and increase their population.
─ They are different from the Mountain men. And a truce has been made before. It will happen again. We have nothing to fear from them.
But Lexa wasn't so sure of that... She remembered the look on Clarke's face. She remembered.
–
INT. THE UNION / POLIS – AFTERNOON( LESS THAN 1 WEEK AGO)
Almost two months later and a few heated discussions with the leaders of the twelve, something came up at the gates of Polis.
More like someone.
Lexa didn't expect to see Clarke. To be honest, she didn't know what to expect actually. After everything she heard about her, she now could see how different Clarke was. Still beautiful. Stronger but darker. She has lost a lot. 'She lost the stars in her eyes', she thought to herself before brushing this away.
They met in the hall of the Union, where the council and important political and social meetings were located.
─ Clarke.
She had hard time to find her voice. Still not sure if she could trust her eyes and let alone her heart.
─ Commander.
Clarke's voice was cold. No expression on her face. No emotion, nothing.
With a wave of her head, Lexa invited Clarke to follow her. Clarke only nodded and conceded. The Commander led them at the top of the building. She wanted to offer the view of her city to Clarke. She had thought about it the night she asked her to come with her to Polis. It felt like an eternity...
They said nothing for a moment, looking forward, the sun was going down behind the horizon.
─ I'm glad you're here, Clarke.
It came out in a whisper. She didn't know what to say, why she said that. But it was the truth. Saying she was sorry ? It wouldn't change anything. She was, but she would do the same choice. Her people. It wouldn't change anything to say sorry again.
Clarke said nothing for a moment, then turned to look at the Commander.
─ I'm here to offer an alliance.
Lexa was taken aback but kept a straight face.
─ I'm listening.
─ I would like an audience with the coalition of the twelve clans.
Lexa was surprised of how confident she spoke. She nodded to Clarke.
─ It can be done. When do you want to...
─ As soon as possible, Commander.
Hearing Clarke used her title like that when there were only the two of them made something ache inside of her.
─ In two days then. We have a meeting planned. Meanwhile, you can stay here, we have guest rooms.
─ It won't be necessary. I will stay in the city. I will see you in two days.
For a moment, Lexa thought she saw something familiar in her eyes, something to hold on to...
Something in the blue of her eyes... but just like that it was gone and the warm blue turned into an ice one.
─ Commander.
And with that, Clarke left Lexa alone, wrapped in the darkness of the falling night.
This night, she couldn't sleep. Her encounter with Clarke replaying in her mind and wondering where she could be right now. Was she alone ? Did Kane or someone else of the Skaikru was with her ? Polis was a safe city, and Clarke had nothing to fear in its walls. She was now a legend. People probably admired her, maybe feared her but she won their respect.
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INT. THE COUNCIL ROOM – THE UNION / POLIS – MORNING(3 DAYS AGO)
The second time she saw Clarke it was in the Council's room.
She had asked Indra to escort Clarke there because she had something to do before the meeting. Once she took her rightful place among the twelve, Lexa nodded to Clarke to come closer and stand in the middle of the room.
Lexa noticed the curious look on Clarke's face as she glanced around the room, studying the faces of the twelve who were siting both her sides and behind. Only Lexa was in front of her. The arrangement of the seats had the shape of a triangle.
─ Clarke kom Skaikru, you asked for this meeting to happen because you have an offer to make in front of the coalition. shish op. (speak)
Lexa gave her a reassurant look and waited for her to speak.
─ Ai laik Clarke kom Skaikru, as you know we killed the Maunon and we have now the control of the Mountain. All the technology, supplies, weapons.
The air became thick. there were some gnashing of teeth amoung the twelve but Lexa only had eyes for Clarke and tried to understand what she was trying to say. Their eyes met, waiting for the next move.
─ If I came here it's to offer an alliance between the Skaikru and the coalition of the twelve.
─ And why should we accept to be in an alliance with the Skaikru ? You know nothing of our ways, girl.
It was Berun, the current leader of the Ice Nation in the Coalition, who asked.
─ I know we erased a powerful enemy in less than 2 months we've been on the ground when you couldn't do it in what.. ? Years ?
─ Strik skrish ! (little shit)
And he spitted at her feet. Lexa cast him a dark glance and dared him to do it again before she spoke.
─ So, what you're saying is that you would like to make an official truce between your people and ours ?
─ No. I would like to be a part of the coalition.
The reaction was fast and noisy.
─ Nowe ! (No way) No Skaikru will enter the coalition of the twelve !
─ I will not be in an alliance with the Skaikru !
─ emo laik baga ! (they're the enemy)
Both women were looking at each other, trying to read the other. Lexa felt her blood running through her veins.
She had to bring some calm in the room before she could speak again.
─ This is a serious offer, Clarke. You do understand than to be part of this coalition, you will need to convince the twelve ?
An alliance was possible, of course. But being part of the Grounders' coalition was something else. Lexa was septical about this and doubted she could convince the twelve to allow it.
─ I understand, Commander.
Clarke turned around and looked at the other leaders.
─ Now you must understand this is for the best, for all of you. I'm here to make an offer, not to ask your permission.
One of the twelve was reaching for his blade when Lexa interjected.
─ Clarke. You should be careful with your words.
Lexa warned her.
─ I apologize if I did offend one of you. I only speak the truth. The Skaikru are not your enemies. For now. And they won't be if you agree to this new alliance and place in the coalition. Now, keep in mind that we have access to all technologies Mount Weather had. And the one we brought from the Ark. Keep in mind that the Mountain launched a missile that killed almost all of your past leaders and keep in mind that it is now the Skaikru who have control of it.
He was fast. Clarke didn't see him coming, neither did Lexa, but it wasn't a surprise after what she said.
A knife on her throat, Clarke could feel the cold blade on her skin but she didn't show fear.
─ I'm going to end your life right now and with that your crazy offer of an alliance and we will burn your people alive if they try something.
Lexa was now standing behind him, her hand on her knife.
─ Let her go, Nin. Nau (now).
She could feel a drop of sweat running along her spine. The situation was getting ugly. She didn't expect Clarke to say something like that. But yet, she didn't expect Clarke to kill everyone in the moutain either. She was different now. She paid the price too.
─ You should listen the Commander. If something happens to me and my people don't hear from me in twenty minutes, they have the order to launch a missile on Polis.
The silence was hard, brutal. Nin let go of Clarke and get back to his seat. Lexa and Clarke were the only ones in the middle of the room, not so far from each other.
─ You're ready to send a missile on Polis, Clarke ? There're thousands of people living here. You're not serious.
Clarke took a step forward.
─ I am. It's not personal.
She tried to find the lie in her eyes. She tried to see behind the mask. She could only clench her jaw. Clarke showed no sign of weakness, no sign of fear, no emotion.
Lexa found her way back to her chair and glanced towards the leaders.
─ An offer has been made. The coalition will give you an answer in 3 days, Clarke.
─ I have something else to say about the offer and why you should really accept this alliance, Commander.
Lexa nodded but something seemed out of place. Everything in this moment felt wrong.
─ The Mountain Men were a threat to you, now they're gone. And you may think that the Sky people are now the only enemy you could have. But you're wrong. There's a new threat rising across the sea. Far more dangerous that everything you know. More deadly and rutheless than anything you can imagine.
Silence filled the room.
─ What are you talking about ? What enemy ? Asked Nin.
─ I'm talking about the same enemy who caused the apocalypse on Earth. It is not human. It only has one purpose : the extinction of the human race on the ground.
─ How can you know that, Clarke ?
Lexa was tensed.
She knew things about the time before the dead lands. The remains of the past were here to attest of the destruction and the life before. That's why the simple idea that this threat could strike again gave her serious worries.
─ For a month, I traveled the lands and met people. Some of them gave me informations and with my people, who have now every informations gathered by Mount Weather and our technology from the Ark, we have been able to locate the source. It's across the sea, beyond the dead land and beyond the city of light.
─ The city of light ? It's a myth, huffed Nin.
─ It's not. But it's not a city. It's a field of solar panels that serve to generate power.
─ So, you're saying something is planning to kill us all from accross the sea ? How ?
─ Nuclear war. The life on the ground will be impossible for years, maybe a century. Even if we have important DNA mutations from our exposure to the residual radiations. We won't be able to survive this amount of radiation.
─ And what do you suggest to do, Clarke ?
─ My people can find a way to neutralize the entity controlling this and annihilate the threat once for all. We are your only chance to survive this war.
─ If you don't do anything to stop that, you will die too.
Nin was more than nervous now, you could hear it in his voice.
─ You forget we have Mount Weather now. It is built to survive a nuclear war. It did it before, it will do it again. The Sky people are used to live between four walls, we are survivors and our capacity to survive the radiation is stronger than the Grounders. We would be able to walk on the ground sooner.
Everyone was silent, thinking about Clarke's words.
─ Like I said, I'm here to offer an alliance with the Coalition. I'm here to give your people a chance to survive.
It was the occasion to keep the twelve united in a common goal, once again. A common enemy that will erase their differences, their grudges. The Coalition was fragile but this could be the fight that will change everything for them and allow the Skaikru to become part of it and it could work.
─ I hear you, Clarke. And if the threat is real, this alliance could be more than necessary for all of us. Grounders and Sky people.
Lexa got agreements from the leaders, some concerned looks but Clarke dropped a hard news and the issues were important.
─ One last thing.. The offer will stand at one condition.
Clarke looked at the leaders.
─ Dismissal. You will have to find a new Commander.
Facing Lexa again.
─ The Sky people will not share an alliance with the leader who betrayed us at the first place.
If words could kill... But it was exactly what she did when she said those words. She asked for Lexa's death.
For a moment, the time seemed to stop, she felt a cold and deep shiver running through her body. Did she really intend to ask that ?
She heard Indra cursed and ready to jump at Clarke's throat but she stopped her when Indra was by her side.
─ Don't.
The coalition talked and exchanged worried looks, waiting for the Commander to say or do something. 'This alliance will cost you your life, Heda.' Gustus was right, she thought.
Lexa stood up and every leaders did the same. She held her head higher, her hand on her sword and showed no emotion. She looked right into Clarke's eyes.
─ The coalition will give your an answer in three days.
–
EXT. ON THE COAST / NEAR OF POLIS – AFTERNOON (PRESENT)
The water had now reached her chin. The end was near, but she wasn't afraid. She did what she had to do as Commander and she has been strong for her people.
She couldn't see those who were behind her, on the shore, because she was facing the horizon. Blue and wide with the sun on her face, burning her skin.
She couldn't cry. Not yet. She will wait for the sea to drown her tears in it. For all these years, she will let go in the last minute of her life. But not yet.
–
INT. THE COMMANDER LEXA'S ROOM / POLIS – AFTERNOON(2 DAYS AGO)
─ Heda, the coalition has to deliver an answer in 2 days. This is madness, we can't accept this offer.
Indra was standing in front of her, her hand on her sword and worry on her face.
They were arguing about Clarke's speech. Indra told to Lexa she should have let her kill the girl when she asked for, months ago.
─ This is bigger than me, Indra. The threat...
─ We don't even know if the threat is real, Heda ! She could lie to force the coalition to take the deal.
Lexa had thought of that but she couldn't imagine Clarke lie about this. But Indra made a point. She needed to know if the threat was real. She went to the window of her room, giving her back to her trusted general.
─ Indra, I need you to bring me Clarke. I need to talk to her.
─ Yes, Heda.
She bowed her head, even if Lexa couldn't see it. And started to leave.
─ And Indra ?
Lexa turned her head to look at her.
─ Clarke is still our guest.
It came out with a small smirk as she arched an eyebrow. Indra bowed her head again, and left. Lexa was sure she heard her general whisper a few curses.
A moment later, Clarke was at her door.
─ Thank you Indra, you can leave us now.
Lexa turned and walked to her desk, to serve herself a drink.
─ Are you thirsty, Clarke ?
─ No, thanks.
She took a sip of water, Clarke a few steps behind her.
─ You asked for me ?
─ Indeed.
A few minutes passed before she turned to face Clarke. The blonde was wandering around, watching the stuffs in Lexa's room. Her attention was caught by a painting behind a chair. Clarke moved it to have a better view.
─ It's amazing.. Whispered Clarke.
─ Thank you.
Lexa's voice startled her. She was now next to her. If the proximity made her feel something, she didn't show it.
─ Who is she ?
─ Costia.
A minute of silence settled between them before Clarke spoke again.
─ She was beautiful.
─ I wanted to remember her smile.
Lexa reached her desk again and started to look for something.
─ Who did the painting ?
─ I did.
─ Really ?!
It came out genuinely, and it was the first time Lexa heard this in Clarke's voice. It made her smile. But the reality of the moment made it fade away very quickly.
─ It was a long time ago.
Clarke put the chair back to its place and walked towards Lexa. It was hard to know what the blonde could feel at this moment. What she was thinking.
─ What do you want, Clarke ?
─ What do I want ? It's you who asked for me to be here, Lexa.
The Commander stopped right in front of her.
─ What do you try to do with the Coalition, with your request ?
Clarke didn't move.
─ I thought I have been clear about that yesterday.
─ Do you hate me so much that you want my death ?
─ Emotions are weakness, Lexa. You taught me well.
She said nothing. Her eyes locked with Clarke's.
─ This is not personal.
─ Yes it is, Clarke.
The air between them was thick and Lexa could feel Clarke's breath on her lips. After a moment, Lexa stepped back and took something on her desk.
─ I need to know if the threat is real.
Clarke huffed.
─ You don't believe me, do you ?
─ Once I told you that I did trust you, Clarke.
She faced the blonde again, few inches away.
─ I still do.
Clarke said nothing but her eyes flickered for a moment.
─ I wish I could say the same.
Lexa closed briefly her eyes.
─ The threat is real... This is serious, Lexa. And we don't have much time.
She took the blonde's hands in hers and it surprised Clarke. It was at this moment that she could read her again. A moment of human connection...
─ Whatever happens, I know you will survive this, Clarke. You're probably the strongest person than I have ever met.
─Lexa...
─ Do whatever it takes to protect your people and...
She paused a second, before catching herself.
─ The coalition is fragile. The clans have old grudges, and this alliance holds only because they're fighting a common enemy.
She squeezed Clarke's hands.
─ Be careful with who you trust, Clarke. Trust is a luxury that a leader can't afford easily. It could cost you your life.
Lexa let go of her hands and called Indra. Clarke needed a few seconds to regain control of her emotions and face the two women.
─ Heda.
─ Indra, I need you to send a message to the coalition. Ask them to meet me at the Union tomorrow morning.
Clarke joined them.
─ Commander, if we're done...
─ We are.
They were back to square one. Cold and showing no emotion.
─ Indra, please escort Clarke on your way out.
Both women left the room and Lexa let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
–
INT. THE COUNCIL'S ROOM – THE UNION/ POLIS – MORNING(PRESENT)
The coalition were reunited in a complete silence when Clarke arrived. Lexa had locked eyes with her the moment she was there. An invisible mask on Clarke's face.
─ Clarke of the Sky people, the coalition has made its decision regarding your resquest...
The commander waited a moment, her eyes still on the blonde before her gaze fell slowly on the ground. She briefly closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She stood up and then all leaders of the clans did the same. Clarke step black slightly.
─ The coalition of the Twelve accept your request for an alliance with the Sky people. No harm will be made to your people, they will suffer no attack from Grounders clans. The Trigeda will share their land with the Sky people as long as the Sky people will respect some ground's rules.
Lexa's voice was strong and clear. The voice of a leader. Clarkes nodded.
─ About your position in the coalition, many of the twelve were against...
Clarke had a quick jaw's movement but Lexa catched it.
─ But your request is legitimate. You are now on the ground and it makes you Grounders... Like us.
Nin huffed his disagreement and Indra made a face.
─ You will have to learn how works this coalition.
She turned a her head slightly on her left side to see her first general.
─ Indra will help you with that.
Clarke could see that Indra was reluctant about this, and so was she. But the blonde stepped forward.
─ Thank you. I appreciate the offer of the Trikru to share their land with us. My people will be respectful of your land and your rules.
She stopped and took a look around.
─ What decision has been made about finding a new Commander ?
Clarke tried to avoid Lexa's eyes but had to look ahead when she heared her voice.
─ Regarding to the imminent threat and the risk for all Grounders, the coalition couldn't deny your last request.
Lexa glanced both of her side and nodded to every leaders of the coalition, she then took her long sword and so did the leaders.
Extending her right arm, she crossed steel with the sword of the leader of the boat people, to her right, and the leader did the same with the one to her right... In a fluid and circular movement, the last leader to her left, Berun of the ice nation, crossed his ax with her sword.
─ Ai Heda Leksa kom Trikru, accept the last fight. Because my time as commander comes to an end, my spirit will find the new Heda.
Lexa cut her right hand with her sword and Indra kneeled before her.
─ Indra, first general of the Trikru, you will lead until the new Commander is called.
Lexa gave her sword to Indra and she stood up, bowing her head. With her bleeding hand, she took off her commander's spaulder and put it in Indra's hands as well.
The former heda could see emotions in the eyes of the woman before her. Indra was tough, loyal and if she was honest with herself, she was one of those few people, with Anya and Gustus, she could called a friend. Her eyes fell on Clarke. 'Be strong' Gustus's voice echoing in her head when she looked at her.
With a last glance on the coalition she built, Lexa walked to the door, leaving on the sounds of « Heda » when she passed the leaders on her sides.
–
EXT. ON THE COAST / NEAR OF POLIS – AFTERNOON(LESS THAN AN HOUR AGO)
It has been a walk of two hours. The twelve leaders were here to assist at Lexa's last fight. The Woods clan was also here. Not all of them of course, because this decision has been made in a three days. Their face were covered with red warpaint instead of the usual black color. And it was the same for Lexa.
Nin, leader of the Falls clan, stopped before her.
─ Heda Leksa, your last fight has arrived. You will face it and when the time comes, you will let the death embrace your body and with your last breath, your spirit will fly away to find the new Commander.
The tall man stepped back and joined the other leaders. Lexa turned around and faced her people. She could feel her heart tighten itself but she could still hear Gustus's voice in her head.
─ It was an honor to lead you. The Trikru has the deepest roots to remember and keep us grounded and the highest trees to draw our strength from the sun. Trigeda ste stelt kom tri, tri ste stelt kom trigeda. (The tree hides the forest, the forest hides the tree.)
─ 'Trigeda ste stelt kom tri, tri ste stelt kom trigeda' !
The Woods clan kneeled one last time before their Heda.
─ Gyon op.(Get up)
Indra came to stand next to her. Lexa took her knife and both women faced each other. She cut Indra's hand and then hers before holding them together, clenching their arms.
─ Indra kom Trikru, first general, you are now the one to lead our people until the new commander is called.
Indra nodded and was startled when Lexa tighten their embrace in what could look like a hug. In a whisper, the commander spoke few words to Indra.
─ Lead well, be strong.
When she stepped back, Indra's eyes were teary but her face showed no weakness, only strength and honor. She gave her last words to her people and then she and Indra joined the twelve leaders who stood by the shore.
They were all in line, side by side and Indra took her place among them, next to Clarke. Luna, the leader of the boat clan, stepped foward and talked.
─ It's time.
Lexa nodded slightly, showing no fear, ready to fulfill her destiny. Luna came to her and took off the Commander symbol on her forehead, between her eyes, then step back to her previous place, in the line.
Nin took off her gloves, Berun ripped off her coat with a smirk and Lexa had to clench her jaw. The others did the same and took off something on the Commander.
When it was Clarke's turn, Lexa's heartbeat increased but she still kept her emotions in check. And so did the blonde. She was now standing in front of her, with only her pants, her knife still in its holster, her commander's spaulder and a grey shirt.
Clarke's eyes were deep inside hers and when she stepped a little closer, Lexa could feel her warmth radiating from her close body. She couldn't look away but she noticed the blonde's hand coming between them. None of them dared to even blink an eye...
She felt Clarke grabbed the border of her pants with one hand and for a moment she thought the blonde was going to take it off but instead she felt the cold blade on her belly when Clarke brought up her knife right above her heart. She didn't flinched, she didn't looked away. She knew too well the message behind her gesture.
Of course, Lexa wondered if Clarke wanted to plunge the knife in her heart. She did asked her once, the day of the truce between her people and the skaikru, the day she thought Clarke wanted to poison her, the day Gustus died because he wanted to protect her from this alliance...
Everything came back in her mind. Betrayal, death and sacrifice. Her past was full of it. 'The past of a leader. The life of a leader', she thought.
─ And now, Clarke, do you want to plunge the knife in my heart ?
─ I have so many reasons to do so, Lexa.
Clarke closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
─ But only one reason to not to.
It came out in a whisper.
She stepped back a little and this time, Lexa could see tears forming in her eyes.
─ May we meet again.
And then, Clarke turned around and joined the other leaders.
She had hard time to swallow back her emotions but seeing Indra coming closer gave her the push she needed. She was still the Commander and she had to show strength, until the end. A mutual recognation and a nodd of respect and Indra took off the Commander's spaulder.
Lexa was now escorted by two grounders and attached to a tree that was five or six meters away from the shore. The water was cold and without her boots she cut her foot on a sharp thing while she was led there. She knew her blood would attract predators faster maybe than the tide. No matter what came first, she was ready to face it. Once the grounders had secured the rope, they left and reached the shore again while the water started to rise.
Lexa was left alone, facing the horizon and her destiny.
–
EXT. ON THE COAST / NEAR OF POLIS – AFTERNOON (PRESENT)
When the first wave washed her face, it was a relief for her burning skin. But the relief left with the third wave. Now, she was fighting to catch air when the water lower before the next wave... But soon, came her last chance.
She took a deep breath and tried to relax her body like Anya teached her once.
Anya.
Lexa closed her eyes and started to remember her mentor.
–
Years ago – FLASHBACK
─ Stop fighting with your body and start to use your spirit, Lexa.
It was at the end of winter, Anya had insisted to bring Lexa to the river. It was cold, so cold that the water had frozen on the berge.
─ If I stop moving, I will freeze, Anya.
Lexa was clenching her jaw, while chattering her teeth. Her mentor picked up a branch on the ground and tried to hit Lexa with it.
─ Stop moving, I said. Stop dodging.
─ What do you want me to do ? Let you hit me while I'm dying from cold ?!
─ Listen to me carefully. It could save your life one day.
The young girl stopped moving and listened to Anya.
─ Sometimes, you will have to take blows, sometimes you will have to stand still and show nothing. As a warrior, your body is a weapon but it's not the only one you have.
─ We have swords, and knives.
Anya nodded.
─ Yes, but I'm not talking about that. Your best weapon is your mind.
Lexa frowned.
─ See, while I'm talking to you, your mind is focused on my voice, on what I'm saying and your body stopped to tremble. You forgot about the cold water.
Lexa realized her mentor was right and it amazed her. But she was starting to feel the cold again when she thought about it.
─ How can I... control my mind ?
─ You can control your mind with practice, perseverance and meditation.
─ How can meditation be the way of warriors ?
─ Sometimes the best move is to not move at all.
On these words, Anya hit Lexa with the branch and the young girl didn't move but the cold was still present in her mind.
─ I'm freezing, Anya.
─ Focus.
She hit her another time.
─ On what ? All I can think it's how cold the wa..water is.
She hit her again.
─ Your mind is one of the two powerful strength you have. Use it, control it.
─ What is the other powerful strength ?
Anya used the branch to point above Lexa's heart.
─ This. This is the other one.
─ Boobs ?
Anya's face cracked into a smile and hit Lexa on the head, even if the young girl was now laughing.
After a moment, Lexa regained her focus.
─ Which one is the strongest ? Head or heart ?
Anya took a moment before answering her question.
─ It depends.
─ On what ?
─ On the moment.
─ And how do we know which one we have to use ?
Anya stayed silent for a minute.
─ You will know.
─ How ?
Her mentor frowned but she could see Lexa was genuinely asking questions to learn.
─ It will be the one you don't want to listen.
─ You mean we can't use both at the same time ?
─ Rarely. Sometimes your heart will tell you to do things, stupid things, without thinking of consequences. That's when you will have to use your head. Because emotions are weakness in the face of danger, and to our survival.
Lexa nodded.
─ And sometimes your head will try to keep you away from living. Because it's safer, more rational. That's when you will have to remember your heart, and let its strength rise and warm your soul with every heartbeat.
Anya extanded her hand to Lexa who grabbed it and pulled her out of the cold water.
─ When you will find the balance between your head and your heart, you will be wise and strong. You will have ice in your veins and fire in your heart and nothing will stop you.
END OF FLASHBACK
Lexa didn't know how long she could keep her last breath but it didn't matter. When she felt something sharp plunge into her leg, she opened her mouth and let the life leave her body, freeing her spirit to find the new Heda.
' Ai gonplei ste odon ' she thought...and then 'May we meet again. '
At the surface, the water had changed color and with every dying waves on the shore, the coalition received the price of blood.