I have an idea where the big plot is going with this so hopefully updates will come more quickly. That or I will up and quit my job so I have a life outside of work again. Please let me know what you think.

Arkadia

Bellamy was looking at Raven with concern. He has known her for a little while now. After everything they survived together it felt like forever. The girl standing before him was not Raven.

"I'll get the jeep working no problem," she smiled widely and he felt like cringing. He was really glad Abby took away Jaha's stash of magic chips.

"Thanks Raven. We should catch up, it's been a while."

That smile stayed put, "We should. I have so much to tell you about the City of Light."

"I'd rather just talk to my friend if that's ok with you."

The look she gave him was utterly confused, like she could not understand his request. Once the blockade was dealt with he would be the one having words with Jaha. This just was not normal. He wanted to continue the conversation but then the radio at his hip came to life.

"Bellamy!"

He quickly pulled it out, "What is it Harper?"

"Clarke's here. I just came across a camp and saw her running off."

"Repeat?"

"Clarke is inside the blockade."

He swallowed hard. This answered his question of whether she would be exempt from the blockade or not. "Get back to the rest of the group and return to camp. We'll deal with her only once we have a plan in place."

"Clarke?" Raven voiced.

He did not have time to deal with Raven if Clarke really was inside the blockade so he just turned and left. On his way out he grabbed Jasper, "Keep an eye on Raven will you? Something isn't right."

Jasper looked at the mechanic, "I will, but for her, not because you told me to."

"Whatever."

Outside Arkadia

"I think he took the bait, he sounded a little freaked out to me," Harper smiled.

Clarke returned a slight smirk of her own, "He should be. You better meet up with the others, we need to keep selling that you are actually turning me in."

"Do you really think Pike will come out himself?"

"Yes. His ego is too big to just send someone in his place. He'll lead the hunting party."

"Don't die."

"Don't worry Harper, my fight isn't over." She watched Harper sprint away. Now the hard part started. The biggest obstacle was making sure she was alerted at the right time they were coming for her. She needed to stay just far enough ahead to lead them through the traps Indra had been busy setting but close enough they race after her and don't see the traps coming. Clarke massaged her calves and cursed the general. The past two days had been spent running a freaking obstacle course so she would know it by heart. Or that was the reasoning Indra gave her at least, she was convinced it was for the older woman's entertainment. Over and over she would run through the woods, jumping ducking and diving until Indra gave her version of approval; saying Clarke may not die.

She waited for what felt like forever. She could hear Lexa's voice telling her it will take as long as it takes and a small smile found its way onto her face. She had thrown those word back at Lexa while they journeyed to the blockade line. The brunette had been quick to repeat more of her own words 'mockery is not the product of a strong mind' but Clarke had clearly seen the pout on full lips. Clarke knew that rushing things with Pike could cause just as many problems as she resolved, but she wanted to get back to Polis so bad it hurt.

Her musings were interrupted by static on the radio, she had told Miller not to actually say anything over it. The static stopped and started two more times; they were taking the jeep. She took a deep breath and started to jog deeper into the woods, they would get here quickly in the vehicle and she needed to make sure to put distance between her and the 'camp'. After a little while she stopped and turned around, she could just make out the tent she had hastily thrown together. She crouched down behind a tree, Indra had been unable to see her from the camp so she felt confident Pike and his cronies would not be able to either.

Seven people approached her trap. She knew Harper would be there to lead the rest to the spot. Pike stood at the center, eyes darted around frantically, gun raised and finger twitched near the trigger. What caught her off guard was that both Bellamy and Monty's mother were there as well. Did Pike really take the next two in command with him? Either he was stupid or already paranoid and didn't trust surrounding himself with other people. The other four she recognized but couldn't name.

"Which way did you see her run off?" Pike demanded of Harper.

She looked around a little, as if to orient herself, and then pointed just a little off of where Clarke was hiding. Pike nodded his head and two of the men Clarke didn't know started forward. She counted their steps and on step twenty they disappeared from sight. The remaining guards raised their guns again and inched forward. Right as they looked into the pit Clarke started to make her way forward at a calm pace.

"Have you come to kill me Pike?" she called out, keeping her voice as nonchalant as possible. "That's a lot of guns for one person if that isn't your goal."

He spun to her, gun raised but she knew his line of sight was rather obstructed to just start shooting, "Not to kill you, just bring you in."

"After seeing what you did to the warriors sent to protect you I don't think I believe you," she had stopped moving. Instead she was trying to tense her body like Indra had instructed, so that she would be ready to run as soon as they took off after her without making to look like she was ready to run. She suspected she was not doing it right.

"Warriors who could have turned on us at any moment."

"You do hear your own logic right? Anyone could turn on you at any moment, are you going to start killing everyone inside Arkadia as well?"

He shook his head and took a cautious step forward, "How could you possibly understand, you're just a child."

She almost continued engaging him, she really wanted to get in his face and put him in his place, but that was not the plan. With every ounce of self-control she had she ignored his words, "You're going to have to catch me if you expect me to come with you."

"I was told you were stubborn," his voice was hard and she knew if he caught her it would be painful.

"You should remember that from class," was the last taunt before she turned and ran.

She heard curses and footsteps behind her but Indra had been adamant about not looking back. "It would slow you down and let them know you fear them catching you," so Clarke kept pumping her arms and focused on the next trap. She jumped at the last possible moment to clear the net under the leaves and afforded herself a smile a few moments later when she heard it close and fly up. It sounded like two got caught, hopefully one was Harper, she wanted the girl out of the chase as early as possible. None of the traps were deadly in and of themselves, but the longer this went on the more dangerous it would get. As has been life on the ground in general.

She was approaching the edge where the woods gave way to tall grass and she pushed herself to run that much faster. Indra was hiding just inside the tall grass, ready to take out anyone but Pike. She needed Pike to keep following her. She was slightly concerned as to what Indra would do to Bellamy, but trusted that she would keep to the no killing orders. Footsteps were getting closer but she was almost to the end. Gritting her teeth, she slid down into a ravine and scrambled to the other side and up, lighting a fire behind her from a torch sticking out of the ground. Her muscles screamed when she reached the top but she still had to hide behind a boulder before she could breathe easy.

"You planned all of this!" came the accusation while she massaged her shoulders and tried to even out her breathing.

"Well, I wanted to talk to you."

She could make out a snort over the cackling fire and dared to peak around the bolder. Pike was sweating and breathing heavily. His gun was lowered and his eyes were livid. "How could you side with the grounders?" he spat out the name like it pained him to say it.

"I side with my people, what is in their best interest. That is not you. You are going to get everyone killed. The only reason there isn't an army descending upon you instead of a blockade is that their Commander believes that all of Arkadia does not need to die for your sins."

He gave out a bark of laughter that sounded forced to her ears. "They don't attack because they are scared of us. We have the superior weapons, we could wipe them out if they came."

"So why were you so scared of those three hundred warriors?" she gave him a chance to answer, but no words came so she continued, "The full army is much larger than that. Those responsible for Mount Weather's destruction have been dealt with. The Ice Nation Queen was killed by the Commander. Your enemy is already dead," She peered over the boulder again to see Pike seething.

"I did not see their queen murder our children when we first landed, my enemy is not dead. And this is beyond that, we need to survive down here, to do that we need land. We need resources."

"We were, and still can be, part of the coalition. That will provide us with resources."

"I will not beg for scraps like a dog!"

"No, you'd rather act like an animal and lash out in hurt and anger. What has that accomplished you?"

"Like you haven't lashed out before," Bellamy's voice joined in.

She dared another look over and saw that he was limping over and holding his arm in obvious discomfort, "And I've learned from that mistake. If Arkadia keeps down this road it won't last. Sure, you may have enough bullets to fight off the army. But do you have enough to kill every single grounder? What happens in ten to fifteen years when a new generation comes of age only knowing hate for the people who fell from the sky and destroyed everything their parents knew? Stop only thinking one move ahead.

"You think you are so much better than the grounders, but tell me, what happened to those of us who were on the other side of the blockade? We were allowed through. You are keeping injured grounders as hostages and slaves."

"Enough!" Pike bellowed, gun back in his hand. "I came out here to bring you in, I did not want to kill you. Now though, now I have no choice. Next time I find you Clarke, it will be to put a bullet in you before you destroy us all."

Bellamy's head whipped over at that and Clarke saw him open his mouth but no words came out. She had no such problem, "Just keep in mind you threatened the Commander of Death." She took off after that, clicking off the radio.

Arkadia

Miller turned to Monty and Bryan as he sat down the radio. "Clarke only wanted Monty to listen in, but I care about you and you need to know the truth as well."

Bryan worked his jaw back and forth, turmoil clear in his eyes, but said nothing. Monty cleared his throat, "What happened to my mom?"

Miller placed a comforting hand on the boy's arm, "None of the traps were designed to cause serious damage. Just make sure Clarke got her talk with Pike."

Finally Bryan found his voice, "And what, you expect me to just fall in line with Clarke? I don't know her. Pike kept us alive. I owe him my life."

"And I owe Clarke, a few times over. She kept us alive when we first landed, she knew something was wrong with Mt Weather, she escaped and managed to forge an alliance with the grounders to save us, she pulled the lever that got us out of there. And I am sure that she has something to do with the blockade not being an army to kill us."

Monty nodded his head once then looked up, "What does Clarke need me to do?"

Arkadia – earlier

Octavia ran as fast as she could once she saw the jeep leave Arkadia. She did not know how much time she had to get Lincoln and the others out. What she did know was that this would most likely be her only chance. She tried not to think about being glad to see Murphy and his perpetually bored expression when she came out of the secret entrance. It took a moment but she realized his eyes were slightly unfocused. "Are you actually drunk?" she hissed.

He shrugged and pushed off of the wall, "Figured if I am actually drunk they may believe me when I say I was not involved in this, just you taking advantage of a situation."

"Just don't fuck up."

He moved past her and mumbled, "Like trying has ever stopped things from going wrong before."

They moved quickly down the halls, "I honestly did not believe Clarke when she said we wouldn't see too many guards."

"Bell and five others went with Pike. Miller is distracting his boy toy and Monty, Kane is acting shady on the other side of camp, and quite a few are on the wall scared to death of Clarke."

"I'm surprised he let people know Clarke was here, I assumed he would want to keep it quiet in case things don't go well."

"Oh, that was Harper and me, not Pike."

"Nice."

"It is what I am here for."

They got close to the cell block and Octavia's hand kept adjusting its grip on her sword. Murphy had his job as distraction, but getting everyone out fell on her. She moved her back against the wall as Abby and Sinclair came down the hall opposite them, they gave a quick thumbs-up that the coast was clear coming from their direction and Octavia let out a breath for something going right. One more round of everyone nodding their heads and Murphy made his grand entrance.

Octavia watched his stumble into the corridor and gripped her sword tightly. She could not quite make out what he said to the guards but she did hear the four hits to the wall. Four guards. A few moments past before she heard a guard yell at Murphy to 'fuck off'. He sure knew how to piss people off.

A few more words eh could not quite make out and then a sound she knew all too well followed. The sound of a fight. A body was hurled around the corner at her. She covered his mouth while kicking the back of his knee. Once he was at the better height she used the hilt of her sword to strike his temple. He was out before he hit the ground.

She grabbed the keys off his waist and looked up. Abby and Sinclair were still across the hall, but now they looked indecisive instead of confident. She held up her hand to tell them she had this, then gazed around the corner. Murphy had gotten a few hits in but was now on the ground covering his head as best he could. She crept past and unlocked the door as quietly as she could.

Lincoln stepped forward but she jerked her head towards Murphy and the remaining guards instead of embracing him like she wanted to. He gave a nod of his head and moved up behind one of the guards and placed the man in a choke hold. The other two turned, one of which right into Octavia's fist. The third she expected to reach for his stun baton, or even attack. He did neither. With a strangled moan, Murphy lunged forward and knocked the radio out of the final guard's hand. The guard followed the radio's path instead of watching her, so he did not see the knock-out blow.

Everyone looked around for a moment, taking stock that their plan was working. For the most part. "Murphy you're going to have to leave with us."

He looked up and squinted, the alcohol and adrenaline making his head swim, "Huh?"

"It was already going to be suspicious you being here when I broke them out, but with the way you dove for that radio they will know you were involved. If you stay here there is a real chance Pike will kill you. Monty and hopefully Bryan will be on our side now, we have to take losing you on the inside."

"Fuck. Goodbye warm bed."

Polis

Lexa looked around her council and suppressed a sigh. Her ambassadors were arguing once again about the blockade. Apparently it should take less than a week for Wanheda to overthrow Chancellor Pike. Part of the council 'demanded' she march on Arkadia. Another said to give the blockade and Wanheda more time (she did not know if they advocated this because they believed it or out of fear of herself). Best she could tell the remaining couple of ambassadors were arguing against everything for the sake of arguing.

Titus said nothing, but he no longer hid from her. Their attempts to learn about the origins of the Flame were yet to yield results. The only positive was that it kept her busy enough to distract her from Clarke's absence. Somewhat. She too wished for Wanheda to eliminate Pike and his supporters, but she knew Clarke. Knew that she would not take unnecessary risks when it came to the wellbeing of her people. "It takes as long as it takes," she said to herself dryly.

"What was that, Heda?" Titus asked, garnering the attention of the ambassadors.

"The blockade remains, you are dismissed."

The men bowed their heads in deference before they began to file out. While they may not all agree with the edict of 'jus nou drein jus daun' they once again respected her power and authority as Heda.

She was ready to leave as well when someone entered the room, "King Roan, what brings you before me?"

He gave a full bow before coming closer. She did not know what to think of his smirk, she supposed he always had a smirk and reading into it would only further her headache. "Heda," he looked about the room quickly before continuing, "Word has travelled that you are interested in the history of the Flame."

She tensed ever so slightly at his words. She did not appreciate gossip, but it would be better than the alternative. "Word from spies, King Roan?"

"Of course not, Heda."

She wanted to believe him, "And this has brought you here?"

"The feud between Azgeda and Trikru goes back generations. Upon assuming the throne I have learned a few things. Including the existence of a book stolen from the fleimkepa when my mother's father was a child. I thought you might want it back."

With that he produced a black book from his breast pocket. Titus was somehow simultaneously frowning and buzzing with excitement. "You were not aware of this Titus?"

"I knew a book had been taken, but that it was of little importance."

"Thank you Roan."

He approached and handed the book to Titus. "I am just doing my part," were the words that passed his lips. 'Azgeda is loyal,' were their meaning.

Hours later Lexa set down the book and gazed into the candles that lit her room. It was similar to the others, handwritten by the first Commander. It was different as well. It did not say much about the Flame, but it detailed much about ALIE. She tried to end ALIE, and when she failed she forbade anyone getting near a 'lighthouse' across the water. The first Commander feared that if tech returned to the way it was ALIE would rain down more destruction.

"Titus you may enter!" she called. She had informed him she would read the book on her own. When he entered she handed the book over, "I need to leave for Arkadia as soon as possible, but we cannot let anyone know that is where I have gone."

He nearly dropped the book in shock, "Heda?"
"ALIE is a more dangerous opponent than anything we have faced previously. We cannot allow it to come to power. The first Commander failed to destroy it, I will not."