A/N: Hello faithful readers. Here is chapter nine. I hope you enjoy it. It's a bit longer :)

Disclaimer: I do not own The 100 (Book series), the CW Network or anything that resembles content from the book or show.


I was right about it not being long. The time counted down. It was slow but we had chores to keep us busy. Months flew by, 'winter' came and went. The seasons were mild as the earth was basically resetting itself, and the atmosphere didn't allow for proper winter weather. Callie was approaching 4 years old, Madi being 13, I would be 23. I was keeping myself busy with the girls, teaching them and training Madi. I was no Octavia, but I could hold my own.

The pups had grown, and were now large enough that they couldn't be in my lap. Athena still tried to, but mainly the only thing that fit was her head. Ares and I would go hunting, almost getting too much, but they needed to eat as well. Athena would stay back at camp, watching the girls. Our stores of meat got to be so much that I radioed my Mom and asked if they wanted to test if the meat was safe for them. In that case, I would travel to deliver a lot.

She was overjoyed, and very much wanted to see us again. We had only done one trip towards Polis to see how much new growth there was. Didn't want them wasting the oxygen tank supply for a chat that could happen over radio.

The wolves would be coming, but sitting up front with me. I didn't trust them in the back with all the meat. The girls were talking excitedly about how we might see Octavia again, having not heard from Auntie O in a few weeks. The wolves were excited to see more of our forest and fed off of our excitement.

"Only a few more months guys and we should have a whole slew of people looking for land around us," I smiled.

"Should we claim more, for Skaikru?" Madi asked, worried.

"No, I'm sure things will be fine. We can extend our camp walls or keep making sections for people to build their own houses. Don't worry Madi. Octavia will decide what to do."

"Are we giving them all this meat?" Callie asked.

"Yes. They need some more food and we have plenty. I was hoping to exchange it for some new clothes for you two."

"What about you Mama?" Madi asked. She knew how threadbare my clothes were, but I refused to complain, just making sure they were warm.

"I'm fine Madi. Maybe once your nontu comes home will we worry about my clothes. You two are my first priorities," I smiled, looking back at the girls.

Polis, or the remains of the city came into view and we quickly found our regular space to park the Rover. It was close enough that unloading shouldn't be too difficult, especially with Madi and Callie helping me.

"Bunker, come in. It's Clarke, I'm at the surface, over," I said, after I pulled the radio out.

"Clarke, good to hear you're back," Miller's voice said, "We'll be up in a minute."

"We'll be here," I smiled. I hadn't gotten to see him last time, so it would be good to see him again. Four and half years was too long to be away from my friends. The girls and the wolves were exploring around while we waited for them to suit up under the surface.

The doors opened slowly, and I watched as the wolves stopped at the noise. They approached, shoulders dropped and teeth bared. Madi and Callie bounded over to my side, eager to see who was coming out.

"Chil yo daun," I said to the wolves as our welcoming party exited the bunker.

"Wow… ni-ice dogs!" Miller's voice said, a little worried through a suit.

"They won't hurt you. They are just protective," I said walking up and giving Miller a hug over his suit.

"You look good Griffin," He said, holding me tightly.

"If I could see you, I would say the same," I laughed as we released.

"Clarke," Mom said as she finished her ascent up the stairs.

"Hi Mom," I said, hugging her.

"Auntie O!" The girls said, running up to hug Octavia.

"I missed you two," She said, hugging them tightly.

"We got dogs!" Callie said excitedly.

"I can tell. Impressive… Wanheda," O teased. I rolled my eyes.

"Skairipa," I smiled. She punched my shoulder good naturedly, "So where is this meat?"

"Back of the Rover," I said, before motioning to the wolves. They dropped into a sitting position and watched us walk.

"The Ice Nation would be so jealous that you tamed those wolves," Miller laughed.

"I didn't tame them, they are still wild. They could decide they don't like being domesticated and turn on us. But they love the girls and that's all that matters right now."

"Seeing Callie now, there is no way she isn't Bellamy's," He teased.

"Oh stop. I'm sure that you had your suspicions-"

"Suspicions? We had a bet going on. Jasper, Monty and I thought you were together at the Dropship, because there was so much tension between you that when it snapped, you had to be sleeping together. I bet that you would be together within the first 8 months, and Jasper thought it was 3 months. Monty said that you would get knocked up within the year, and I owe that sneaky bugger a quart of moonshine," He said, making Octavia snort.

"Serves you right for betting on people's love lives," She said, taking a load of meat and walking back towards the bunker. They were going to test it first, and if one sample held up, they would distribute it to the 12 clans or Wonkru as they were now called. I held Nathan back a bit as I asked, "Has there… been anyone?"

"No. She was adamant that Lincoln was the only one for her. She refuses to even listen to the council's suggestion of her having children, to continue her line as Commander," He shrugged.

"Nathan!" My Mom said, clearly distressed. He looked to her and we found her staring at his suit. There was a large tear in the side and he didn't notice it.

"Oh crap," He said, moving back to the Bunker quickly.

"Wait!" I said, trying to catch up to him.

"Clarke he has already been exposed. We need to quarantine him, now!"

"It was like this when we came down. Monitor him for 21 days, if he doesn't get sick, then the air isn't toxic anymore. It means that you can all come out," I said as they shut the doors. I sighed. The radio started up a few minutes later, static at first and then a clear voice, "We will come back out for the rest later, if you put it in a covered area."

"We will. But O, its only another 5 months from our guess, but if it's true that Miller won't be affected, you can set them all free," I replied.

"A mass exodus isn't always the best option Clarke. People are getting restless down here, but you and I both know the animal population isn't as large as it needs to be to sustain them through winter. It is our best bet to stay down here, send out hunters for meat and continue to ration until the animals are at a larger population and we can send people out further."

"I know that, and as Commander you can prevent them from over-hunting. But I do understand where you are coming from. The only shelter from the winter snows, however mild they have been, are this bunker and the Dropship. But there isn't room for 1200 people in that."

"Clarke, I need you to do what you have been. Hunt, smoke, dry the meat, and provide us with rations. It's a large job for one person, but if you can, I would really appreciate it. I know a lot of people down here would as well."

"I can, just that was built up over the last few months, for our winter rations. I can build it up again, but it will be another month or two at least."

"By then we can send out a few people, under the guise of a trial to see if the air is okay. Our best hunters, and if you house them, they can help you with the prep."

"Sounds perfect. But I have two hunters with me. They aren't able to shoot arrows through a buck's eye, but they work," I smiled, ruffing the fur around Athena's head. She playfully put her paw on my arm and barked.

"All the same, extra human hands preparing the meat will be much easier on you. I know you like to take the weight of the world on your shoulders, but let us help."

"I know. I had a lot of time to reflect, being alone. I know I don't have any business saying this, but I'm proud of you Octavia. From what my mother says, you are a born leader. Just like your brother," I said, sincerely.

"Clarke, I swear if you make me cry," She laughed.

"I'm serious O. I know how proud he is of you. I could hear it in his voice that last day. You became the person he knew you could be."

"Okay, enough with the mushy stuff. Once we know if Miller is out of the woods, we will radio to meet back here to pick up your team."

"Sounds good Commander. Just try not to kill anyone that annoys you," I joked.

"No promises," She laughed, "Bye Clarke."

As the radio cut out, I changed the frequency and turned to the girls. They were already packing the meat and putting it by the doors of the bunker. I covered it with stones and made a stone arrow to point at it. Hopefully they would get the message.

We loaded back into the Rover, excited to get home. I shut the gate when we got back as the girls unloaded our stuff. I plugged in Jasper's music player and found a song to listen to while I cleaned up camp and planned another temporary shelter for winter. I thought about leaving the Rover outside the walls, to use it's parking space as a spot, but there was lots of room in the Dropship. I nixed the idea as someone I didn't know, sleeping in the same room as my children, irked me beyond belief. I thought about next to the garden or the Smokehouse, at least for those who didn't want to share with us or for our family coming down from the Ark Ring. I was going to need more logs, and I could ask the girls to gather more pitch, but with the wild boars around, I didn't want them out by themselves, so I would go with them. With my plan in place, I used a stick to map out how big to make it.

"Another house Mama?" Madi asked.

"For the hunters we will be hosting in a month, and then for your Aunts and Uncles," I explained.

"Are you going to talk to nontu tonight?" Madi asked, a funny look on her face.

"Yes, why?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"No reason…"

"What did you do?" I said, noticing the radio was not where I left it last.

"I wanted to talk to them," Madi said, looking at her feet.

"In my eyes, strik natblida," I said, lifting her chin. I wasn't angry, but I wished she had told me.

"That was a lie. I wanted them to hear you sing," She explained.

"Sing?" I said, confused.

"You were singing as you worked," She said softly.

"I was? I was lost in thought," I spoke, wondering what song I must have sung.

"The one about returning, and the one about not letting go," She said. I paled, knowing I had those and several more memorized. It wasn't too much to assume I could sing them without really thinking about it.

"Well, it's done now," I sighed.

"I told nontu that you would radio later. I'm sorry if I wasn't supposed to," She said sadly.

"It's not that Madi," I said, "I don't normally sing in front of other people. I don't like the sound of my voice."

"But it beautiful Mama! I wish I could sing like you."

"Thank you Madi, but next time, tell me when you want to radio nontu."

"Yes Mama," She said, hugging me.

"Okay sweet girl, go help your sister clean up while I make us some food," I said, sending her off after our hug.

That night I did radio Bellamy to explain how our day went.

"So we went to Polis today to let my Mom test the meat I've been smoking. If it's safe for them, they get to eat like Kings for the first time in years. If not, I have to go pick it up again. I could have camped out there with the girls, but its easier having the comforts of home for them. As we were unloading Miller told me the strangest thing. Apparently Monty, Jasper and him all had a bet going about us, and Monty won. Ask him about it, because I can't remember exactly. Miller told me O hasn't been seeing anyone down there. She says that Lincoln was 'it' for her. I can understand that. Because if it happens that you've been dead this whole time, I would never love again."

"But we didn't get to continue that conversation because we found out Nathan had a huge hole in his radiation suit. He's in quarantine right now, and they won't know for at least 21 days if he was exposed to too much. If not, O has spoken about sending out a group of hunters early to help me with supplying their meat. They won't be letting people out until after winter, because letting them all out at once will deplete the animal population too fast. It's still growing, but it couldn't take a sudden influx of hunting like that. Plus the spring will give people better weather to make shelters."

"I'm making another two shelters, one for our group of hunters and the other for you guys. There will be lots of space for you to build your own houses and shelters so we aren't in each other's pockets. But at the beginning, it would be best, because I won't be able to let you guys get too far."

"Bellamy, I think O isn't happy as Commander. She's always joking about killing people that annoy her. I have no right to criticize her, but I'm worried about her."

"But, I give her love and support, everything I know you would in this position."

"Well, I should get some sleep. I have a few daunting tasks ahead of me. I may be working and hunting for the next few months without a break. Wish me luck! I love you Bellamy. Sleep well."


Bellamy's POV:

"Hey, this is Madi. Mama sings this song when she misses you guys, so I thought you should hear it," A familiar young voice said, making me smile. Monty and Harper were hanging out with me today, as Emori had learned enough about the algae farm a year ago that she took over certain days.

"I hear the wind call my name

The sound that leads me home again

It sparks up the fire, a flame that still burns

To you I will always return

I know the road is long

But where you are is home

Wherever you stay,

I'll find the way

I'll run like the river,

I'll follow the sun

I'll fly like an eagle

To where I belong

I can't stand the distance

I can't dream alone

I can't wait to see you

Yes, I'm on my way home

Now I know it's true

My every road leads to you

And in the hour of darkness

Your light gets me through

You run like the river

You shine like the sun

You fly like an eagle

Yeah, you are the one

I've seen every sunset

And with all that I've learned

It's to you I will always, always return."

Clarke voice was soft and sultry, and for a moment when I closed my eyes, I could see her so clearly in my minds eye. Grungy clothes, dirty from hunting and digging. Hair braided to keep it out of her eyes, working on her latest project.

"I forgot she could sing," Harper spoke.

"I can't. It haunts my dreams, like a siren," I muttered. Monty side eyed me, giving me a comforting pat on the shoulder. And then another song started in the background, and her voice began softly.

"I met you in the dark

You lit me up

You made me feel as though

I was enough

We danced the night away

We drank too much

I held your hair back when

You were throwing up

Then you smiled over your shoulder

For a minute I was stone-cold sober

I pulled you closer to my chest

And you asked me to stay over

I said, I already told you

I think that you should get some rest

I knew I loved you then

But you'd never know

'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go

I knew I needed you

But I never showed

But I wanna stay with you

Until we're grey and old

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

I wake you up with some

Breakfast in bed

I'll bring you coffee

With a kiss on your head

And I'll take the kids to school

Wave them goodbye

And I'll thank my lucky stars

For that night

When you looked over your shoulder

For a minute I forget that I'm older

I wanna dance with you right now, oh

And you look as beautiful as ever

And I swear that every day you get better

You make me feel this way somehow

I'm so in love with you

And I hope you know

Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold

We've come so far, my dear

Look how we've grown

And I wanna stay with you

Until we're grey and old

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

I wanna live with you

Even when we're ghosts

'Cause you were always there for me

When I needed you most

I'm gonna love you 'til

My lungs give out

I promise 'til death we part

Like in our vows

So I wrote this song for you

Now everybody knows

That it's just you and me

Until we're grey and old

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go

Oh, just say you won't let go."

"That's all. We'll radio tonight nontu," Madi said quickly, "Bye!"

"Sneaky. I like this kid already," Monty smiled.

"God, I hate this," I sighed, "It's been over 4 years in this tin can!"

"Only another year and five months," Harper tried to point out, but her own enthusiasm was lackluster.

"It should only be five months," I grumbled.

"Do you want to burn up in the atmosphere?" Raven asked as she walked in the room, "Cause if you want out so bad, we can float you."

"Not funny."

"A little funny," She smiled.

Later that night, Clarke radioed, this time, not as an eavesdropping transmission but a real one.

"So we went to Polis today to let my Mom test the meat I've been smoking. If it's safe for them, they get to eat like Kings for the first time in years. If not, I have to go pick it up again. I could have camped out there with the girls, but its easier having the comforts of home for them. As we were unloading Miller told me the strangest thing. Apparently Monty, Jasper and him all had a bet going about us, and Monty won. Ask him about it, because I can't remember exactly. Miller told me O hasn't been seeing anyone down there. She says that Lincoln was 'it' for her. I can understand that. Because if it happens that you've been dead this whole time, I would never love again."

"Neither would I," I said quietly.

"But we didn't get to continue that conversation because we found out Nathan had a huge hole in his radiation suit. He's in quarantine right now, and they won't know for at least 21 days if he was exposed to too much. If not, O has spoken about sending out a group of hunters early to help me with supplying their meat. They won't be letting people out until after winter, because letting them all out at once will deplete the animal population too fast. It's still growing, but it couldn't take a sudden influx of hunting like that. Plus the spring will give people better weather to make shelters."

"I'm making another two shelters, one for our group of hunters and the other for you guys. There will be lots of space for you to build your own houses and shelters so we aren't in each other's pockets. But at the beginning, it would be best, because I won't be able to let you guys get too far."

"Bellamy, I think O isn't happy as Commander. She's always joking about killing people that annoy her. I have no right to criticize her, but I'm worried about her."

"But, I give her love and support, everything I know you would in this position."

"And I love you for that," I smiled.

"Well, I should get some sleep. I have a few daunting tasks ahead of me. I may be working and hunting for the next few months without a break. Wish me luck! I love you Bellamy. Sleep well."

"I love you too Clarke."


A/N: Songs used were I Will Always Return by Bryan Adams and Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur.