Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: See the prologue.
AN: I'm sure y'all didn't expect this fast update. ;) Many of y'all hoped for an update in time for the holidays and so here it is. I hardly had it in me to leave everybody on that cliffhanger. Thankfully a brave soul read the rough draft of this chapter, and I thank her greatly for that help because I may not have posted this so soon. Down below are anon replies from the last two chapters (there's a lot, sorry). I hope to respond to everybody else over the next week. Sorry for the delay on that. As always, please enjoy and happy holidays!
Oh, and... fight, Clarke, fuckin' fight! :)
Anonymous Reviews
Chapter 22
Guest (from Nov 23): I hope you had a chance to enjoy the recent update. I hate to make readers wait too long! ;) Thank you for following the story.
SummerStormWar (from Nov 23 & Dec 16): Yes, that battle with the mountain lion was great! It was a fun to see Clarke putting that trap together for the lion. We will see if there are scars later. Her bigger threat will be kicking Linden's butt. So we'll see! Thank you for the great feedback!
Anne (from Nov 25): I don't think you ever have to worry about Clarke being too hard. That's just not her... at least in this story. I think she'll be that way in the show, but not completely here. And time will tell about the scars. Thank you for sending feedback. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. :)
Bic (from Nov 25): Thank you so much for your sweet patience! I try my best to write when I can. I wish it was every day. The only time it gets hard is when I have no energy to focus. Hopefully after the holidays that will change. Thanks again for reading my story and sticking with it.
Nathaniel Fisher (from Nov 28): Thank you, my dear for finding this story. Hopefully it's kept you loving the 100 fandom. I'm happy to hear you've enjoyed it so much. I'll keep at it for sure. Thank you again!
Goldenpearl (from Dec 6): You know it! I'm doing my best to keep it going. Don't worry. :) Thank you for following it!
Guest (from Dec 11): Hopefully you had a chance to read the recent update. Thank you for keepin' up on it. Great to hear you're enjoying it. :)
Chapter 23
Guest (from Dec 16): Well, we all need a good cliffhangers in our lives... it's about more than just surviving. lol. I hope the wait wasn't too long. Thank you for reading the story!
Guest (from Dec 16): I ended it there because I a writer. lol. But, at least it was a short wait (or so I hope). I'm glad you liked the chapter... even if it was a bunch of clexa fluff and stuff. Thank you for following it and hope you like the update.
Guest (from Dec 16): Thank you for the feedback! And yes, I've watched the Season 3 trailer a few times. On tumblr, it is fun to see what everyone picks out of it. It's like trying to take twenty puzzle pieces and make a picture of it from a 100 piece puzzle. If indeed Clarke has a new love interest (which it's looking) then damn good for her! She needs some comfort after all the crap. But if nothing else, I'm so glad my story has been a canon divergence from Season 2. It'll be cool to see what madness happens in S3 plus what fanfic it brings with it. And thanks again for following the story. :)
Guest (from Dec 16): Next chapter is up! Thank youuuuu! :)
Guest (from Dec 16): You don't have to wait any longer for the next chapter! lol.
lola145 (from Dec 18): I do feel a wee bit guilty that you started the story recently and come to the cliffhanger. I'm a terrible person. lol. But I am happy you've enjoyed it so. Thank you for the feedback. And yes, Ares is the boss! haha. :)
Lucie (from Dec 19): Omg. I hope you had a chance to sleep rather than be sucked into all this drama. Hopefully it was well worth it. I do try to keep a nice mix of tension and fluff, especially as Lexa and Clarke get closer. We still have a lot to see in the grounder culture. Lots of times it develops itself, and I really enjoy that aspect. Hopefully it'll continue to be enjoyable. Thank you so much for the feedback.
Ravensworld (from Dec 20): Thank you! You're getting a girl to blush here. It's great to hear you enjoyed it enough to read it so quickly. I hope you like the update. Thank you for the wonderful support!
Series: One Shot
Hedatu
by Red Hope
Chapter 24
The commander, Lexa of the Trigedakru, stood tall and drawn with tension, every muscle tight. However, her features appeared calm and hid her inner blood lust that warmed her veins. Her jaw was locked in place, and her eyes trained on her second. She inhaled sharply when her second, Clarke Griffin, gave a furious yell and engaged her opponent on the field. Lexa slotted her eyes and revealed a dark smile as she stretched out her hand.
Indra received the silent order from her commander, a touch to her arm. She immediately began tapping a quarterstaff's butt end against the ground. She brought the staff's end up and down at a rhythmic pace. In her head, she began to count to the appropriate number.
Lexa ended the light contact to Indra's arm. She reached to her waistband and placed her palm against the dagger's handle. Her fingernails scrapped against the wooden hilt. A pleased hum shook low in her chest when Clarke slammed the heel of her hand into Linden's jaw.
After a beat, Lexa's focus shifted past the fight and to the other side of the crowd. She honed in on Echo, who showed less control.
Echo folded her arms and continued staring hard at the ensuing battle. She gritted her teeth after Clarke was thrown on her back. "Get up," she growled low. She was relieved when Clarke did so. Echo then continued her pacing but never tore her eyes off the fight. Occasionally, her fingertips would toy with the dagger's hilt that protruded from the folds of her fur coat.
The commander quickly moved her attention to the left, to the other side of the crowd. She was pleased when Ryder met her stare.
Ryder was in front of the crowd. In his right hand, he clutched a bow. At a moment's notice, he could easily nock an arrow and release it. He looked to the two fighters and studied them for any deceit. He was given strict orders by his commander.
Lexa performed the last check and looked over her right shoulder. She noted that Lincoln also had a bow and a filled quiver. She could tell by his intent gaze that he was prepared to carry out her order too.
By no means did Lexa fully trust Linden to be honorable. If he wavered during the fight, Lexa had given orders to have him killed instantly. She suspected Linden was aware of the circumstance due to their encounter in the woods. Yet, Lexa felt Linden could renew himself if he completed the fight with honor.
The crowd's roar jerked Lexa's attention back to the battle. She curled her fingers firmly around the dagger's hilt. She breathed harder and barred her teeth after Linden hooked his arm across Clarke's throat, from behind her.
Clarke clenched her teeth in a low sneer. She was pressed hard against Linden's body. She gazed up at the white sky but found no help among the clouds. Quickly her lungs became deprived of air. The training instilled in her memory and body came to life, and she gave a low yell. She grabbed Linden's wrist with both hands, jerked down hard, twisted her head and gulped in a fresh breath of air. Before Linden could recover, Clarke rolled to her left and broke Linden's hold then drove his own elbow into his gut.
Linden grunted hard and bent forward. He yelped when Clarke's elbow then slammed into his cheek bone. He stumbled away but forced his body upright. He was furious now, and his face red.
Clarke bounced on the balls of her feet with her hands at the ready. She contained her amusement about Linden's ire. So far she had learned that Linden was slow moving and under-guarded his left side. She also quickly discovered to stay out of hands' reach as the head lock proved only moments ago.
"They say you could not kill the Mountain," Linden brought up. He took a step closer to Clarke. "That you were too weak." He had dark brown eyes that glinted wildly. "Heda had to do it."
Clarke recalled Lexa's lessons about goading during the fight. It was an important tool that could easily manipulate an opponent. She turned it on him and fire back, "I gave Heda the command to kill the Mountain, idiot."
Linden snarled and charged Clarke after her insult about the commander. He brought his fist down at her head and missed her, but he followed it with another punch towards her stomach.
Clarke had no chance to block both blows. She clenched her stomach enough to dampen some of the power in Linden's strike. She grunted but turned to the side and brought her left hand up to his face. She struck her palm into his chin then covered his face with her whole hand. Clarke yelled as she drove her hand down with Liden's entire body following the power.
Linden hollered as he went onto his back, hard. He reacted by grabbing her legs.
Clarke tumbled next, but she did her best to drive her knees into his chest. She was satisfied with his pained grunt. It was a short victory as she was face first into the dirt. She hissed against the sharp pain to the center of her back.
Linden continued twisting his elbow into his opponent's mid back. "You will not be Trigedakru," he snarled. "You are too weak, girl."
Clarke yelled and delivered an elbow blow to Linden's temple. She was able to roll free and climbed to her feet until Linden had her wrist.
Linden wrench Clarke's arm hard. Despite her pained yell, he heard her shoulder pop loud. He grinned wildly and taunted, "You cannot fight well with a broken arm."
Clarke gritted her teeth and reached deeper into her body for more strength. She needed to be free from him. She slammed her boot's heel into his foot. His yell rang in her ears, but his grip loosened enough that she extracted herself.
Linden reached for the fleeing girl until she turned on him and kicked him hard in the lower stomach. He felt his inside move around, and he backed off to recover.
Clarke back peddled a few times. She looked at her left arm, which throbbed with wild pain. There was no break in her arm. However, her shoulder was on fire because Linden had dislocated the ball from the socket. Clarke needed to fix it, fast. She glanced over at the wood pell just a few yards to her left.
Linden straightened up and grinned at Clarke's hunched form. He could tell she was in pain from her injury. He approached her and was hardly surprised by her fleeing from him. "Afraid now?"
Clarke kept her features stoned, just as Lexa told her to do. Even if she was in pain, she refused to be afraid of Linden. She continued stepping back but to her left. At least, she was getting closer to her target.
Linden took more steps towards his opponent.
This time Clarke held her ground, with a renewed smirk. "Komba raun, branwada."
Linden jumped forward after another insult. He nailed Clarke in the upper chest, barely. He opened up his left side during the strike, and Clarke slipped to that side. He took a blow under his chin that made him bend forward. A knee came into his chest, and he started to fall down.
Clarke completed the move with a hard elbow to the back of Linden's neck. She watched him go down into the dirt so she broke free and rushed to the wood pell. She ignored all the cheers from the crowd after her excellent execution of moves. Clarke slowed beside the wood post and gauged it. Her shoulder screamed at her in reminder. She bit her lip and shifted next to the pell.
Linden climbed to his feet. His fingertips dragged across the frozen ground. He twisted his head towards the girl. He slotted his eyes when Clarke suddenly slammed her shoulder into the pell. He was confused until he realized Clarke had reset her shoulder into place.
Clarke checked that her shoulder was okay again after she moved her arm up and down. She released a relieved breath that it was mostly normal again. She moved away from the pell and neared Linden, ready to fight him. She now noticed his bewildered look about her earlier actions.
Linden gritted his teeth and grew annoyed at the girl's obvious intelligence. Like Clarke, he stepped up to her and matched her fighting stance. He was tired of their games.
Clarke slotted her eyes and moved on her feet. She felt a shift in the air between them. She grew tenser with each passing heartbeat. She was prepared to make the first move this time. However, her attention was interrupted by the unexpected white flakes that fell around and on her. Despite the situation, Clarke smiled at the fact it was snowing, and it took her briefly back to that night when she had kissed Lexa. The beautiful memory was shattered with pain.
Linden had driven a fist into Clarke's stomach. She weakly parried his next fist with an outstretched arm. He latched onto her arm and locked it into place. Linden flung Clarke onto her back. He then began kicking her in the side, mercilessly.
Clarke's cries were drowned out by the roar from the warriors that cheered on Linden. Once the kicks stopped, she whimpered and tried getting her mind to move out of its fog of pain. She was acting too slowly because Linden's hands were on her sides. Pain flared up on her left side from where Linden had kicked her so hard. She imagined she had at least two or three broken ribs now.
Linden had lifted Clarke off the ground and gave a yell as he threw her like a ragdoll. He shook his head when the weak girl hit the hard, frozen ground. He noticed her starting to get up after a heartbeat. He stalked over to her.
Clarke was on her knees and rather dazed from her body breaking down. She almost had one foot under her until she found herself in another choke hold. Linden was bent over her, and his hands wrapped around her throat.
Linden snarled low and breathed heavy near Clarke's face. He tightened his grip further when the crowd demanded it.
Clarke's gaze was locked on the warriors in front of them. She searched the faces until she found the only one that mattered to her. She locked on Lexa's hard features.
Lexa held onto a last thread of self-control as she watched her second being strangled by the warrior. She silently screamed for her second to fight back, to refuse defeat. But as each heartbeat passed, she feared for failure. Lexa raised her left hand, halfway up. To her right, she listened to Indra's staff tapping on the frozen ground.
Indra had her left hand against her thigh and three of her five fingers were out. Her pinky and ring finger remained curled up into her palm. It was so very close, but it would be a failure with no second chances.
Lexa curled her raised hand into a fist. She only needed to give the final signal then it all would be undone. Yet, she continued to restrain herself out of pure hope. She willed her second, Clarke Griffin of the Sky, to rise up and fight. Lexa placed more faith into her second's inner strength. Her nails cut into her palm as she resisted her fears.
"He's going to kill her!" Raven snapped at her friend. She broke from the line that made up the circular crowd.
"No!" Octavia jumped and latched onto Raven. "You can't go out there."
"Let go," Raven yelled. She brought a fist at her friend's face.
Octavia caught it with her freehand and jerked Raven against her. "She won't die." She read Raven's fire dampening. "Heda won't let her die," she softly added.
Raven was fearful and turned her scared features in Clarke's direction.
Octavia pulled Raven back. She looked to Lincoln, who had raised his bow.
Lincoln had yet to retrieve an arrow. His eyes rushed back and forth between Linden choking Clarke and the commander. He hissed when the commander continued holding back from giving the signal to kill Linden. He struggled with grabbing an arrow from his back. Lincoln gritted his teeth and wiped the snow from his face.
Clarke had both hands up around Linden's own, but she had no ability to pry her neck free. Her left hand slipped down thanks to the snow and sweat. She hooked onto her father's wedding band that had exposed itself. Gradually Lexa started fading away under white spots. One by one, the spots formed into a familiar person that brought Clarke comfort in her last minutes.
"Hello, Clarke."
"Daaad," Clarke gasped. She stretched out her left hand towards him, but he was a few feet too far.
Jake remained knelt in front of his dying daughter. He had worried features and reached for Clarke's own hand, but never could touch her, again. He dropped his hand to his knee. "Your fight isn't over, sweetie."
Clarke gritted her teeth and stared desperately at her father. She could feel her desire to join him, if she just let go. She could leave everything behind and find peace with her father. All the blood on her hands would be wiped clean.
Jake shook his head after he read the wishes in her eyes. "You're not this Wanheda, Clarke. You are my daughter and my light." He held his daughter's broken features with his own hope. "You are a light to your people, who still need you." He swallowed hard and whispered, "Your mother still needs you."
Clarke closed her eyes. A fiery tear burned down her cheek.
"One day we'll be together again, sweetie… but not today." Jake was starting to fade away. "Now, you must fight for what you believe in." He was gone. "Go and fight, sweetie." His voice became more feminine until Octavia's voice reminded, "Just go for the sweet spot."
Clarke's vision grew whiter as if the snowflakes were forming into a blanket. She was about to collapse any heartbeat. She had lost much of her strength. Clarke searched deeper with tendrils of determination until she found a different source. It was a source that had always been in her and scared her, until she needed it most. She latched onto it again, in desperation and need. Clarke allowed it to commander her body with all its power. A low yell erupted from her chest, like fire. Her body moved with renewed strength. Clarke's outstretched arm swiftly came back with speed and force behind it.
Linden had felt the sky girl about to past out under his hands. He was close to releasing her before she died, but her motions made him lift his head. He inhaled sharply and barely registered the strange scent of fire between them. Before he could think further of it, Clarke's left elbow nailed him right between the legs. Linden's hold on Clarke's neck weakened once the pain tore up his groin. He struggled to stay on his feet.
Clarke jerked Linden's arms forward and broke his hold. She gasped for air, but she still needed to get space. She crawled forward then dropped onto her back. She furiously yelled as she coiled her legs into her chest. Her yelled grew stronger after she drove her feet towards Linden. Clarke slammed her boots into him and sent him onto his back.
Linden hit the ground roughly, all the air knocked out from his chest. The back of his head smacked into a protruding stone and clouded his vision. Blood seeped out of split skin and coated the frozen ground. He groaned and blinked against the spots in his eyes. Everything became fuzzy in his head. Linden struggled to regain control of his head.
Clarke crawled a bit further, for more space. She continued gasping for air. She coughed several times but slowly the burn around her throat dulled to nothing. She put her hands flat against the cold ground and lifted her upper body.
Linden rolled onto his side and looked towards his opponent. He and Clarke locked dark glares.
Clarke gritted her teeth. She moved her feet under her body and started rising up.
Linden matched Clarke's motions, and he stood tall again. He read her renewed determination and worried over the fire in her eyes that had been previously missing in her. He was secretly impressed with her skill for such a short amount of training from the commander. However, skill could never make up for willpower or strength.
Clarke was breathing hard. She glanced once at the countless faces of the warriors that cried for their fight. Clarke pushed their distracting yells back. She then rushed forward to meet Linden halfway.
Linden swung one fist after another. He was often deflected by Clarke, but he managed two to her stomach and the third to her face that drove her back. He admired her split lip that would accompany her marred face.
Clarke was obviously annoyed. She performed a roundhouse kick at Linden's side after he threw another punch. She followed it with punch to his chest, but he made a grab for her extended arm. This time, Clarke rolled away. She still suffered a blow to her back. It was better than being caught in his hands again. She back stepped a few times then surged forward.
Linden was ready for her maneuver and waited until she was one step off. He dropped onto his back and extended his arms with his right foot for Clarke's body. He latched onto her and rolled with her momentum. He rocked back and tossed Clarke up, over, and across the field. Linden rolled to his right and bounced onto his feet. He grinned wildly at how Clarke staggered to her feet.
Clarke shook her head and regained some balance once she was on her feet. It barely lasted because Linden plowed into her and sent her down again. She forced her body up but a punch to her broken ribs made her fall.
"Stay down," Linden hissed.
"No," Clarke growled. She started rising until a kick to her chest sent her on her back.
Linden shook his head and walked towards his fallen opponent.
Clarke focused on him and remembered one of Echo's favorite moves. Once he was close to her legs, she lifted them and locked them around his own, right at the knees. Clarke yelled and wrenched her legs.
Linden's feet were taken out from under him, and he slammed onto his side. Most likely a few of his own ribs were at least fractured now. His head hit the frozen ground with a lot of force again. He could barely recover before Clarke was on him and slammed one fist after another into his face. Her war cry rang in his ears.
Clarke's knuckles were coated in blood, and they throbbed from beating skin and bone. She heard a gurgle from Linden so she paused mid swing.
Linden's head lolled to one side. He stared distantly up at Clarke. He felt her fingers wrap around his jaw.
"You are nothing," Clarke whispered to him. She had told him many days ago in the woods. She jerked her hand free then weakly stood up. Clarke looked up at the sky, which was whiter due to the snow. She felt the cold flakes fall on her face and melt under her hot skin.
Behind her, Linden turned on his side and used his arms to get up. He was hardly surprised when Clarke faced him.
Clarke went on offense this time. She threw punches at him, at any direction. She was growing tired and also sloppy. She became frustrated at how easily Linden was blocking her. She changed her tactic by adding a high kick.
Linden leaned back in time and grabbed Clarke's boot tip and heel. He locked her in the stance. His wide smirk stood out against his bloody face.
Clarke hissed at her own mistake. She tried yanking her foot free.
Linden now delivered a kick under Clarke's extended leg. He hit her square under the ass where her leg joined at the hip. He watched her go down then lifted her by her leg.
Clarke hollered when she became airborne and thrown a couple of yards. She rolled onto her stomach and stumbled onto her feet. Linden grabbed her sides and threw her back down. This time, she received the blows to her face.
Linden was slow, painful with each punch to Clarke. He wanted to ensure she felt them distinctly. In the background, he heard all the hollers from the other warriors. He paused and studied Clarke's bloody face that matched his own.
Clarke rolled her head towards him, eyelids heavy. She wanted to give in to unconsciousness after such an ugly day.
Linden climbed to his feet and tapped the sky girl in the side. He was pleased by her motionless state.
Clarke took a deep breath and warded off the darkness behind her eyes. She sat up until hands hooked under her arms. She was tossed backwards. Clarke still got up again and looked towards Linden. She rather enjoyed his annoyance, even if it was at her expense.
Linden marched up to her with a fist at the ready. He brought it at her hunched body.
Clarke deflected his attempt and took a step back. She needed more time to regain her strength.
"Stay down," Linden advised, "And this'll end."
Clarke shook her head and smirked at him. "My fight… isn't… over."
Linden slotted his eyes at the sky girl. He threw more punches at her and landed one across her broken ribs.
Clarke returned the favor with a low kick to Linden's shins. She drove him away for a beat. She willed her back to straighten up, and she stood her normal height again. For a brief second, she stole a glance in her warrior's direction, but she could hardly make out Lexa.
The commander sensed her second's eyes, and she clenched her jaw. Every ounce of resolve had barely kept Lexa from protecting her second from Linden in these last moments. She could see Clarke had hit a wall of weakness and exhaustion now. Yet, she silently still demanded her second to fight and fight. She clenched her jaw when Clarke's battle cry renewed with life.
Clarke's motions were slower but no less determined than last time. She and Linden matched blows. Linden managed the upper hand again. He had Clarke bent forward, one hand on her back, and he threw repeated punches into her gut.
Indra watched on with a calm look. Her right arm continued tapping the quarterstaff against the frozen ground. Her left hand had all five fingers exposed against her thigh. She then whispered numbers in Trigedasleng, each one slightly louder than the last. She lifted the quarterstaff a bit higher, drove it down harder, and declared the final number. Indra had her eyes trained on the quarterstaff touching the ground before she looked up and gazed upon Clarke Griffin climbing to her feet yet again. She released an amazed breath. But her brow furrowed when Linden and Clarke continued to fight. She looked towards her commander.
"She has completed the challenge," Indra softly reminded. She wondered why her commander had yet to give the signal.
"Sha," Lexa whispered. She breathed deeply, all with pride. "Now I must see how much further she can go."
Indra was slightly startled and turned wide eyes onto the fight.
Clarke was desperate to stay on her feet and returned the blows to Linden. She raced forward and drove her entire body into him. They both went to the ground in a tangled mess. She extracted herself and rose up. Linden grabbed her ankles and dragged her back down. Clarke yelled when his fist came into her chest. She frantically kicked him anywhere, everywhere.
Linden grunted from each hit. He rolled away and swayed once on his feet. He looked towards Clarke, who also stood on shaky legs. He took small steps towards her and gathered enough drive to lay desperate punches into her.
Clarke fell to her knees, but she latched onto Linden's wrists. She halted anymore punches and glared up at him. Her bloody teeth shined in a low sneer. She could tell he was breaking down too. They both were on the edge of oblivion.
Linden yanked one hand free and shoved Clarke back. He was amazed she was back on her knees for more. He balled his right fist and aimed it for Clarke's face.
Clarke was too weak to deflect it. Her head snapped with the blow, and she fell on her back. She moaned and stared up at the snow that fell down over her face. She released a painful exhale that formed as a tiny cloud above her head. Clarke could feel her will slipping away again. She had fought with every piece of her strength. Distantly, she heard Linden's boots scrape against the ground, and he was even giving up on her. Clarke was insulted so she commanded her legs first and muttered incoherently.
Linden paused when he heard the movements. With a hunched posture, he half turned and watched as the sky girl picked herself up. He was slightly dazed by it. Linden did not quite believe it until he saw Clarke standing up. Her face was bloody, her golden hair tangled, and tears in her clothes from the frozen ground's edges. Linden parted his lips slightly when Clarke limped towards him.
Clarke paused in front of him. This time, she took a lesson from her opponent and returned his favor. She mustered the last of her strength and threw her best punch into his face.
Linden's head snapped with the blow, and he stumbled back a step before he dropped to his knees. He continued staring oddly at the sky girl, who just kept fighting more than just him, but her very body's weakness.
Clarke was breathing hard and held Linden's eyes with her own blue ones. She tasted blood in her mouth and felt fire still in her veins. She took one half step towards him until a yell across the field made her pause.
"Pleni!"
For a moment, Clarke had to translate the simple word into English. Once it registered, she grinned slightly until a well founded pain shot up her side. She whimpered and clutched her damaged ribs.
Linden groaned and climbed to his feet. Like Clarke, his body made all the suffering apparent to him. His head throbbed so horribly from the blow to the back of his head. He had heard the order too and looked over his shoulder when he saw the commander near them. He glanced once at Clarke before he focused on the commander fully.
Lexa approached the pair, painstakingly slow. Her war paint made her dangerous and strong. She had since moved her hand from her dagger to her sword hilt. She took a position next to the two fighters. She first looked at Linden.
"You have fought well, Linden of the Tree People." Lexa inclined her head slightly. "Mochof."
Linden stifled whimper when he bowed to the commander. "Pro, Heda." He straightened up when the commander stepped towards Clarke. He swallowed bloody bile down and watched the makings of a legend.
Lexa stood in front of her injured second. She visually scanned over Clarke and took in every injury, even those hidden. Finally, she held Clarke's eyes and read the tenacity burning in Clarke. Lexa was so very pleased, and she slowly walked around her second.
Clarke bit back her pained whimpers as her warrior circled her. She was doing her best to fight her body's desire to shut down. She could barely straighten up once Lexa came in front of her again.
The commander now stood before her second and offered a sliver of a smile before it was gone. She took a deep breath until her chest was full. "As of this moment, Clarke of the Sky is no longer!" She searched the now silent crowd. She suspected many warriors had not expected Clarke's success. Lexa could no longer contain her smirk as she yelled, "Today we welcome Clarke of the Tree People into our clan!" Her finally declaration caused a wave of yells that boomed across the training field.
Clarke closed her eyes against the flood of voices. She was unsure whether it was good or bad, but it hardly mattered to her at the moment. When she opened her eyes again, she discovered that Lexa was closer to her. A soft touch went against her jaw.
"You fought very well," Lexa whispered, proudly.
Clarke weakly nodded. She mistrusted her ability to speak, as if it would steal the last of her strength.
"Klark kom Trigedakru," Lexa declared.
Clarke released a shaky breath after her warrior spoke her new title. She parted her split lips, but she heard her name being yelled by Raven.
"Clarke!" Raven hollered again. She nearly fell after fighting against her limp. She was about to go to her friend until the commander stepped into her path. Raven halted and leveled a very dark glare on the commander.
Lexa held up a hand. "Clarke requires medical attention first." She noted that Raven begrudgingly agreed with her. She turned to her second and moved into her space. "You must see Nyko. I will take you." She no longer needed to be the commander and could simply be Clarke's warrior.
Clarke backed up and held out a hand. "I can… walk… there," she hoarsely whispered.
Lexa backed off and understood Clarke's wishes to do it herself. "I will accompany you." She had to be assured her second made it there safely. She gave a sharp whistle that grabbed Ares's attention. She was glad he had listened to her earlier command to wait.
Clarke distantly nodded to Lexa's offer because she was unsure whether she could make it there. But, she had to do it. Clarke took the first step. Suddenly one foot in front of the other became the most difficult task in the world. Each passing second allowed her to inventory all the new damage in her body. She never noticed Ares's on her other side.
Lexa followed alongside, and she noticed that Raven and Octavia were behind them. She kept her full attention on Clarke. It was probably the slowest walk she ever had to Nyko's tent.
Clarke paused a few times and struggled against the dark veil that kept taunting her. She felt Lexa's brief touch, but she pushed forward. Eventually, she saw Nyko's tent in her view, and it also seemed so far. Clarke clutched her stomach and jarred her own ribs. She kept moving forward even with a hunched posture.
Lexa heard Ares's low whines, but she continued to hold back from helping Clarke. She was sure the wolf would have carried Clarke himself if he could do so.
Clarke's breathing became further labored even though the tent was ten more steps in front of her. She barely noticed Lexa's presence anymore even though it had silently supported her earlier. She stretched out her left arm once the tent flap came closer. But, the tent flap was even heavier than her arm. It was an impenetrable wall to her nearly broken body. And Clarke hit it. First it was her knees that gave out then her eyes rolled backwards, and she called out for her warrior.
Lexa had moved directly behind her second, as if sensing Clarke's break. She sprung forward and caught her second before she hit the ground. She lifted Clarke into her arms and watched Clarke's head spin until it rested on her shoulder.
"Lexa," Clarke pleaded, in need and request.
Lexa sadly smiled at her second's unwavering strength. She lowered her head closer to Clarke's and ordered, "Let go." She watched Clarke finally release her last strip of control. "You are safe," Lexa whispered. She felt a sense of relief after Clarke passed out in her arms. She pushed forward and entered the tent. Ares was hot on her heels.
Clarke remained unconscious as Nyko and Lexa cared for her. Nothing stirred her awake including Nyko's touches, Lexa removing her clothes, and the stitches to her wounds. Briefly, she felt as if she were lifted into the air and taken to the gods. Then finally everything became peaceful, warm, and soft. She had to be with the gods now. At least, she had hoped for something better, but it was not meant to be for her.
Clarke was suddenly walking through darkness until a light ahead brought her comfort. She looked down at her hands, which had leather gloves on them. She realized she wore her old jacket that had never been torn by the mountain lion. Her weapons were gone except for her handgun.
After a beat, Clarke lifted her head and continued towards the light. Her heart started racing faster as she recognized her surroundings as the reaper tunnels. She was panicking and yet was still drawn to the light. Finally there was a familiar figure.
"Octavia," Clarke breathed. "You're here."
Octavia lowered her blade and slotted her eyes. She was shaking her head as she turned on her back on Clarke. She was clearly pissed. "Screw you. Of course I stayed." She whirled around and faced Clarke again. "I know where my loyalties lie."
Clarke stared oddly, brow knitted together. She could hear her own heart, so loudly. Her eyes trailed over to the sealed door that led into Mount Weather. "We have to get in there," she breathed without thought. She marched up to it until Octavia grabbed her.
"If that was possible, you think I'd still be out here?" Octavia drew Clarke over to Fox, who rested motionless in the metal dump.
Clarke's panic was rising again, and she worriedly looked at Octavia.
"Why did Lexa sound the retreat?" Octavia questioned.
Clarke could barely keep her panic capped down. She tore her gaze off Octavia and looked towards the dark end of the reaper tunnel. She held her breath and fearfully waited for Lexa, the commander of the twelve clans, to appear from the darkness and offer her personal support. That was how it was suppose to happen and yet Lexa never emerged from the darkness. However, Octavia turned her face back to her with a rough hand.
"Why did Lexa sound the retreat?" Octavia hotly demanded.
Clarke's lower jaw trembled, and she whispered, "She made a deal with Mount Weather." She jerked her arm free and continued back to the door. "Freed the grounders… now we're on our own." She brought her fist against the metal door and banged with anger.
"Stop," Octavia snapped. She hastily warned, "They'll know we're here."
Clarke took a step away from Octavia and suddenly brandished her gun, aimed at the door.
"What is wrong with you?" Octavia demanded.
"I am getting through that door," Clarke hotly replied.
"And that's your plan?" Octavia countered.
"Bellamy is counting on you." Octavia inched closer to Clarke and continued firing off at her. "Everyone is always counting on you!"
"What you want from me?" Clarke yelled back.
"Everyone trusted you!" Octavia pointed at Clarke. "You and Lexa let a bomb drop on Tondc. You let all those peo-"
"I am doing the best I can!" Clarke yelled. She was on a brink of a breakdown, especially without Lexa at her side. She had thought the commander would still come to aid her. It was a lie, all of it. She was betrayed by emotions and politics. Clarke would never believe or trust Lexa again. If they indeed met again, Clarke swore she would slit Lexa's throat at first sight. There was no return from the seeded darkness in Clarke's chest.
Clarke gathered her strength after Octavia backed off. She turned her hollow eyes onto the door. She would burn the Mountain from the inside out because it was what she knew best. Once Bellamy opened the door for them, Clarke released her inner demon and verbally sparred with Cage Wallace for her people. Clarke made Cage suffer, she killed Dante, and she finally put the Mountain to sleep with a single pull of a lever. Clarke embraced Wanheda so she could save her people.
In the months that followed the awakening of Wanheda, Clarke vanished from all eyes and entered the woods. She became lost in pain and rage. She was drowning and nearly greeted Death. But a woman came to Clarke and took Clarke in her arms. Clarke whispered her name over and over like a savior's prayer because she gave Clarke peace. But, Wanheda was called upon again and happy endings were a lie. Wanheda always came with a price, and it was Clarke's savior that paid it this time. If nothing else, Clarke would at least have her revenge on the commander of the twelve clans.
Clarke sneered when she had the commander's throat under her blade. She had waited so long for this moment. She held Lexa's life in her control, and she would command it this time. Clarke tasted the power in her hand and savored it. She was Wanheda!
"Do it," Lexa breathed. "Kill me," she whispered.
Clarke pushed the blade into soft skin. She hissed at the blood once she saw Lexa was no god.
Lexa leaned her face in closer to Clarke's own and made the knife cut her further. Their lips brushed together as she whispered, "Take my commander's spirit." She saw freedom and smiled wolfishly.
Clarke gave a fierce cry and drew the blade up into Lexa's neck.
Clarke's cry raised her chest up and forced her upper body to bolt upright out of the nightmare. She continued screaming, but in pain rather than rage. Suddenly warm hands were on her and soft whispers in her ears. Clarke gasped for air and reached for the comforting presence that surrounded her.
"It's okay," a calming voice insisted, "You are safe."
Clarke closed her eyes and slumped against the one person she had killed in her nightmare. "I killed you," she whimpered, "You didn't come to the Mountain, and I killed you for it." Her last shred of resolve broke, and the tears raced down her marred features.
"Ssssh," Lexa breathed into her second's ear. She tried being mindful of Clarke's cracked ribs, bruised body, and wounds after the challenge for Clarke's Right to Honor. She had one arm across Clarke's shoulders, and she pulled Clarke's head against her chest. She bowed her head until her nose was near Clarke's hair. It was the first time she noticed how much her second smelled like fire.
"It did not happen that way," Lexa reminded. "I came for you."
Clarke was choking on her sobs. Her eyes burned from the tears, and she trembled in her warrior's arm.
"It was only a dream," Lexa assured. She started rocking their twined bodies after Clarke hooked an arm around her waist. Lexa remained on her knees, among the furs that had been over Clarke moments ago. "I will always fight for you," she softly promised.
Clarke had her left hand hooked on her warrior's bicep. She slowly regained control after the nightmare released her of the horror. Her real memories about Mount Weather resurfaced, and she released a sigh. "Thank you," she rasped with strings of emotions in each syllable. She was thankful for Lexa coming to her in the Mountain, finding her after the Mountain, and always protecting her.
Lexa closed her eyes for a moment and continued breathing in Clarke's unique scent. She waited until Clarke became calm again. But, she felt Clarke eventually stiffen.
"Aaah," Clarke whimpered, in pain. Her broken ribs made themselves apparent again.
Lexa gently moved her hands under her second's arms, one of the few safe spots. "Lay down, slowly." She helped Clarke rest back into the furs.
Clarke released a groan, from both pain and warmth. She scanned her surroundings then focused on Lexa's face above her. "I'm in your tent."
"Sha," Lexa whispered.
Clarke looked at her immediate location then muttered, "And in your bed."
Lexa had a thin smile. "Sha," she confirmed again.
Clarke focused back on her warrior's features, which were cleaned of war paint. "Why?"
"Because I carried you here," Lexa plainly told. She was still on her knees beside her second.
Clarke had deep furrow across her brow. "I meant why did you bring me here."
Lexa tipped her head to one side and stated, "I take care of what is mine." She rose up and casually added, "You are my second." She went to a table that had silver cups. She filled one with a laced water from a waterskin.
Clarke was going to ask more until a low whine made her look to her left side. She softened at seeing her furry companion. "Ares," she breathed. She reached for him but groaned in pain. "Oh god." She hissed and tried remaining still. "I feel like the drop ship fell on me."
Ares whimpered and gently nudged Clarke's fingertips. His cold, wet nose was a distraction to Clarke's pain.
Lexa corked the skin then carried the filled cup over to Clarke. "You will feel better tomorrow." She knelt down beside the low bed.
"I highly doubt that," Clarke argued, "But thanks." She toyed with Ares's muzzle and kept her attention on her warrior.
"Drink this," Lexa instructed. She held out the cup. "It will ease your pain." Plus she needed to keep Clarke hydrated. Lexa had diligently kept pouring water down Clarke's throat since she first brought Clarke to her furs. She watched her second swallow down the water.
Clarke had drunk it fast. She had no idea how thirsty she was until the water was first in her mouth. She sighed in relief and returned the cup. "Thank you," she whispered.
Lexa nodded and took the cup to the stand again. "You should rest more."
"What time is it?" Clarke kept her eyes trained on her warrior, who still wore her regular clothes and jacket. Like normal, Lexa had unbuttoned her jacket due to the tent's warmth. "Better yet, what day is it?"
Lexa folded her arms and stood next to the bed. "It is the second day of Klark kom Trikru." She then looked to the tent flap. "And nearly a candlemark from sunset." It had been over twenty-four candlemarks since she had brought Clarke to her tent.
Clarke nodded, mostly in relief. If she had slept beyond two days then she would be distraught to lose such time. She shifted under the furs and flinched from the movements. "Shit," she growled.
"Skrish," Lexa supplied in Trigedasleng.
Clarke rolled her eyes. "Please… I don't need Trigedasleng lessons right now." She pulled one of the furs over her shoulder. "Of course I broke ribs on my side that I love to sleep on." She caught Lexa's amused look and sighed at it.
Lexa took another step closer and knelt down beside the bed. She touched Clarke's forehead and mentioned, "Your temperature has been climbing."
Clarke slotted her eyes at her warrior. "It's cold as Hell in here." Yet sweat was beading on her forehead.
"Your fever will break at dawn," Lexa guessed. She suspected Clarke's body was warding off various infections from bloody wounds.
"Great," Clarke muttered. "I must look like sssh... skrish."
Lexa had a faint grin and shook her head. "Impossible." She then stood up. "I will return soon." She indicated the tent flap with her chin. "Ryder will remain on guard if you need anything." She waited for no response and started to the entrance. Her nimble hands worked the jacket's buttons so she would be warm enough.
"Mochof, Heda," Clarke called to her warrior.
Lexa paused in the tent flap and gazed back at her warrior. She nodded and went outside into the snowy afternoon.
Clarke closed her eyes and reached for Ares again. His head rested on the furs, and it was easy to pet him now. She found comfort in his presence, especially now that her warrior was gone. She was drifting off and thinking about her fight against Linden. She smiled at the fact she was now Trikru.
Ares's head popped up when the tent flap made a soft noise. His ears dropped when the bulky male human stepped into the tent.
Clarke rolled her head that way and gazed upon the familiar warrior. She tried sitting up until the warrior waved her off. She wondered why he came into the commander's tent. It was so brave and so stupid too.
"Ryder," Clarke weakly greeted. She kept a hand on Ares so he would stay calm.
Ryder took a few steps closer to the bedside then he knelt down so he was more eye level with Clarke. His dark eyes sparkled in appreciation. He remembered when he first met Clarke and was ordered to protect Clarke. She had changed so much since then.
"Welcome to your clan, Klark of the Tree People."
Even with a beard, Ryder's first smile moved Clarke, and she returned it to him. She nodded and murmured, "Mochof."
Ryder simply nodded, stood up, and exited the commander's tent. He returned to his post and released a content sigh.
Clarke still had her smile as she dozed off into more fitful sleep. A few nightmares still stirred her, but they hardly compared to the twisted one about Mount Weather and killing Lexa. She eventually awoke again and heard the soothing, rhythmic sound of whetstone against metal. She rolled her head towards the sound and discovered the commander seated on a trunk with a blade across her lap.
Lexa sensed the gaze and looked up to her second. She set the whetstone down beside a book on the trunk. She had been reading the book earlier until she lost her concentration. Her thoughts kept going back the clans and the pending turmoil. Sharpening the blade had helped her, somewhat.
Clarke gave a smile when her warrior came over and knelt beside her. "Heya."
"Hei," Lexa softly returned. She stretched out her freehand and touched Clarke's forehead. She was pleased that the fever had calmed, but it was still there. "You are improving."
"I have to be better by tomorrow," Clarke joked.
Lexa's eyes brightened with amusement. "Are you hungry?"
"Well…" Clarke considered her current situation. She noticed it was now dark because the tent was lit by a campfire and torches. "Honestly, I think I need to go to bathroom first before I think about eating anything."
Lexa nodded her understanding. "I will help you." She held out her hand in offer.
Clarke took the hand that was above Ares's head. She went very slow and got out of the furs. It was the first time she realized she only wore a long, tan tunic that went to her knees. She refused to ask how she ended up in it and could only hope Lexa was the one to bear witness to her body.
"I think I can manage from here," Clarke quietly started. She still held onto Lexa's arm for support.
Lexa read between the lines and offered, "Then I will get us dinner." She looked over towards where the pot rested, hidden among curtains. It was a long walk but nothing was in the way to trip Clarke. "If you need help, Ryder is…" Clarke's headshake made her sigh.
"I'll just stay on the floor until you get back," Clarke swore. She patted Lexa's arm and released her. "I'll embarrass myself in front of you, but nobody else." She pulled away and gingerly began her journey across the tent.
Lexa remained poised there and watched Ares take Clarke's side. She closed her hand and lowered it to her side. She then turned and left the tent. She wanted to hurry. By the time she returned with a full tray, she found her second back in the furs. Lexa was relieved Clarke made out okay.
Clarke had propped up a few furs behind her so she was more upright. It helped her breathe better too. "I haven't been served in bed in some time." She smiled at the grin that graced her warrior's supple lips. "Do you treat all your warriors so well?"
Lexa enjoyed her second's playful mood. She had seen Clarke under so much stress and pressure these last days. The change was quite welcomed after such a hard challenge, even for Lexa. "Only ones I favor." She retrieved a short, empty table that she dragged over to the bed with her freehand. Lexa moved with such ease.
Clarke curiously studied the food that was placed upon the table. "It smells good." Her last decent meal was days ago, before she left the Trikru camp for the hunt.
"It is turkey," Lexa informed. "Do you prefer dark meat?"
"Love it," Clarke replied.
Lexa suspected as much. She plucked a full plate and handed it to her second. She picked up the second plate and seemed unsure where to go.
Clarke patted Ares's side and ordered, "Scoot, boy." She was glad when he made room for Lexa. "Don't you love how we just take over when it's not our tent?"
Lexa sat down on the side of the bed, near Clarke's hip. She stretched out her legs and settled the plate on her lap. "I do not mind." She held out a fork to Clarke. "It is nice to have company for once."
Clarke softened at the tender confession. She took the fork and was about to dig in until Lexa's voice haltered her.
"Wait," Lexa ordered. She stood up and placed her plate back on the table. She muttered something in Trigedasleng and took wide steps over to the stand that held the silver cups. She retrieved a skin that was tucked under it. She filled both cups with a brown liquid that's scent made Lexa's mouth water.
Clarke was curious as her warrior came back with two filled cups. She put her plate down in her lap and retrieved the filled cup given to her.
Lexa remained knelt with her own cup.
Ares was between the pair. He lifted his head and curiously sniffed the air because of the food and drink.
Lexa raised her cup and recalled the Skaikru custom to toast. But, this time she used Trigedasleng rather than English. "In honor and celebration of Klark of the Tree People."
Clarke raised her cup higher, closer to Lexa's own. "To our new strength." She smiled when Lexa smiled at her first. She brought her cup forward and clinked it against Lexa's own. Like Lexa, she swallowed down the beautiful liquor and hummed happily afterwards. "Cider from Polis." She had loved the cider when they were there. "You snuck some back."
Lexa set the half filled cup on the ground. "I have been waiting so patiently to drink it." Her eyes were warm.
Clarke chuckled at her warrior's surprise with holding the cider to celebrate her Right to Honor.
Lexa stood and collected her plate. She sat again and saw Clarke was eating too.
Clarke was so happy to eat the turkey. It kept her mind off her body's pain and mild fever. She poked the sliced carrots around and figured out what spices the cook had used on them. She noted the side salad had simple vinaigrette on it. If it was one thing she could never complain about, it was the amazing food and meals that her new people could provide her. She suspected they loved to eat so well because life was short and should not be wasted with bad food.
"What happens now?" Clarke inquired.
Lexa glanced over at her second. "Tomorrow we celebrate Klark kom Trikru." She was trying the carrots but continued to explain the plans. "I will send out a hunting party tomorrow morning. They will bring back several kills for the celebration, but your kill will be the center piece."
Clarke nodded and curiously studied her warrior. "Is this like an all day thing?"
Lexa grinned at her second. "Mostly." She pushed the side salad into the center of the plate after she finished off the turkey and carrots. "It truly begins before sunset."
Clarke shook her head and asked, "What happens?"
"We eat, drink, and dance," Lexa explained.
Clarke went pale. "Dance?" she echoed weakly. She blew out a breath. "I have two left feet, Lexa."
Lexa shook with a silent laugh. She looked over at her second. "Not from what I have seen."
Clarke met her warrior's gaze. "Hand-to-hand combat is totally different than dancing."
"Is it?" Lexa countered.
Clarke was tongue tied and shook her head. She went back to her meal but eventually asked, "What happens after the celebration?" She paused and tapped the fork against the plate. "What's next for me?"
Lexa set her fork down on the empty plate. "You become a skilled warrior now." She nodded once. "I will train you to fight with weapons."
"The swords," Clarke guessed.
"Swords, staff, bow, throwing blades, daggers, axes…"
"I have the dagger and bow down pretty good," Clarke considered aloud. She then narrowed her eyes when a glint entered her warrior's eyes. "What?"
"Not on horseback."
Clarke was confused until she pieced together what her warrior meant by horseback. "You want me to shoot arrows from a galloping horse?" She was wide eye.
"Sha," Lexa stated.
Clarke laughed, in wonderment. She was mentally picturing herself on horseback and firing arrows. It was completely impossible in her mind.
Lexa leaned closer to her second. "If I can do it, so can you."
"Okay just because you've been a warrior since the age of… two or whatever," Clarke ranted, "Does not mean I can do everything you do."
"Six," Lexa corrected. She straightened up and further explained, "I was six when I picked up my first sword."
Clarke released a strained breath as her mind now drew a young Lexa with a big sword. She huffed and put the fork down on the empty plate. "It's amazing you have opened up to me at all after everything you've been through."
Lexa tilted her head at the curious, offhanded statement. She bent forward some and picked up the cup. "You are worthy to open up to."
Clarke sadly smiled and nodded. She too picked up her cup. She noticed how different Lexa seemed now that the challenge was complete and Clarke had earned her honor. The challenge had stressed Lexa just as deeply as it did Clarke, and now they were past it. They could shed the stress away and simply be themselves, alone here in the tent.
"Do you wish for more cider?" Lexa offered. She held out her open palm, ready to take the cup. "It will help with your pain."
Clarke chuckled and gave over the cup. "I'm already starting to feel it." She knew the stuff was potent. She had to admit it did help with her pain. "Maybe one more."
Lexa consented and stood up with her empty plate and the cup. She deposited the plate onto the tray and did the same with Clarke's own. She grabbed her cup too and then refilled them both.
"How is Raven?"
Lexa was coming back with the filled cups. "She is still very displeased with me. She made sure I brought you here safely and checked on you yesterday."
Clarke accepted the cup and sipped on it. The cider warmed her full belly and dulled her body's pains. She could feel her resolve slipping, and she would soon fall asleep again. "I will talk to her."
"It does not bother me," Lexa argued.
Clarke studied her warrior through hooded eyes. "I'll talk to her," she repeated softly. She drank more of the cider.
"I forced your hand to kill both your love interest," Lexa reminded.
"You forced nothing," Clarke argued. "I made that decision to spare Finn after he murdered eight people." She had finally said it aloud, even if slightly buzzed by the cider. "He murdered eight people who are now mine too."
Lexa sadly studied her exhausted second. "Rest, Klark." She leaned forward and took the nearly empty cup.
"Where will you sleep?" Clarke muttered. She had already fallen asleep in those few seconds.
Lexa studied her second's peaceful features. She hoped Clarke's fever would be gone tomorrow morning and that Clarke's first day as Trikru could truly begin. She released a low sigh and finally answered, "Where I belong… with you."
To be continued.