Chapter 26: Holding out for a hero

Title from Holding out for a hero by Bonnie Tyler.

So sorry for taking so long, AGAIN :( Studies are killing me.

And I live in shock with season 3, so much Clexa!

Enjoy!

Clarke and I entered one of the many living rooms that my home had. Octavia, Lincoln, Bellamy, Echo and Kira were waiting inside of it.

-Where is my brother?

-And Monty?

Clarke asked after me.

-They went to find Sheidgeda, I guess they felt this was going to be a boring discussion so they went to do more entertaining things.

Bellamy answered and stood from his chair.

-Now if you don't mind, Commander, would you care to explain what is happening?

Bellamy sounded annoyed.

-What did Luna tell you?

-She told me what happened to Lincoln. Miss jealous had an attack and then your father came to fuck things up just a little more. To sum up, she now has to face some trials.

Octavia explained what they knew and I saw how Clarke's face was a mix of anger and embarrassment.

-She had to tell you everything, didn't she?

-Somebody needs to calm down.

Octavia answered back.

-And that's me? She was the one who was all over Lexa last night and Lexa acting-

I covered her mouth with my hand.

-Clarke, I thought we were pass through this, aren't we?

I looked into her eyes and I saw remorse, I moved my hand away and caught hers between mines.

-I know, you both explained to me, I'm just being stupid, again.

She sighed and lowered her head, not daring to look at me.

-Don't, Clarke. Don't punish yourself. You know I would never do something like cheating you. We have more important things to discuss. I'm not leaving anywhere, okay?

Just as Clarke looked up and smiled at me, Octavia made a disguising gag sound.

-Please Lincoln, tell me we are not like them!

Bellamy started to laugh.

-Sometimes you two are even worse than them!

We joined his laughs while Lincoln hold Octavia who was trying to hit her brother.

When the atmosphere finally relaxed, Lincoln broke the silence.

-Heda, what Clarke proposed in the celebration is to be a link?

I nodded and he nodded back.

-Then we need to prepare her as best as we can.

-Wait, wait. You may know what that means, but Bellamy and I are a completely lost.

Octavia shouted again, I wonder if she goes shouting all day, every day of every week.

-My father wanted to make her be my second just as you were… I mean are, of Indra.

-And where is the bad in that?

Octavia asked confused.

-Don't take this as an offense to yourself, but Clarke is the true leader of the Sky People and if she had turned into my second, then she would have lost the power she has. You are a soldier and to be a second is an honourable task for you but for Clarke, it would mean an insult to her leader spirit.

Octavia and Bellamy took in all the information.

-So becoming a link, would make us part of your people until we reach a solution?

Bellamy was the one asking now.

-You won't be a part of our coalition, nor our people. But Clarke will be a messenger between both groups and as a link, she will be able to ensure that neither of us will hurt the other.

-So we are using her again to keep ourselves safe.

Octavia commented through greeted teeth.

-You are not using me Octavia. I decided to do this willingly until our people chose a path to follow.

Octavia stood still for a moment, her head trying to make a decision.

-Okay, I know you just want to help us Clarke. But you are not alone in this, you don't have to bear all of this by yourself. And before you say anything about dealing with this on your own so we can be happy, just don't. I want you to be happy too so don't forget that I will help you in everything I can.

Bellamy moved closer to Clarke and smiled at her.

-All that my sister said, I think the same way, Clarke, You are the one chosen to lead our people but that doesn't mean you have to do it without help.

Clarke jumped to hug Bellamy and after that she enveloped Octavia in another one. When they moved apart, she came back to my side and held my hand. I gave a gentle squeeze before speaking again but I was interrupted by Octavia.

-After this gross moment, I see myself forced to tell you the real reason why you make the decision to be the link.

Clarke looked at Octavia as confused as I was.

-So you can be all smoochy with Lexa without people, especially Lexa's father, bothering you!

Lincoln, for the thousand time, turned pale, Bellamy just tried to hold his laughter while Echo looked alarmed.

Clarke changed into rage mode while I found my cheeks burning but it couldn't be, I wasn't blushing in front of them.

But of course Octavia would notice and even before Clarke had tried to harm her, she pointed at me, a mischievous smile on her mouth.

-Is the great Commander actually blushing?

-I'm not blushing, Octavia. None of you think I was blushing.

My cold voice made Octavia jump and she covered herself behind Lincoln. I smiled slightly and Clarke chuckled softly.

-Lexa is trying to improve her joking skill, I guess she still has a long way.

-Not cool, not cool at all.

Mumbled Octavia as Echo spoke to me.

-You are so different, Heda. Ashkna has created and spread an image of you that is the opposite. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to know the real Commander of the twelve clans. Whatever happens in the future, remember that the Ice Nation is not Ashkna, please.

Echo looked at me, her eyes pleading for me to listen to her request. I looked at Kira, who had been watching everything, briefly and she nodded.

-I am aware of that, Echo. Although I owe you an apology. I didn't trust you because you were part of the Ice Nation when I should have judged you for who you are, a person.

Echo smiled, a true smile, before answering.

-I accept your apology Heda. And you must know, the day you accepted us, was the day I made one of the best decisions in my life.

I nodded at her and offered her the hand which Clarke wasn't holding. Echo took it and we shook hands. It felt good to finally get to tell her how I felt and her words, reassured me. I did the right thing that day, I was sure now.

-We must focus on Clarke now. We need to help her to get ready for the trials. I can help her with the spiritual one, although I will need your help Lincoln.

-We still need to talk with the Elders, Kira. They have to accept her.

Kira looked at me as if I was actually doubting they would accept her petition.

-She vanished Mount Weather, of course they will accept her. Who will help her with the physical trial?

-I can assist her when I'm not busy with my duties. Clarke you will need Luna's help.

Instead of reacting again with anger, Clarke nodded, her face showing nothing but seriousness.

-I can also help her, if you let me of course.

Echo said, her voice showing her insecurity.

-Of course you can help Clarke, since you have received training from the ice nation, you can offer her a whole new field of abilities.

We kept talking about strategies and rules until a warrior entered the room.

-My apologies Heda, but some members of the council of the twelve clans want to see you.

After breathing to calm myself, I nodded to the warrior and the doors opened completely.

Some of the members of the twelve clans where standing in front of us, waiting for me to ask what brought them here, Luna was between them. No signal of Ashkna or her second.

Kira quickly covered her head, fearing to find someone who might recognise her.

-What brings nine leaders of their clans and their seconds to my presence?

-We just wanted to express our acceptance towards you and Clarke, we know you don't need our approval, but we will support your relationship whatever happens after the trials.

-I appreciate your support, I made this coalition because I believed we could leave our differences behind to live united, and gestures like these, prove that it could really happen.

One by one, all of them bowed to me and Clarke. Just then I remembered we were still holding hands, I had to use all my self-control not to smile at seeing Clarke blushing furiously.

-Being all said, we will leave you alone to keep going with your reunion, thank you for receiving us, Heda.

Luna signalled everyone to stand up.

-Luna, can you stay for a moment?

-Of course Heda.

When everybody left the room I asked Luna.

-Luna, could you help Clarke to improve her physical skills, I'm afraid I can't spend all my time training her.

Luna moved to where Clarke and I were standing, and hugged both of us, her arms holding our shoulders and necks.

-Of course I will help! I can't wait to get to know you better!

Luna said to Clarke once she moved apart from us. Afterwards, she approached me and hit my arm three times before turning around, her hand wavering in the air and her back towards us.

-I will see you tomorrow then Princess.

And with that, Luna exited the room leaving everyone speechless.

I promise I will try to update sooner :'(