Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: See the prologue.
AN: Well, I amazingly have one hour to spare here before it's Wednesday. I was scrambling to complete this chapter, but it is a longer than normal one. There's a lot going on in this chapter. I hope y'all like it. Thank you for hanging in there for this update. It was a long wait!
AN2: I'm going to forewarn again that it's possible I may not post next Tuesday (could be later in the week). Right now, I'm dealing with a break up with my girlfriend of four years. So I'm in the middle of moving into my own place and dealing with... so many things. I apologize for the disruption and the fact I still haven't had a chance to respond to feedback. But I'll do my best.
Please enjoy!
Started: March 3, 2015
Series 1, Story #2
Hedatu
by Red Hope
Chapter 35
Ares sniffed the cool air, which was tangy thanks to the unnatural walls around him. He edged closer to his human friend, who had hints of the forest clinging to her clothes. It calmed Ares's nerves since they first entered the metal beast. His nails continued clicking rhythmically with Clarke's boots pounding against the floor.
Clarke exchanged a glance with Octavia Blake, at her right side. They were on a search for either Marcus Kane or Clarke's mother. A meeting was expected today, but Clarke never setup a specific time. She decided she wanted to spend her morning going on a hunt with Ares, Octavia, and most likely Connor. Another break from the meetings would give Clarke a chance to discern the meaning behind her dream last night. Clarke had yet to let go of the brief dream she had with Lexa.
As they rounded a turn, Clarke suddenly collided directly into tall yet lean body. She automatically latched onto raised arms, and hands hooked onto her shoulders. Clarke had to tilt her head back until she had a clear view of a familiar face. Instantly, her gut wrenched hard then her heart lurched before it hammered against her chest. Color drained from her face, and she muttered, "Jasper."
Jasper realized exactly who he was holding onto and jerked his hands free. He took one step back then narrowed his eyes.
Octavia stared in worry between the two former friends. She was unsure how Jasper viewed Clarke Griffin now or what he would do, but she was ready to act if necessary. Every muscle tensed in her legs and arms as she prepared to spring forward if necessary.
Jasper's shock morphed into a dark look.
Clarke was hit by an angry wave from Jasper. She held up her left hand but kept from touching him. "Jasper, I..." She was at a complete lost what to say to him. She was unprepared to face him at this very moment.
Octavia saw the first hint in Jasper's clenched jaw and balled hands. She launched forward before Jasper was on Clarke with his fists. She slammed him back into the wall near him. "Don't," she warned him.
Jasper was furious and tried shoving Octavia off him, but she was amazingly strong. "Get the fuck off," he snarled. "She's the fucking murderer!"
Octavia shoved him hard against the metal wall. She pressed her forearm against his chest to hold him in place. Distantly, she was sure she heard boots beating against the floor.
Ares was barring his fangs towards the male human's threats. He was hunkered low and crept forward a step towards the threat.
Jasper wrestled against Octavia and pointed at Clarke. "You murdered over three hundred people!"
Clarke curled her hands at her side and stared back at Jasper. She blinked away the sting in her eyes but yet the faces of Mount Weather started flashing through her mind.
Jasper finally tossed Octavia off but only made it a step before Octavia shoved him away from Clarke. He growled but remained there on his own accord. He continued holding Clarke's gaze. "You committed mass murder without a second thought," he snapped.
Clarke lifted her chin. From the corner of her eye, she saw three guards jogging towards them due to the disturbance. "And I'd do it again... to save our people."
Jasper took a step closer but Octavia blocked him. He flashed a dark smile and laughed at Clarke. "Yeah... thank God we're not your people anymore."
"Is there a problem?"
Jasper and Clarke continued with their locked glares. Nobody responded to Bellamy Blake's question. As the few tense seconds passed, everybody waited for the stalemate to come to an end. Finally Jasper took a step back from Octavia, who prevented him from getting to Clarke.
Jasper barred his teeth and hotly snapped, "Go fucking float yourself." He tore his eyes off Clarke as he turned towards Bellamy behind him. "Three hundred times over," he muttered. He brushed passed Bellamy and the two other guards. From that point, nobody paid anymore attention to him.
Clarke continued clenching and releasing her jaw, in an attempt to contain her stormy emotions. She turned her fire blue eyes onto Bellamy, who had been one of the guards to check on the commotion. In a strained voice, she replied, "Problem solved... thanks for the help." She placed her hand on Ares's back, in hopes it would calm them both.
Ares had gone quiet. His teeth were hidden again, but his ears were still down. All the tension kept his nerves on edge. He remained close to Clarke.
Bellamy gave curt nod then looked at his sister.
Octavia folded her arms. She waited for her brother to say something further, but she was amazed that he simply left them. For a few seconds, she tried placing the one, tall guard that had been with Bellamy. Octavia recognized her as a former delinquent, but her name was on the tip of Octavia's tongue. She shook it away and waited until Bellamy and the two other guards were well out of earshot before she looked to Clarke. She released a heavy breath and asked, "Are you alright?"
Clarke cut her eyes from Bellamy's receding figure to her guard. She only gave a nod then continued the journey through the former Alpha station.
Octavia returned to Clarke's side. She noticed that Ares walked even closer to Clarke. She agreed with the wolf's protective stance. She blew out a low breath and felt slightly bad for throttling Jasper, but if he attacked Clarke then it would damage any new relations. She hoped Jasper kept to himself.
Clarke saw the hospital ahead and hoped that her mother was there. She slowed as they neared the hospital. A few ounces of control had come over her emotions. She looked over at Octavia and softly offered, "Thank you."
Octavia hardly expected the thank you and nodded back. She had a sad smile and followed Clarke into the hospital. Shortly, they located Abby Griffin, who was taking care of a few patients with a common cold. She waited for Clarke to talk to her mother about setting up the meeting for later today. Afterwards, they left the space station and went back outside of Camp Jaha.
At the grounder camp, Clarke relayed to Indra about their plans to go on a hunt. Connor was pleased to be asked to join Octavia and Clarke. However, Indra insisted that Lincoln also go with them. Clarke readily agreed it was the best idea, especially after being secretly shaken by the earlier incident with Jasper.
Clarke told Octavia, Connor, and Lincoln to go prepare themselves for the hunt. For another moment, she remained with Indra and told her about Nyko bringing the former reapers to their camp. She caught a slight hesitation in Indra's eyes, but they were in agreement that it was for the best. Just as Clarke was about to leave the general's side, she heard hooves hitting the frozen ground.
Indra slotted her eyes at the horse galloping across the valley towards them. She suspected who had sent the rider. Like Clarke, she stepped out of the camp and approached the rider and horse.
Clarke watched the rider slow the horse down once closer to their camp. She was tense with worry that something was wrong. However, she appeared calm and waited for the rider to come to them.
The horse whined and huffed after his reins were pulled hard. He pranced on his hooves once then walked towards the waiting humans. He was stopped once close enough.
"Fing tombom," the Trikru warrior greeted.
Clarke approached the mounted warrior. She sensed Ares at her side. "Sha."
"Heda don ron raun info," the warrior informed. He wore a typical black mask, which made his voice gravely and heavy. He reached into his black jacket and retrieved the message. He bent to his left and held it down to the commander's second.
"Mochof." Clarke freed the string that kept the rolled message closed up. She unrolled it, carefully and allowed the English words to come into focus.
The rider remained on his mount. He announced, "Heda na kom deyu op."
Indra perked up at the news of the commander's arrival. "Taim?" She noted that Clarke was reading over the message from their commander.
"Pastwel," the rider replied.
Clarke rolled up the letter and looked back at Indra. "We're meeting Heda at the drop ship."
Indra curiously glanced at the commander's second, but she waited to ask anything.
Clarke gazed up at the rider. "Oso na hit Heda der in pastwel op."
The rider bowed his head then pulled on the reins. He urged his horse into a gallop so that he could return to Tondc by nightfall. He knew the commander was waiting for a response from her second.
Clarke lowered the message to her side, clenched tightly. She saw the unspoken question in the general's eyes. "She wishes to retrieve Anya's body."
Indra weighed the news about why they were meeting the commander by the Sky People's drop ship. She hated that place, like many. She suspected Clarke disliked it just as much. But, like the commander, they were obligated to retrieve Anya's body and give her a proper return to the stars. She would face the despair that those lands around the drop ship brought their people.
Clarke had the message rolled up again. She returned to her tent and tucked it away in her saddlebags. Then she collected her bow and filled quiver for today's hunt. Just as she and Ares came out, they nearly collided with Octavia.
"Ready?"
Clarke nodded.
Octavia, however, shook her head and argued, "You're not." At her friend's odd look, she better explained, "War paint."
Clarke gave a low hum at the thought of wearing war paint for the hunt. She had not worn any since her Right to Honor celebration. She backed stepped into the tent after conceding with Octavia's idea.
Octavia went to her bags and fished out the war paint kit that Indra had gifted her. She noted Clarke was doing the same. "Need any help?"
Clarke had set the bow and quiver down. She had her own kit open but glanced over at her guard. "Maybe." She wanted to try it herself first. She sat down, next to Ares. As she applied the paint, she noticed how Ares curiously regarded her.
Octavia finished hers first, more experience with it. She watched Clarke using the mirror and short brush to put on the war paint. She slightly grinned because Clarke mimicked the exact design that the commander had done for the celebration. Unlike Clarke, Octavia had yet to receive her design from Indra. Perhaps one day it would happen for her.
Clarke stood up with the kit left behind on the furs. She looked over at Octavia. "Look right?"
Octavia grinned and approached her friend. "Sha." She nodded to the tent flap. "Come on... daylight is burning." She hurried out with Clarke and Ares in tow.
Clarke slung the quiver across her back and caused the arrows to rustle. She grew more excited at the prospect of a hunt. She even sensed Ares's own thrill for a hunt. "We'll go on foot," she mentioned.
Octavia seconded it. She and Clarke met up with Connor and Lincoln just outside the camp. Once altogether, they turned to the nearby woods and started for it. They hoped for a fine kill.
Under the morning light, the woods' brown and green hues glowed warmly and welcomed the Tree People to her lands. A few birds swooped past or ducked behind bushes. Plenty of squirrels chattered their teeth at the humans and watched them go by.
"Over here," Lincoln called to the group.
Connor came over next and knelt beside him. "I would say about eight."
Clarke and Octavia joined the pair. Clarke trailed her eyes along the prints of the deer herd. "They went to the stream that way."
"Forging it," Octavia agreed.
Lincoln decided it was enough chatter and followed the trail.
Ares had been busy sniffing the deer's scent around the area. He grew excited at the invisible trail he smelled, but he could tell it had been awhile ago. Still, he hurried past Lincoln with his nose to the ground.
Clarke jogged after her furry friend, in hopes to find the herd.
"Is that not cheating?" Lincoln argued.
Clarke threw a grin over her shoulder to Lincoln. "Not to Ares."
Lincoln softly laughed but picked up the pace to stay alongside the commander's second.
Ares guided the group to the very stream that the deer had forged hours ago. He suddenly started darting around the water's edge. He was desperate to find a scent.
"They went across the river." Connor pointed to the prints on the other side.
Clarke stood next to Ares, along the stream side. She eyed the distance until the large boulder to the left caught her attention. She hurried the few yards up the stream then hopped onto the boulder. Behind her, the others followed her lead. Clarke came across the stream and waited for the other clansmen.
Last across was Ares after he watched the humans do it. He went directly to the prints and picked up the animals' scents. Ares huffed then bolted off at a run.
"Jok," Connor cursed.
Clarke raced after the wolf, who moved quickly through the trees and brush. She stayed behind him and carried her bow in her left hand. Behind her, she heard the other warriors giving chase.
Ares slowed and pushed his nose closer to the ground. He went down a hill then veered past a rock wall. He went back up the hill on the other side.
Clarke realized it was a some kind of former lake, dried up now. She huffed up the side of the hill but came to an abrupt stop upon seeing the small deer herd. She ducked behind a tree.
Lincoln and Octavia came up next, followed by Connor. Like Clarke, they found hiding spots among the area. Lincoln looked over at Clarke, for leadership.
Clarke kept her body pressed against the tree, but she peered around it at the herd. She counted eight, as Connor estimated it. She considered how many deer would suffice them. Most likely two would be enough, especially since their commander would be joining them soon. She was unsure how many men Lexa would bring, but the two deer would be enough for now. With her attention on her companions, she gave the hand signal for two kills and lowered her arm back to her side after receiving nods of agreement.
Octavia and Lincoln remained knelt behind a bush. Connor was positioned behind a tree, like Clarke. She occasionally glanced over her shoulder towards the deer. In her hands, she readied a bow and looked over at Clarke.
Ares started inching past Lincoln, ready to pounce the deer. He wanted one for himself. However, Clarke latched onto his fur. He huffed low and sat down beside Lincoln in understanding to the command.
Clarke looked across to Connor and gave her a nod. She raised her left hand and spun her pointed finger in the air. She gave Connor the order to hunt with her. She then nodded at Lincoln and Octavia to remain in place, for backup. She and Connor would scare the deer towards Lincoln and Octavia.
Connor knelt and started through the trees.
Clarke retrieved an arrow and nocked it. Like Connor, she crept low and quietly, closer to their prey. She looked forward to practicing her archery after so many days. A deer kill would be much simpler than a mountain lion. Briefly, those memories came back and caused her body to warm with excitement. Clarke tucked away the past and focused on her current hunt. She continued silently making her way closer to the herd. Occasionally she traded a glance with Connor, who was also sneaking around the herd.
Connor went still when the lookout deer lifted his head up. For a heartbeat, she admired his antlers that he proudly displayed for all. She remained motionless and noticed Clarke had done the same.
Clarke finally moved again after the buck lowered his head. She watched her footing and took the quietest steps. She was thankful there was no breeze or else her scent could give her away to the deer. She came alongside the heard but many paces away from them. She continued more to the rear of the herd so that they would run towards Lincoln and Octavia.
Connor took position after Clarke. She was knelt behind a boulder and tightened her arrow against the bowstring. She was ready for the signal.
Clarke was hidden behind two large holly bushes. For a second, she noticed how plentiful the red berries were on the bushes. She set aside her thoughts and instead tightened her grip on the bow. She bent forward until she saw Connor. She made the signal to take out the nearest deer. She hoped between herself and Connor, they would kill one deer then Octavia and Lincoln would get a second one. Or at least that was the plan.
Connor nodded at the order from the commander's second. She waited a beat and listened carefully for the initial surge. Her taut muscles suddenly launched her upward, and she jumped up onto the boulder.
Clarke had already risen with her arrow lining up with the closest deer. "Yu gonplei ste odon," she breathed against the arrow's shaft. She released it.
Connor echoed the words. Like Clarke's arrow, it sailed after its target that had already sprung into motion. She reached for another arrow. The herd's trample made her blood thrum with enjoyment.
The closest deer took the arrows with a low cry. She tumbled but still staggered to her feet. Already the other deer had abandoned her for their own lives. She attempted a low cry but two more arrows cut into her and ended her life painlessly.
The rest of the herd flew through the woods and hopped around obstacles. They headed directly for the steep hill until a black wolf came at them. Several deer veered away but the wolf launched after them. More arrows rained on the weakest buck in the group.
Ares howled before he latched his jaws around the injured buck's throat. He took the deer down and snapped his neck even though the arrows had already pierced his heart. Ares dropped the deer after it stopped twitching against his muzzle.
Lincoln and Octavia approached the down deer then looked over at Connor and Clarke. They were busy dragging their kill over to the downed buck. Together, the group organized the two kills by lashing each deer's front hooves together then the back ones. Connor and Clarke went first with their kill and carried it together. They started the procession with Octavia and Lincoln behind them. Octavia took the buck's front and Lincoln handled the rear. In single file, they started back to the camp at a slow pace, the deer heavy on their shoulders and arms. At the front of the group, Ares led like a proud alpha of his pack.
With a glance of her watch, Clarke noted it was almost ten o'clock. She had promised to meet her mother and Marcus Kane around one o'clock to go over maps and such. However, the slow walk back to the grounder camp was giving her time to think about the reshaping alliance. Lexa's suggestion about the Mountain turned heavy in her mind. That damn Mountain was a bloody stain in many people's memories, especially the Tree People. And yet, the Mountain was a symbol to all. It was a conquest, it was a trophy, and it was a death threat. The Mountain was where the gods lived and watched over the ground and could toy with the mortals.
Clarke was drawn out from her thoughts when she saw Ares slow down. She noticed how his nose went into the air, oddly. She considered what scent tickled his senses. Perhaps another prey was nearby, most likely scattering at hearing humans. But then when Ares's ears dropped down, she realized it was a hunter rather than prey. Panic set deep into her bones, but she was unsure what to tell the group. Clarke's only warning was Ares's growl towards the emerging threat off to the right, between two trees.
Jasper Jordan's dark figure materialized from the autumn colors of the woods. His black metal gun hovered in the air but was aimed with precision at a single target. Jasper's wide eyes held murder towards the commander of death. He incoherently muttered something as his finger rolled against the trigger.
"Clarke!" Octavia had long ago released the deer. She was closest to Clarke and bolted towards Clarke with all her strength. She heard the shot fire, and Octavia launched herself at the shell shocked blond.
Clarke gave a low cry when her guard collided with her. She heard Octavia's painful grunt before they both went down to the ground. Distantly, she heard terrified screams mixed with fierce snarls. Clarke envisioned Ares tearing Jasper Jordan limb by limb. She yelled Ares's name. She prayed Ares was safe because a single bullet was all it would take to kill the wolf.
Ares had taken Jasper down to the ground. A few blows came at Ares's side, but it only made Ares more determined to kill the human. He tore forward and clamped his jaws around the human's neck. He heard a low gurgle then cold metal was pressed against Ares's temple.
Jasper struggled to pull on the trigger, but air become more important as he tried sucking in a breath. His wide eyes dulled in color.
"Ares!"
The wolf snarled and growled harder. His jaws tightened further until his name made him slow down.
Jasper nearly had the strength now to pull the trigger, until the gun was kicked out of his hand. He wanted to yelp at the pain from the kick.
"Let him go, Ares!" Lincoln demanded. He refused to touch the wolf and only hoped the wolf respected him enough to listen to the order.
Ares indeed released the human but snapped at Jasper's face. Droplets of blood fell from his fangs as he showed them at Jasper. Ares's green eyes burned with hunger.
Lincoln grabbed Jasper by his jacket and hauled him up. He threw Jasper into the tree behind them and pressed a knife to Jasper's neck. He took in all the blood over Jasper's face and neck thanks to Ares. Behind them, Ares was snarling with savage need to protect his pack.
Connor came to Lincoln's side and ordered, "Gyon au Okteivia."
Lincoln's anger faded into fear at Connor's words. He released Jasper without care and rushed off. However, Connor took his place and held Jasper at sword point.
Lincoln crossed the short distance with frantic steps. He fell to his knees beside his fallen partner.
Octavia let out a cry when Clarke touched her shoulder again.
"It's okay... it's okay," Clarke frantically pleaded with her friend. Octavia's blood was all over her hands. "We're going to get you back to Camp Jaha." She looked up at Lincoln. "She took a bullet to her shoulder," she hastily explained.
Lincoln looked to Clarke for help and what to do for Octavia.
"Take her," Clarke implored. She was frantic and feared that Octavia would bleed out soon.
Lincoln hastened to pick up Octavia. He kept his emotions in check even though Octavia's scream tore against his heart.
"Take her to my mother," Clarke ordered, hotly. Her blue eyes were bright, from upset and withheld tears.
Lincoln was up and already leaving the area for Camp Jaha. Octavia's whimpers forced him to go faster.
Connor barred her teeth when the Sky boy gave a lazy smile. "Yo vout in dison ste leyos?!" She wrapped both hands around the sword's hilt and prepared to push the tip through his chest.
"Hod op!" Clarke yelled at the warrior.
The tip of Connor's blade had pierced through the Sky boy's shirt, just above the opening in his jacket. She snarled low and nearly ignored the order from the commander's second. Clarke was merely a second, but Clarke was also Wanheda. Connor growled and took one step back, blade still pointed at the Sky boy.
Clarke was relieved and started towards them. She picked up Jasper's forgotten gun. She neared them and saw Jasper's smile. She shook her head then ordered, "Sis em op." Such a command was still clear in Clarke's mind when Lexa had ordered Lincoln to be taken prisoner on the Mountain. She now gave that same order towards somebody she had considered a friend.
Ares backed off when Connor grabbed Jasper Jordan. He watched Connor shove Jasper forward, sword now pointed at Jasper's back.
Jasper looked over at Clarke. His smile was still prominent, and he simply whispered, "So close." His pupils were large and eyes marred with redness.
Clarke's lower lip trembled slightly, but she snapped, "You better pray Octavia lives."
Connor jumped forward and slammed her palm against Jasper's back to make him go. She then grabbed his jacket's collar and forced him away from the commander's second.
"Get him back to our camp," Clarke added. "Keep him tied up until I return." She sensed Ares closer to her now. "Have Indra send warriors to retrieve the deer." She followed closely behind Connor and Jasper. "I'm going to Camp Jaha."
"Sha," Connor agreed. She watched Clarke and the wolf pass them. She focused on her prisoner, who move with little control or care. She wanted to run him through, but she had orders.
Clarke and Ares sprinted through the woods until they caught up to Lincoln and Octavia. She briefly explained to Lincoln that she would go rally her mother then she and Ares sprinted off towards Camp Jaha. At full speed, she and Ares ate up the distance in seconds until they were in the valley.
From the grounder camp, Indra and Bluemont were stirred by Clarke's sudden appearance in the valley. Hints of confusion were in their features when Clarke went running by without a word. Indra had seen such speeds due to panic, and it came true when Lincoln came out of the woods with Octavia in his arms.
Bluemont stepped out of the camp but paused and looked towards the commander's second so close to the Sky People's camp.
Indra raced out of the camp and ran towards Lincoln. Octavia's pained whimpers tore against Indra, and she hotly demanded what happened to her second.
Lincoln barely explained it as he was focused on jogging to Camp Jaha. The adrenaline rush kept his muscles strong and his stamina high. From the Sky Camp, he heard Clarke's yells.
"Open the gates!" Clarke shoved against them as the guards pulled them open.
Yells and hollers carried around the camp thanks to Clarke's fiery arrival. The gates seemed to open too slowly but Sky People came out in worry upon seeing Clarke Griffin's frantic manners. One guard asserted herself among the others and grabbed Clarke's shoulder. Her firm hold seemed to give Clarke a second to regain control.
"What's happened?" the guard demanded. She stood tall, especially compared to Clarke.
Clarke focused on the guard's concerned features. She realized it was the same guard that had accompanied Bellamy earlier today. "I need my mother. Octavia has been shot." In the recesses of her memory, she recalled this Sky girl among the delinquents. However, the taller girl's name evaded Clarke at the moment.
The guard gave a curt nod and promised, "I'll get her." She left Clarke's side, slung the rifle over her shoulder, and ran off to retrieve Doctor Griffin.
Clarke turned on her heels and ignored the other Sky People's demands about the problem. She visually locked on Lincoln and Indra jogging towards them. Clarke needed to guide Lincoln to the hospital within the metal beast's maze.
"What's going on?"
Clarke turned her head to Bellamy Blake. A rush of air nearly made her chest collapse. She had to explain to Bellamy what happened to his little sister.
Bellamy came near Clarke and the wolf. He ignore the wolf's hiss of warning and instead demanded, "What happened, Clarke?" But then he realized it was Octavia in Lincoln's arms.
"Octavia has been shot," Clarke explained in a rush. She hurried to Lincoln and ordered, "This way."
Indra glared at any Sky People that were in their way. It cleared a path for them to rush Octavia to the mouth of the former space station.
Inside the space station, boots boomed against the metal floors. Heavy voices echoed hard against the walls. Octavia's pained whimpers continued with each slight jar of her shoulder. Blood had oozed down her arm. With each minute, her grip around Lincoln's neck grew weaker. Overhead the florescent lights blurred by until finally everything went white. She became limp in Lincoln's arms. Her head hung loosely in the crook of his arm.
At the other end of the hallway, Clarke spotted her mother being led by the tall, blond haired guard. "Mom!" she hollered down.
Abby Griffin broke from the guard and ran down to them. Behind her, she heard the guard catching up to them. "What happened?" She caught the war paint on her daughter's face. But, she focused on Octavia's unconscious form.
"She took a bullet in the shoulder," Clarke said in a rush. Her heart thundered against her chest and looked to her mom in desperation. "She's lost a lot of blood."
"Come on," Abby ordered Lincoln. "I have Jackson getting a room ready." She jogged alongside with the group. She entered the hospital first and hollered for Jackson, who jumped out of the room. He waved Abby into it and went into assistant mode.
"Get her on the table," Abby told Lincoln. She quickly cleaned her hands. "Jackson, remove her jacket and shirt."
Clarke helped Jackson with removing the clothes. Behind her, she heard Ares's pacing, and it did nothing to sooth her nerves. A few moans came from Octavia, but she remained unconscious.
When Abby turned around, she realized there were far too many people in the small room. "Everybody out except for Clarke." She noted Bellamy and the female guard made a move to leave but Indra and Lincoln stayed in the room.
Clarke saw it and ordered, "Gonat!"
Lincoln had been staring, frozen by Octavia's bleeding, limp body. He snapped at hearing the barked command. Then Indra grabbed his shoulder and guided him out of the room.
Clarke shut the door then went over to the same bowl her mother used to clean her hands. It gave her a few seconds to calm down and collect her thoughts. She needed to focus for Octavia's sake.
Jackson and Abby were already faced with the angry bullet wound that seeped blood from it. Jackson worked without orders after having learned Abby's methods. They were in perfect sync as they slowed the bleeding and gave an injection to Octavia. Abby already had a portable x-ray device in hand and scanned the wound for the location of the bullet. She had hoped it passed through, but she sighed sadly at seeing the metal object wedged into muscle tissue. She sensed her daughter at her side.
Outside of the room, Indra and Lincoln remained in the narrow hallway of the hospital. Indra wanted to stay, but she had to find out exactly what happened to Octavia. She realized she had yet to see Connor. She turned to Lincoln.
Under the hard stare, Lincoln knew what was on the general's mind. In Trigedasleng, he told Indra what had happened out in the woods. As he recanted everything, he saw Indra's eyes ice over and jaw grow tighter. Without a word, Indra left his side. Lincoln remained in the hallway and started pacing, alone.
Clarke eventually slipped out of the room with Ares behind her. She closed the door then put on her jacket. After she adjusted it over her shoulders, she neared Lincoln. "Give them a little more time then you can see her."
Lincoln released a breath. He gave a low nod and whispered, "Mochof."
Clarke grabbed his shoulder and squeezed it. "She'll be okay," she softly promised. She took a step away but mentioned, "I'll be back to check on her, but I need you to stay with her for now." She had to be sure that Jasper was under arrest, not being strung up to a tree for dead.
Lincoln gave a low nod. He watched the commander's second leave.
Clarke and Ares left the hospital. Her gait was wide as she quickly crossed the distance between her and the grounder camp. She noticed the Sky People jumped out of her way. She suspected it was due to her appearance as a warrior, including the war paint. Most likely a black wolf was just as intimidating too.
Once out of the space station, Clarke and the wolf went directly to the gates. She slowed when Bellamy Blake came over to her. She turned to him and held his upset features with her stern ones.
"What happened out there?" Bellamy questioned.
Clarke weighed her choice to tell Bellamy the truth, or at least some of it. She knew he had a right since it was his sister. She released a low sigh then stepped in closer to him. At Ares's low growl, she waved him off before she peered up at Bellamy.
"It was Jasper," Clarke softly revealed.
"What?" Bellamy slotted his eyes, and a furrow worked across his brow. "Jasper shot her?"
Clarke swallowed and better explained, "He tried shooting me... Octavia saved me by taking the shot."
Bellamy briefly closed his eyes and willed his self control. He released a strained breath. When he spoke, his voice trembled in anger. "Where is he?" He shook his head and hotly added, "Jasper."
"We have him," Clarke replied. She looked towards the gates. "And I need to make sure he's still alive." She broke away from Bellamy until a strong hand caught her forearm.
"He should be in lock up," Bellamy argued.
Clarke partially turned towards her former co-leader. "I know." She would deal with it later. She walked off after Bellamy let her go.
Bellamy swallowed hard and watched Clarke leave with the wolf at her side. After a moment, he turned and went in search of Marcus Kane.
Clarke made it to the gate, but the same tall female guard stepped into her path.
"Is she alright?"
Clarke peered up into cloudy blue eyes. Again, the guard's name was lost on her, and Clarke felt slightly guilt for it. "Yeah... she'll be okay." She saw the strain leave the guard's features. "Thank you for your help."
"Of course." The guard then held out her hand. "I'm Bethani, by the way."
Clarke took the hand into hers and returned the firm grip. A bell rang in the back of her mind at hearing the first name. "Heister," she recalled aloud.
Bethani had a slight smile and released hands after the shake. "Yeah."
Clarke shook her head. "How did you..."
Bethani folded her arms, which caused the rifle at her back to shift. "Become a guard?" She nodded in Bellamy's former direction. "Like Bell did... good behavior." She tilted her head. "I guess going for a joy ride in Janus wasn't that big of a crime after all."
All at once it came back to Clarke when she heard about the sixteen year old Bethani Heister being arrested for hijacking Janus, a four person repair ship, for a ride around the Ark. Apparently from that day forward, Bethani's skills with tech nearly rivaled Monty Green's own.
"If there's anything I can do," Bethani further offered.
Clarke shook her head. "That's alright but thank you." She looked towards the grounder camp beyond the gates.
Bethani stepped aside after a faint nod. As she watched Clarke Griffin leave, she removed her black hat and fixed her hair before putting it back on again. She then turned to the right when she heard Marcus Kane's voice. She saw Bellamy with him. Bethani sensed more trouble and groaned at the possiblities.
"What's going on?"
Bethani turned to Monroe. "Octavia Blake got shot."
"What?" Monroe had been on patrol. "By who?"
Bethani only shook her head. She had yet to hear exactly what happened, but everybody knew it was a Sky Person since it involved a bullet.
Monroe was about to leave and continue duty, except Bellamy and Marcus Kane were headed towards them. She cringed and muttered, "This isn't good."
Bethani gave a low grumble of agreement.
Bellamy was in the lead and approached both guards that were his friend.
"Go get Miller," Marcus Kane informed Bellamy.
"Yes, sir." Bellamy hurried off. He knew which Miller without asking Marcus Kane.
Marcus turned to the two women. "You two are with us."
Monroe traded a worry glance with Bethani, but they both stayed put until Bellamy returned with David Miller.
"What's going on, Marcus?" David inquired.
"Come with me," Marcus Kane replied instead. He wished to get away from the camp first. He marched out of Camp Jaha after ordering the guards to keep the gates open for now. Once far enough away, he slowed down and mentioned, "We're going to the grounder camp to arrest Jasper Jordan."
"Sir?" Monroe hesitantly tempted.
"Keep your guns away and don't give off any hostility towards the grounders," Marcus continued.
"Why are we arresting Jasper?"
Marcus paused and looked at David Miller. "He shot at Clarke but hit Octavia instead."
"And the grounders have him," Bellamy added.
David straightened his shoulders. "Alright." He nodded at Marcus to proceed to the grounder camp.
Marcus Kane continued to the camp and remained rather calm, but he was quite nervous. He was thankful that Clarke was in charge and would probably easily see reason. However, Indra was another matter, but Marcus hoped his newly built relationship with Indra would pay off now. Jasper Jordan was meant to be in under the Sky People's lock and key.
Once near the camp, Marcus greeted the grounders with a weak smile. He was thankful when Clarke quickly came over, but Marcus's eyes cut over to Jasper Jordan, who was seated on the frozen ground, bloody, and tied up. A female grounder stood guard next to Jasper. Even from a distance, Marcus could tell Jasper had lost his senses.
"Clarke, we need to talk about this."
Clarke looked over at Penn and Bluemont and realized they protectively flanked her. In Trigedasleng, she softly ordered them to back off. However, she allowed Ares to stay with her.
"There is nothing to discuss," Indra snapped. She brushed past Bluemont and took a stance beside Clarke. "He attacked the commander's second and nearly killed mine." Anger edged along her voice. "He will-"
"Indra," Clarke gently cut off. It was her nicest attempt to have the general by silent. She waited a beat before she looked at Marcus Kane.
"At least let us lock him up," Marcus carefully offered. He looked from Indra to Clarke Griffin. "We can decide later what's the best punishment."
Indra opened her mouth but Clarke cut her off.
"Indra," Clarke stated with more force this time. Her blue eyes burned at the general and demanded respect. She was pleased when Indra physically took a step back to give space. She released a strained breath before she turned to Marcus again. "The commander will be here tomorrow," she informed. She watched how Marcus's concerns heightened at the mere mentioned of the commander's arrival. "I will allow her to decide on Jasper's fate." The thought of it made Clarke tremble.
"Clarke-"
"Until then," Clarke cut off, "I will allow the Skaikru to hold him in lock up." She decided they had enough concerns without having to guard Jasper Jordan too. "Are we in agreement?"
Marcus weighed the idea of the Tree People handling Jasper's punishment, but Clarke's idea was obvious. They all needed time to process what had transpired in the woods and what it meant for the alliance. Clarke was buying them time by waiting for the commander's arrival. After much consideration, he nodded and promised, "Yes."
Clarke was pleased enough, but she had no idea what this meant for Jasper. She nodded and offered, "You may take him." She half turned and ordered, "Breik em Skaikru au."
Connor remained on guard and clenched her grip on the sword hilt. She huffed when the commander's second ordered the release of the Sky boy to his people. She lifted her chin when two Sky People approached her and the prisoner.
Bellamy was slow, careful. He noticed Bethani was doing the same. Bellamy warily eyed the grounder warrior that guarded Jasper Jordan.
Bethani was closer to the warrior, and she easily towered over the short warrior. She was at least half a foot taller than the warrior. However, Bethani considered the long sword gave the Trikru warrior more power. Even with a rifle at her back, she was uneasy about the Trikru warrior. Bethani decided to be bold and knelt down for the prisoner.
Jasper smiled at his two friends and mentioned, "Good to see you guys."
"Shut up," Bellamy snapped at him. He was knelt beside Jasper too. He smelled the alcohol coming off Jasper. He softly groaned at Jasper's pure stupidity. "Got him?"
Like Bellamy, Bethani had hooked her hands around Jasper's arm. She hefted Jasper up onto his feet with Bellamy's help. She was about to move until a blade was pointed at her face. Bethani sucked in a breath and stared at the steel blue eyes that glared up at her.
"Your friend," Connor growled low, "is possessed by Wanmeika."
Bethani cut her eyes from the sword blade and stared oddly at the warrior. If the sword was gone, she would feel quite differently about the blue eyes and brunette features of the warrior. She cleared her throat and husked, "Wanmeika?"
Connor withdrew the sword and walked away without translating the word.
"Come on, Bethani," Bellamy instructed.
Bethani turned and latched her other hand on Jasper's tied arm. Even though they were walking Jasper out of the camp, Bethani still peered over her shoulder. With a quick scan, she located the female Trikru warrior that had pointed a sword at her.
Jasper Jordan stumbled twice but righted himself after a bit. He gave his fellow Sky People a smile.
"Get him to lock up," Marcus Kane ordered Bellamy and Bethani.
Monroe decided to accompany them while Marcus and David remained with Clarke.
Jasper was escorted back to Camp Jaha. He half twisted around and hollered, "See ya next time, Clarkey!"
"Shut the fuck up," Bellamy hissed at Jasper. He shoved his friend hard. He wanted to do so much more because Octavia was injured by Jasper.
Bethani caught Jasper before he fell down. She shook her head and hoped Jasper indeed took Bellamy's advice.
"Thank you, Clarke." Marcus saw Indra's dark expression so he sighed. "I know we can work this out. And I hope this doesn't end what we've worked so hard for these past days."
Indra shook with anger so she walked away and put space between them. She hated that the Sky People had Octavia in the hospital and now took the prisoner.
"We'll discuss this more later," Clarke promised. She threaded her fingers through Ares's fur. She needed the comfort.
Marcus nodded and turned with David Miller joining him on the walk back to camp. He rubbed his brow as he thought about all the implications Jasper's attack meant for them. All of them.
Clarke stood there and watched the Sky People return to camp with Jasper Jordan. Briefly, she closed her eyes and only opened them when she heard the gates' creaks. She released a shaky breath after the gates sealed shut. She turned and took in the warriors' various looks. Everyone appeared neutral at first until she saw the anger shining in their eyes. Blood always demanded blood in her new people's culture.
Ares whined and nudged his human's arm. He wanted to comfort Clarke, but he could only follow her into the camp.
Clarke took a seat on a stool and did her best to ignore the other warriors. She needed to figure out the best way to handle this mess, especially when Lexa arrived tomorrow. She bent forward and shut her eyes.
Indra took a seat on the other side of the fire.
With frustration, Clarke popped up and ordered, "Connor, Bluemont, and Penn... we need to bring those deer back." She hoped the distraction would busy them all.
"Sha," Penn agreed.
Clarke retrieved the bow that was across her back. She left it in the camp, near her shared tent. She departed the camp with the three warriors in tow.
Indra remained in the camp, on guard. She spent time sharpening her sword, which gave her a chance to clear the dark fog in her head. She thought about the fact that Clarke allowed the Sky People to take Jasper. It was the best decision until their commander could carry out the punishment. At least, Indra felt it was the Tree People's authority over the Sky boy's life. Eventually, her calming session ended because Nyko arrived with three former reapers.
Nyko approached the general and explained, "We must build tents for them."
"I will have Penn and Bluemont do that," Indra promised. She traded a faint nod with her son and watched them all take seats.
"What happened to Octavia?"
Indra returned her attention to the healer. In a quiet voice, she replied, "She was shot by a Sky boy."
Nyko instantly understood why Bellamy Blake was escorting a Sky boy that was bound by Trikru ropes. He shook his head and asked, "Why has the Skaikru taken him?"
"Klark," Indra simply replied. She ended the conversation by checking on the three newcomers.
Nyko sighed and decided to follow Indra's lead.
By early afternoon, Clarke returned with the deer. She spent time helping skin and clean the deer. Later she disappeared into her tent and cleaned up before the meeting, but she was surprised to hear her mother's voice. She shook it off as her imagination. However, when she and Ares left the tent, her mother was indeed in the camp.
Abby Griffin was seated next to the general. She and Indra were having a soft conversation. She went quiet when her daughter came over to them.
Clarke had picked up a stool and positioned it next to her mother. "How's Octavia?"
Abby had been filling in Indra about Octavia's condition. She gave a nod and reported, "Stable." She had her hands folded in her lap. "I have Lincoln staying with her."
"Has she woken up?"
Abby shook her head at Clarke's question. "Probably late... maybe even tomorrow."
Clarke released a heavy breath then peered over at the quiet general. "Yu beda ai em op."
Indra stared at the fire and never met Clarke's gaze. She sighed and softly replied, "Sha."
Abby asked nothing and instead turned to her daughter. "Do you wish to cancel the meeting?"
Clarke weighed it, but she actually needed it to continue so she could focus on something other than Jasper Jordan. "No... I don't think so."
As the chancellor, Abby had many worries, more than ever. She cleared her throat and mentioned, "This could change everything, Clarke." She watched the tight lines form along her daughter's profile. A new stress pressed down on Clarke's shoulders. She hated seeing it, but she could barely do anything.
"No." Clarke shook her head and pushed aside her emotions. She had to think, logically, like a leader. "One Sky Person doesn't stand for the whole."
Abby had already spoken to Marcus Kane and knew that Lexa's arrival was tomorrow. She blew out a heavy breath and argued, "The commander may think differently."
"I'll talk to the commander," Clarke promised. She stood up and ended the conversation.
Abby relented and climbed to her feet. She traded a last glance with Indra. With Clarke and the wolf, she returned to Camp Jaha. About halfway to the gates, Abby placed her hand against her daughter's back and softly confessed, "I'm glad you're okay."
Clarke swallowed and nodded. She looked at her mother. "Thanks." She felt her mother's hand pressed harder against her back. "Thank you for saving Octavia."
"She's not out of the woods quite yet, but she should be okay."
Clarke was grateful either way. She looked ahead at the gates. "Mom..."
"Yeah?"
"That was a really bad pun."
Abby considered what Clarke meant until it dawned on her. She shook her head and offered, "Sorry."
Clarke had a bittersweet smile. She knew her mother meant nothing by Octavia being out of the woods. Yet still, it had jarred Clarke back to the forest where Octavia had been shot by Jasper. She had a huge amount of respect built up in her chest for Octavia.
In the space station, Marcus Kane waited for Abby and Clarke at the same meeting room. He nodded at them and closed the door once they came inside with him. He allowed Ares to pass before the door sealed shut. He then turned and saw how Clarke stood unusually close to her mother.
"How are you doing, Clarke?" Marcus took a step closer.
"A little rattled," Clarke admitted.
Ares sat down beside Clarke. His tongue slightly hung out due to the heat in the space station.
"I'm sorry this happened," Marcus honestly offered. He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm not even sure where he got a gun."
At the mention of the weapon, Clarke reached behind her back and retrieved the handgun. She held out the handle to Marcus. "I don't know either."
Marcus checked the safety then tucked it away in his jacket. "I'll look into it." The guns were issued and the markings on it would tell him more later. "Are you sure about this meeting?"
"I'd like to focus on something other than Jasper." Clarke would handle him once Lexa showed up tomorrow.
"You don't think this'll change things?" Marcus debated. He noticed the chancellor's own worries.
Clarke shook her head and again promised, "I'll handle it." Yet, she had little idea what to do about it or how to tell Lexa.
Marcus was still uneasy, but he nodded anyway. He indicated the surface table. "I have the map up on the screen." He knew they were suppose to talk about territories and get a better idea of where they were allowed to travel, for now.
"Actually," Clarke cut off the two Sky leaders.
Abby and Marcus were part of the way to the surface table. They both hesitated and gazed back at Clarke. Abby noticed a change in her daughter's mannerism, which was an indication that something major had changed for them.
"I've been thinking... a lot." Clarke was staring down at Ares, as if searching for something in his green eyes. She released a low breath and met the two leaders' worried stares. "About the future... for all of us."
Marcus folded his arms and cut his worried features from Abby to Clarke. He tilted his head.
"What you mean, Clarke?" Abby tucked her hands into her jean pockets. It was a typical nervous habit for her.
Clarke approached the leaders. Under the white light, her thinly scabbed features showed now that the war paint was gone. She looked gravely between both her mother and Marcus Kane. "I have decided that..." She hesitated and gathered her courage to voice a very different future than one already mapped out. This would be a true turning point, for the Sky People and Tree People. "That the Sky People will move into Mount Weather."
Abby's eyes were blown wide, and her jaw slightly loose at the deceleration.
Marcus was at a loss. His next breath hung in his chest. He was sure that he had misheard Clarke Griffin. But, it had to be true because the chancellor wore his same shock.
Clarke allowed the silence to linger in the room until finally questions bombarded her from both the leaders. She closed her eyes and listened to the rushed inquiries. She would field every single worry until they were in agreement. Her decision and idea made the most sense, even if many would fail to see it. The Sky People taking over the Mountain was a strategic move, and a bold one made by the infamous Wanheda.
Similar to past meetings, Clarke was truly drained by the talks. She dragged herself from the meeting with Ares on her heels. She was startled when she came out of the room and Connor was standing there.
Connor gave a single nod of greeting. She was obviously Clarke's new guard.
"You will let us know when the commander arrives?" Marcus asked Clarke.
"Of course." Clarke then bid goodnight to her mother and Marcus. She then turned to Connor and mentioned, "I want to see Octavia before we go back to camp."
Connor nodded and accompanied the commander's second through the space station.
Clarke listened to Ares's nails softly striking the metal floor. She found comfort in his presence and also Connor's own. She glanced over at the warrior. "What is Wanmeika?" She understood that the very words meant Hand's Death, but she had no idea the story behind it.
"A type of spirit," Connor softly explained. She brushed loose hair behind her right ear. "One that possess the mentally ill." She moved her hand to her sword hilt and rested it there. "Wanmeika helps those find vengeance." She met Clarke's gaze. "Whether justified or not." She shook her head and stared worriedly ahead. "It never ends with the ill earning peace." She blew out a breath and softly added, "Wanmeika often claims both victims."
Clarke ran her fingers through her hair and shook her head. She had to find a way to peacefully deal with Jasper. However, she understood the gravity of the situation because an attack on Clarke meant an attack the commander. To add to it, Octavia was seriously injured by Jasper's revenge driven hunt.
"The only way to stop Wanmeika," Connor softly mentioned, "Is to stop the ill."
Clarke closed her eyes, briefly. She turned the corner and saw the hospital's entrance. She noted that a guard was posted there and instantly recognized the tall blond bombshell.
Bethani Heister had her rifle in her hands. She was at attention but offered a slight smile at seeing Clarke Griffin. Once the two Tree People were close, she mentioned, "The chancellor has ordered a guard posted at the hospital until Octavia is well." She lowered the rifle to her side. "I volunteered."
Clarke gave a weak smile. "Thanks."
Bethani peered over her shoulder, into the hospital. "I think she's still asleep." She noticed that Lincoln had yet to leave Octavia's room.
Clarke decided to find out for herself. She and Connor passed the entrance and went to the first room on the left. She suspected her mother would move Octavia tomorrow into a regular room. For now, it was better to play it safe. Just as she touched the handle, she turned back to Connor. She ordered the warrior to wait there for her.
Connor shifted to a spot beside the room's door. She listened to it click into place. With hesitation, her eyes quickly darted back and forth as a few Sky People passed here and there. She then felt a curious stare lock hard onto her. Connor looked to the right and realized the guard had somewhat entered the hospital.
Bethani had casually strolled into the hospital further. However, she took a dominant stance in the center of the hallway so that she had a clear view of those coming into the hospital. After a tense minute, she peered over her shoulder at the Trikru warrior. Now that there was no sword being pointed at her, Bethani was far more confident. Under her black hat's brim, her blue eyes sparkled playfully.
"My name is Bethani," the Sky guard mentioned.
Connor pretended to ignore the girl, who was a few years younger. She kept her stare straight ahead.
Bethani was hardly turned off by the warrior's stubbornness. She was more amused than anything, but she did her best to keep that under wraps in case it angered the warrior. She was hardly in the mood to have another sword pointed at her throat. She decided another attempt was worth it, but perhaps in the native tongue.
"Ai laik Bethoni," the guard introduced in Trigedasleng. This time, Bethani earned a harsh glare for her use of the native tongue. Well, at least it was progress, if nothing else, Bethani decided. She looked away from the warrior and bit the inside of her mouth. It seemed the warrior's glare was as sharp as her sword.
"Do you have a name?" Bethani pressed. She hoped to find a way past the warrior's thick armor. "Of course you do," she muttered. She shook her head at how the warrior kept ignoring her. "Maybe I'll just give you one until you tell me." She pursed her lips, as if in serious consideration.
Connor rolled her eyes and watched a Sky Person pass between the space that separated her from the guard. She hoped Clarke would hurry up.
"How about Lil," Bethani teased. She flashed a brilliant smile at the silent warrior. "Since you are pretty little." She tensed when the warrior took a step towards her. She did her best to keep her rifle down unless she wanted to accidentally incite a war. Everybody was tense enough after today.
"Sorry." Bethani held up her hand and muttered, "I forgot Tree People don't have a sense of humor." She was grateful that the warrior made no other move. She blew out a breath and decided to stay quiet.
Connor released a low huff and remained in the same spot to show she would never back off. She relaxed only a slight degree upon Clarke's return.
Clarke had a furrow across her brow at seeing Bethani now within the hallway but still obviously on duty. She glanced at Connor, who was very tense. She parted her lips then shook her head against the idea about asking anything. "Let's go." She passed Bethani and offered a goodbye.
Ares paused beside the Sky guard and sniffed her when she offered her hand. After he logged her scent, he nudged his nose into her open palm.
Bethani smiled and ruffled the wolf's soft fur. She rather liked him. She watched him hurry off after Clarke Griffin. She then leaned to the left and watched the short warrior that she had fondly nicknamed Lil. "I'll find out your name," she muttered in promise.
Clarke puckered her lips a little after she noticed Connor's rattled appearance. It was so unusual so she asked, "Everything okay?"
"Sha." Connor steeled her features. She pushed aside her thoughts about the brazen Sky guard. "Haukom?"
Clarke canted her head to the side and stole a better view of Connor's profile. Whatever had bothered Connor earlier was gone or hidden away. She inwardly sighed at warriors' ability to hide emotions in an instant. "Just checking," she replied in English. She let it go.
In the Trikru camp, there were new residence and a few more tents. The former reapers had been released from Abby Griffin's care. It was obvious they were happy to be out of the Sky camp. However, everybody was very quiet and dinner brought little to no conversation. There were no war stories to boast fame and glory. Indra had visited Octavia, according to Lincoln. Clarke never pressed the matter with Indra further. She needed to give the general time to cool off after the incident.
Now completely worn out from the day, Clarke retired early and nearly collapsed into the furs. She was grateful that her warrior would be here tomorrow. She would have been giddy, but instead she was worried about so many things. Her decision about the Sky People and the Mountain were heavy in her mind. Alone in the tent, Clarke's fears ate away at what she thought had been a good decision today. She curled up close to Ares, in need of comfort. She prayed to whatever goddess that would listen and asked for help when it came to telling Lexa. Tomorrow she would learn if her word was truly Lexa's word. Clarke had made so many promises today, and she had to deliver on them, for all her people.
At first light, Clarke woke up in a new habit she was forming these days. She found Ares still close to her, like any night. She snuggled with him for several minutes before she left the furs.
Ares happily enjoyed Clarke's arm draped over him. A few times, he licked her cheek and heard her low laugh. However, he sensed it was a broken laugh. He nudged her forehead with his cold nose, but she just stayed still.
Clarke sighed heavily. A mixture of excitement and worry made her stomach do flips. "You'll protect me if she decides to put me on my ass, right boy?" A low rumble came from the wolf's chest. She took that as a promise. She took several deep breaths and collected her courage. "Alright... I can do this." She had faced so much worse, but Lexa's wrath seemed scarier than anything else. She made herself get up and take on the day. She put on her usual pants but a clean shirt this time. Last was her jacket, but she opted for war paint today.
Ares remained in the furs until it was time to go. He followed Clarke and shared a breakfast with her. He expected to go to the metal monster down in the valley. However, he was happy to stay by the fire because the Tree People started practicing with their weapons and fists. From a particular spot, he was able to stay warm and still watch his human friend.
Clarke needed the practice and worked out some of her stress. She learned a lot from fighting against Connor. She was also excited when Connor showed her a new move to take an opponent to the ground and lock them down.
Indra looked to the sun and announced, "It is nearly sun high."
Clarke was in a choke hold, but she jammed her elbow hard into Connor's side. She overpowered the smaller warrior and threw Connor to the ground. She latched onto Connor's arms, behind Connor's back and used her body weight to hold Connor in place.
Connor had a slight grin. "Leid."
Clarke smiled at the compliment. "Chof." She released the warrior and helped her to her feet. "I have learned much."
Connor brushed off the dirt and gave a nod. "You are easy to teach." She went to the water skins and handed Clarke one. Together, they drank and neared Indra. Like the others, they went to camp and hurried to get ready for the walk to the drop ship.
In the group, Clarke had selected Indra, Bluemont, and Connor. She left Penn and Nyko to stay with the still healing clansmen. Together, the small group departed the valley and entered the woods. Clarke clearly remembered the way to the drop ship, still quite fresh in her memory. Beside her, she felt both Ares and Connor's constant presence. Clarke wondered if Indra had appointed Connor her new guard or if Connor had taken it upon herself.
Gradually, an old worn path revealed itself and encouraged the Tree People to follow it. It eventually brought them to the hollow remnants of the former drop ship. It was a lifeless creature that had crashed Clarke and ninety-nine other sacrifices. Clarke stared at the cold metal of the ship before her eyes drew down to the ashen ground. Skulls and other bone still protruded through the ground as if Hades once resided here. An old battle spoke about the gods' children descending from the sky and punishing those on Earth for not kneeling to them.
"Clarke?" Connor warily eyed the former Sky Princess. She wondered how many difficult memories this place brought Clarke.
Clarke tore her gaze off the drop ship and looked at Connor. She then focused on the rest of her clansmen that waited for orders. "Disha wai," she ordered the group. She navigated them into the nearby woods so that they could have space between them and the cursed drop ship.
Ares trotted alongside Clarke. He feverishly sniffed the area with only half his attention on their direction. He smelled so many memories of humans.
Clarke followed a faint, narrow path into the woods until she was upon a small clearing. "We'll wait here." She looked to Bluemont. "Wait for Heda at the drop ship... just in case."
"Sha," Bluemont conceded. He weaved through the other clansmen and returned to the path.
Connor approached the commander's second and softly asked, "Are you alright?" She remembered how Clarke had asked her last night after the Sky guard ruffled her own feathers.
Clarke had reached for her water skin. "Sha." She took a quick drink then asked, "Will you come with me?"
Connor gave a curt nod. She was use to orders, not requests.
Clarke tucked the water skin into the small rucksack she had brought with her. She picked up the sack and slung it over her shoulder. "Indra, Connor and I are going to visit a few graves."
Indra had sat down on a rock. She looked over at the commander's second. She only acknowledged Clarke's words with a long stare.
"Let us know when Heda is here," Clarke further added. She and Connor departed the clearing with Ares. She easily remembered the way to the grave sites. Each step closer made her knees weaker until she shakily stood in front of graves. Without control, Clarke sunk to her knees in front of Wells Jaha's grave.
Connor remained to the side. She watched Ares approached Clarke's side.
Ares sat down beside his human friend. He wagged his tails twice when Clarke petted him.
Clarke silently continued speaking to Wells about all that had happened recently. She thanked him for his devoted friendship and never stopped apologizing for her narrowed anger towards him. Clarke became so lost in her thoughts and prayers. She only stirred when Ares twisted his head to the left and Connor gave a greeting in Trigedasleng to a newcomer.
Clarke hastily climbed off the frozen ground and turned to the newcomer. Her eyes hungrily ate in the view of the commander.
Connor pursed her lips when her commander and Clarke stared at each other in tense silence. She almost was certain if she touched the space between them that she would be electrocuted by it. She cleared her throat and muttered an excuse to leave them. In a heartbeat, she was gone.
Clarke continued holding her warrior's stare. Gradually Connor's footfall faded away, and it freed Clarke from her hold. She started forward, as if pulled by a rope. It had been too many days since she last saw Lexa, her warrior.
Lexa's left hand tightened around the sword's hilt at her side. She breathed heavier, and the cold air burned in her chest. The first tremble passed through her knotted stomach when Clarke paused a step in front of her.
"Heda," Clarke rasped. Her eyes showed a glisten in them, even with such a cloudy day.
Lexa distrusted her voice and simply dipped her head in acknowledgment. Her emotions betrayed her though and showed through her war paint. She could see Clarke's own turmoil passed her war paint's darker edges. She had missed Clarke's blue eyes that were accented by the black war paint.
Clarke had managed several days without Lexa at her side. The talks at Camp Jaha had grounded her nerves down. Her emotions were frail after what happened with Jasper. But now, she stood before the only one that truly knew her. They were bound again. At this very instant, Clarke now understood what made them the same and why the Gods blessed them.
Clarke was the first to break. She was happy to break.
Lexa was thrown back one step when her second collided with her. She could barely snaked her arms around Clarke before Clarke snared her in a crushing hug. Lexa held her breath until Clarke's hold loosened enough for her to breathe normal. After her first inhale, her lips sought out Clarke's own in a feverish kiss.
Clarke moaned loud and slid her left hand past Lexa's shoulder until she had brown strands in her fingers. She let her emotions slid off her tongue and trade passion with Lexa. Once their teeth struck together during their frantic kissing, but they both calmed as they mended their connection. Clarke whimpered after their lips pulled apart.
Lexa kept Clarke's body flush against hers. Her right arm anchored across Clarke's lower back. Her left hand gently pushed against the back of Clarke's forehead. For a minute, their heads rested together and their eyes stayed closed. For days, Lexa had fought against the burn deep in her chest that tied her to Clarke. At first, she had done her best to ignore it because an old voice still reprimanded her about love. Then finally, Lexa no longer gave a damn. This was her fate and even the Gods agreed upon it.
"I missed you," Clarke voiced, in a low and even worried tone. Her eyelids screwed tighter, ready for rejection.
"As I have missed you," Lexa murmured against flushed lips. She felt Clarke's lips tug into a smile, and Lexa had to taste it. This time, it was slower and more searching than the crazed passion.
Clarke pressed some of her weight against Lexa's stronger frame. When her right hand pressed down on Lexa's pauldron, she felt the strength and security there. Lexa supported Clarke's weight as if it were her own. Clarke moved her left hand to Lexa's lower cheek and accidently smudged a little war paint. She could only care about the sensations and tenderness between them.
After the tender kiss came to a slow end, Clarke drew her head back and gazed seriously upon her warrior. She could have trembled from the words on the tip of her tongue. But, Lexa's support freed her from the worry. She softly declared, "I understand now." She cupped her warrior's cheek. "I understand us now."
Lexa ducked her head and peered curiously into blue eyes. She wanted to hear what realization had come to Clarke over the past days. She was wired with anticipation.
"We're strong apart," Clarke murmured. She brushed her thumb along her warrior's flushed cheek, just near the war paint. "But we're stronger together." She saw the light dancing in Lexa's green eyes.
Lexa leaned her forehead against Clarke's brow and whispered, "Sha." She tangled her hand into golden strands and gave a low hum of pleasure when Clarke's lips brushed against her chilly ones. She had missed her second so greatly.
Clarke hated to break their contact, but they only had so much daylight left. She lifted her head and mentioned, "I promised to take you to Anya's grave."
Lexa gave a low nod.
Clarke took one step back and nearly offered to give direction, except Ares approached the commander.
Lexa knelt a little and became eye level with the two tailed wolf. She rubbed his head and toyed with an ear. "It's good to see you too."
Ares returned a pleased rumble. He wagged his tails when Lexa stood up.
Clarke nodded to her left. "Come on." She wanted to take Lexa to Anya alone, first. Later, they could dig open the grave and retrieve Anya's body. Like what she had done for Raven, she hoped this would bring Lexa peace after Anya's untimely death.
Lexa followed alongside and kept quiet. She appeared calm, and only her heavy breathing gave away her concerns. When they came past a few trees, she first spotted a dirt mound.
Clarke recognized the spot and especially the grave. She balled her hands at her side and prepared to face a piece of her past, again. However, as she drew closer, she felt her heart fall into her stomach at seeing the upturned earth.
Lexa had slowed until her last steps brought her alongside the disrupted grave.
Clarke stared in horror at the grave that had been opened up. "No... no, n-n-no." She came to the grave's edge and tried understanding what happened to Anya's body because the grave was empty. She jerked her attention up to the commander. "Lexa, I..." She was at an utter loss.
Lexa grabbed her sword's hilt and growled low at the empty grave before she looked over at her second at the foot of the grave. "Somebody has stolen her body."
"This doesn't make sense," Clarke declared. Pure panic washed over her features, and she looked between Lexa and the empty grave. "I was the only one that knew she was here." She stared worriedly at her warrior. "Lexa, I swear I buried her here."
"Then where is she?" Lexa snapped. She watched Clarke walk away from her and the grave.
Ares had taken a seat nearby, but he popped up and went over to Clarke. He tried getting her attention, but she was too upset.
Lexa knelt beside the grave and inspected the overturned dirt. From an initial study, she declared, "Somebody dug her up a long time ago." The dirt had former sprouts of grass in it.
Clarke had her back to Lexa and the grave. She was staring up at the trees, towards the cloudy sky. She found no answer as to who would have taken Anya's body. At hearing Lexa's conclusion, she spun around and demanded, "Who and why the Hell would anybody take her body?"
Lexa stood up but had no answers to Clarke's very good question. She hotly muttered, "This is why we burn the dead."
Clarke dragged her fingers through her hair and approached Lexa. "I'm going to figure out what happened." She held her warrior's hard stare. "I swear it." She hoped she could keep her promise this time.
Lexa believed her second's promise, even if it was probably futile. She looked bitterly at the grave again. "The only travelers in these lands are Skaikru, Trikru, and Maunon."
Clarke shook at the sheer mention of the Maunon. She was going to have a very bad day, but she should have been happy to see Lexa. However, she had failed to deliver Anya's body and soon she would deliver the news about Jasper Jordan and the Skaikru's pending takeover of the Mountain. She closed her eyes and prayed she would not end up in Anya's grave in the near future.
To be continued.
Trigedasleng to English
Heda don ron raun info. - The commander sent a message.
Heda na kom deyu op. - The commander will arrive tomorrow.
Taim? - When?
Pastwel. - Afternoon.
Oso na hit Heda der in pastwel op. - We will meet the commander there in the afternoon.
Gyon au Okteivia. - Go to Octavia.
Yo vout in dison ste leyos?! - You think this is funny?!
Sis em op. - Take him.
Gonat! - Leave!
Breik em Skaikru au. - Release him to the Sky People.
Yu beda ai em op. - You should see her.