Lexa is taken to Polis. Clarke makes a drastic decision.
"Lexa…" Clarke's body jolts forward purely by instinct but stops dead in her tracks almost immediately. 'Patience', she reminds herself. 'Someone could be following them I need to remain vigilant'. She removes the gun from her holster just in case. She focuses her attention on Lexa and watches as Orita helps her descend the hill. 'Fuck, she's not well' Clarke realizes and has to force herself to refrain from running towards her. Suddenly she notices a person emerging from behind them and promptly climbs up the hill a short distance and aims her gun at the intruder. It takes her a few seconds to see is only Esiry, also armed like herself.
Lexa lifts her gaze. "Clarke", she rasps softly and hurries her steps, forcing Orita to do the same.
Knowing they already have the protection needed Clarke sprints forward to meet up with Lexa. It feels like an eternity to reach their location, each step at the rhythm of her heartbeat.
Orita knows Lexa isn't in any condition for an agitated reunion, so she comes up with an idea. "Sit here" she instructs and helps Lexa to a large rock.
If she wanted to question her, the words got stuck in Lexa's throat the moment she saw Clarke approaching her.
"Lexa…" Clarke lets out, stopping in front of the girl. She scans her, like what she is seeing is not real. She crouches down to her level. "Oh my God", Clarke extends her hand to caress Lexa's face, so tenderly and carefully like she was scared to break her.
Lexa closes her eyes in the same state of disbelief as Clarke is in.
Clarke, unable to help herself any longer, grasps Lexa's neck and pulls her forward.
Orita turns her back not wanting to witness the scene in front of her.
It feels like all the pain and negativity disappeared from within Lexa the moment she came in contact with her girlfriend. She inhales the essence of Clarke deeply, knowing she's safe, she is home.
Esiry, who just approached the women, continues to be on alert, pointing her gun up the hills.
Clarke leans back, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She makes eye contact with Lexa, her lips curling up involuntarily.
Lexa reciprocates with a soft smile and droopy eyes.
And it's the last part that forces Clarke to return to current events. She takes a deep breath, more composed now, and rubs Lexa's arms wanting to take a better look at her condition. "How are you fee…"
"Her back" Orita supplies before something can happen. "Watch out for her back".
Immediately Clarke stands up to examine Lexa's back.
Lexa only manages to lift a hand in a weak attempt to stop her girlfriend, to prepare her but a loud gasp announces it's too late.
"Fuck…" Clarke reaches out to touch the wounds instinctively but stops herself, instead, getting closer to examine it thoroughly, "those mother…." Her hands become fists at her sides in sheer frustration and anger. The love of her life was tortured and she knows exactly who the perpetrator was… and she can't wait for the moment she has her right in front of her. But in the meantime, Clarke must focus on leading Lexa to safety. "Babe let's finish going down. C'mon let me help you", she carefully takes Lexa by the hips.
Eager to get out of there and get back to the comfort of Polis, Lexa clings onto Clarke's neck and impulsively pushes herself up. But the emotions, her already-beaten body, and the effort causes her to become extremely dizzy.
"Hey, Lexa". Clarke notices there's something wrong. A few seconds later, she feels the whole weight of Lexa's body on her. "Damn it! She fainted, she fainted!"
Orita sprints into action, grabbing one of Lexa's arms and putting it around her shoulders, just like Clarke is doing, and together they help Lexa down the rest of the hill.
Once they are finally down, Clarke carefully places Lexa in a seating position trying not to hurt her back in the process. "Esiry"! She calls for the other girl once she's down too. "Head for the horse and fire the signal flare".
Esiry promptly does what her commander requested.
Both Clarke and Orita tend to Lexa.
….
It didn't take too long for back up to come in help of Octavia. "arrest her!" She orders energetically.
The soldiers do as they are told, bandaging Echo's hand first to avoid a mess.
The whole time Octavia never stops pointing the gun at Echo.
Bellamy asks a soldier to call for a doctor and bring a jeep quickly. With that set, he returns his attention to his wife. He watches how she moves her hand to her chest, attempting to open her jacket.
"Myr please, stop moving, stop". But it is with her persistence that he notices there is actually no blood coming out. He then begins to unbutton the jacket only to find a very sky-styled piece of clothing. "What the…"
It is only then and through the pain, Myrreh recovers her voice. "It's Raven's new invention. Lighter bulletproof vest. I offered to test it; you know I hate those horrible bulky vests of yours". With some effort she lifts the long sleeve t-shirt uncovering the wounds. "It works…. For the most part." She remarks attempting to sound nonchalant. "It needs some improvement I would say".
Bellamy stares at her, incredulous for a few seconds. Suddenly, a throaty laugh escapes his lips followed immediately by equally sudden choking sobs.
"Aww Bel, it's OK." Myrreh takes Bellamy's head and brings it closer to hers. "I'm fine my softy sky man, I'm fine". She kisses his forehead. "We're fine and soon we're gonna be with our kids. It's OK, everything is gonna be OK".
Letting it all out, Bellamy cries in the comfort of his wife's arms allowing her to console him. Sensing deep within his heart they will indeed be fine.
In the distance, Octavia watches the scene with a sly smile, relieved her sister-in-law seems to be OK.
A bright colorful spark lights up in the sky.
"Clarke", Octavia whispers to herself. "Horse!" she commands, so one of her guards can guide her to the nearby animal. But before she departs, she approaches Echo and hits her on the back of the head with the grip of her gun.
Unconscious and heavily guarded Echo is prepared to be transported to Polis.
…
Octavia makes it right behind the special team in charge of attending the commander's emergency call. She halts the horse close to one vehicle, dismounts, and runs to where the action is taking place.
The heavyweight on Octavia's shoulders seems to lessen considerably when she notices a conscious Lexa being carried by soldiers. "Fuck yeah". She can't help spell. As she walks ahead, Octavia also searches for someone else.
"General." A royal guard calls for Octavia's attention. "Your second is being quickly checked by a healer." At Octavia's expression of concern, she elaborates. "She's fine".
Color returns to Octavia's face, "thank you" she asserts with her head, silently dismissing the guard. She considers going to see Esiry but ultimately decides to verify Lexa's condition and her friend's first. She approaches Clarke and asks softly holding onto Clarke's arm, "how is she"?
Clarke is startled at first but quickly replies when she realizes it's just Octavia. "She lost consciousness earlier. There are severe wounds on her back, she…" Clarke clenches her jaw but ultimately finishes her sentence. "She was whipped and hit".
Octavia grits her teeth but tries to remain composed.
"I'm gonna have my mom check on her. It better not be as bad as it looks."
Trying to reassure her friend Octavia offers, "she's strong, she will be fine". Then in a more serious tone, she adds. "And don't worry, we are gonna make her pay".
"You found her?!" Clarke asks expectantly.
"Yes".
That's all the answer Clarke needs, she swallows containing her anger, and simply nods. "Tell Indra to summon all clan leaders. I'll see you in Polis" With that, she marches to the car that Lexa is already waiting in. But before that she informs Orita. "You're coming in the next jeep, OK?"
The sentence is presented with authority but kindness so Orita has no choice but to nod her agreement.
Now Octavia is the one paying attention to the young girl who made the rescue mission possible. "You". She glances at Orita from head to toe.
Orita fidgets in place, intimidated by the general.
"You're quite the strategist I must say. I'm pleasantly surprised." Octavia remarks with a lifted brow. "You and I are gonna chat about this whole thing on our way to Polis".
"As you wish General". Orita responds more at ease.
Octavia pats the girl's back but then her eyes catch someone else.
In the distance, Esiry notices Octavia and runs towards her.
Octavia does the same and both meet halfway, joining in a strong embrace.
They remain silent for a moment, basking in the presence of each other.
Octavia has a lot of questions; she wants to express her relief in seeing that she is safe, but a mumbled confession makes her postpone her queries.
"I killed two people. I shot them in the head." Esiry's voice is soft on Octavia's shoulder almost like a secret she's scared to share.
The general holds Esiry tighter, grounding her first before slowly leaning back to look into her face. "It was your duty as a warrior Esiry. You did nothing wrong". When she notices the girl is still unconvinced, she tries again, taking her face in her hands. "War is like that kiddo, you do what you have to do to survive. I know full well it's hard and you're allowed to feel bad, but remember your life was also on the line, it was you or them." Then showing some of her own feelings she admits "and I'm fucking glad you pulled through. I can't begin to imagine how it would be if it were the other way around. I need you here".
The words of her mentor paint a bright smile on Esiry's face, she can't help share the sentiment. "I'm glad I'm here too".
Reciprocating the smile Octavia squeezes the girl's shoulders briefly to then guide them both to the next jeep. "How are you feeling? Did they hurt you?"
"I was struck on the head", Esiry quickly informs.
"OK, we're gonna have it checked out. And you?" Octavia asks Orita who is joining them on their way to the vehicle.
"I'm fine, just a few scratches".
"Someone better see you just in case", Octavia suggests. She then instructs the girls to get into the jeep while she takes out her radio. "Miller, you're in charge now". Saying that Octavia joins them in the vehicle.
…
Clarke, in possession of a first aid kit, does her best to clean up Lexa's wounds until they arrive back at the city.
Lexa is laying on her stomach with her head on Clarke's lap, pretending she's not struggling.
With every hiss, every tensing of her muscles, every quiet grunt from Lexa's mouth Clarke wants to scream out loud and burst into tears. Her girlfriend is in pain and that breaks her heart but there's nothing she can do, other than trying to lessen the damage from the open wounds and offer some comfort. "It's OK babe, you don't have to play tough with me."
Lexa exhales loudly giving up her façade. "It hurts".
After Lexa admitted the obvious, Clarke assumes a protective role. "Me, my mom, and her team are gonna take good care of you, just hang in there". She places a soft kiss on top of Lexa's head before continuing with her task, this time doing it even more carefully.
…
There is a lot of commotion at the gates of Polis.
Soldiers and warriors waiting for the General and the army, the medical team lead by Abby with everything prepared to receive the wounded, and the Clan leaders that arrive one by one into the city in response to their commander's call.
The first group to make it is the commander's convoy which prompts Abby to begin working. "Bring in the stretcher."
As soon as Clarke's jeep arrives, the healers run over and place Lexa on the stretcher, carefully on her stomach as per Clarke's instructions.
A quick hug and a fast scan from Abby to verify if Clarke is OK and she goes back into doctor's mode. "Lacerations on the back, signs of infection showing" she recites while walking to the clinic. "Lexa, can you tell me what else hurts?" She tests Lexa's responsiveness.
"Uh, I got hit in my front" Lexa supplies weakly.
"OK sweety, we are gonna take care of you in a minute", Abby communicates kindly. She then looks at Clarke, "anything else?"
"She lost consciousness for a few minutes," Clarke responds as she walks along with Lexa, holding her hand.
"OK then, I need two healers, two nurses, and apprentices available for extra help. I want no one else in the room", Abby commands vehemently.
When they reach the clinic, they rush to the room prepared for Lexa. Once they approach the door, Abby stops abruptly which forces Clarke to do the same. "You can't go in," she informs her daughter.
"What? No mom, I have to be there I…"
"I'm sorry, you know the rules, nobody is allowed to enter while we are tending the patient. Let me do my job as I let you do yours, Commander".
Against that Clarke has no argument, she simply gulps staring at Lexa.
"I'm gonna be OK." Lexa attempts to reassure her girlfriend. "I'm in very good hands", she offers confidently.
Clarke sighs holding back her tears. She takes Lexa's hand and kisses it. "I will see you in a few minutes," saying that she lets go of Lexa's hand, watching as she is taken into the room.
…
The second one to make it to the clinic is Esiry, who is promptly taken care of due to her nightblood status.
Orita on the other hand is being treated only by healers after she explained nothing serious happened to her.
Soon Lexa's parents also arrive at the clinic and once Clarke informs them of their daughters' condition, they decide to sit in the waiting area.
Clarke sits alone close to Lexa's room but soon is met by Octavia. "Is everyone OK?" She takes the opportunity to get all the facts.
"Myrreh was shot by Echo". At Clarke's expression of dread Octavia adds "but she was wearing a bulletproof jacket, don't sweat it". When Clarke noticeably relaxes, she continues, "I left Nathan in charge. They will be bringing the ones that surrendered, search for runaways and a team will stay to scan the area in search of bodies. They will let me know when Echo is here".
The mere mention of the woman makes Clarke's blood boil but she doesn't comment, for now, she only wants to focus her attention on her girlfriend.
A few minutes later, Myrreh enters the clinic on a stretcher with Bellamy by her side.
Clarke makes eye contact with Bellamy. Both friends share a moment where they communicate silently about how they and their significant others are doing. They exchange empathetic smiles before Bellamy enters the room Myrreh will be tended to.
Precisely at that moment, a Royal guard enters the clinic and heads straight for Clarke and Octavia.
"Commander, General" He bows. "The rebel leader is here".
Octavia turns to Clarke, expecting her orders.
Clarke wants to take care of Echo herself but right now she has other priorities. "Let the clan leaders know of her presence. Get her ready for her trial".
"As you wish Wanheda", Octavia stands up immediately and leaves the clinic to fulfill her duty.
Some more time passes by, time in which Clarke meditates on a lot of things. Analyzes her life in the past months since Lexa returned into her life and puts things into perspective. Ultimately and with everything in consideration, she makes a decision.
It is then that Abby reappears.
Clarke jumps from her seat, expectantly. "And?"
Abby waits for Jahnisce and Malku to join them to start her briefing. "I already cleaned and stitched the wounds. The infection is there but it's nothing too dangerous; right now, the healers are applying an ointment that will help the wound heal. Her bruises were also taken care of but just in case we will run an MRI. I gave her some antibiotics, an anti-inflammatory, and something for the pain. Once I have the images, I can discard any other complications but as I see it, for now, she's good. She's gonna be OK".
"Presh keryon!" Jahnisce's hand flies to her chest.
Malku lets out loudly the breath he was holding back.
The words seem to sink into Clarke's brain very slowly. For a few seconds, she remains immobile just staring at her mother. Then her lips begin to quiver, unshed tears forming in her eyes.
Noticing this Abby extends her arms, "oh honey", luckily her offering is eagerly accepted.
Clarke throws herself into her mother's arms, holding onto her tightly and letting the knot in her chest finally loosen up.
At the display, Lexa's parents retreat discretely to give their commander the much-needed privacy; taking the chance of checking on Lexa after receiving the silent permission from Abby.
"I almost lost her again mom," Clarke's voice suddenly breaks up in the vacated waiting room. "I -I don't wanna lose her, I don't wanna live through that again, I don't think I could survive that again," she mumbles among uncontrollable sobs.
"Shh it's OK, it's OK". Abby runs her hand through Clarke's back in the hopes of comforting her, allowing her to release the overwhelming tension of the past few days.
And Clarke does. Finally, for once, in the arms of her mother, she lets all her built-up frustrations and feelings out. She sets aside the commander within her and gives herself the permission to be the stressed girlfriend, the scared daughter, simply a woman.
Eventually, after several minutes, Clarke pulls away from Abby offering a grateful smile in the process.
Abby smiles back, placing a strand of Clarke's hair behind her ear before saying, "now go and see your girlfriend before I give her something to help her sleep, she needs it."
"OK," Clarke lets go of Abby and enters Lexa's room.
As soon as the woman crosses the threshold, the nurses and healers leave the premises showing their respect.
Jahnisce and Malku do the same, but not before sharing their gratefulness to Clarke.
Once alone, Clarke approaches the hospital bed slowly, "hey", she calls out softly.
Lexa -on her stomach- manages a lazy smile, "hey".
Instinctively Clarke's eyes run over Lexa's back observing the new marks on the once pristine skin. She swallows hard, conscious of how awful it looks. She knows how lucky it is that Lexa is still alive and that's what she concentrates on. "How are you feeling?"
"Tired, sore …hungry", Lexa ends with a chuckle.
"I'm gonna tell mom to give you something to eat before she sedates you". Satisfied with Lexa's expression of approval Clarke sits down on the chair next to the bed, takes her hand, and stares at her quietly.
Lexa looks back at her girlfriend too, now more relaxed but soon notices something in Clarke's eyes. "What are you thinking".
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Lexa can read her so well but either way, Clarke is a bit taken aback. She quickly recovers and clears her throat and after a few seconds, she replies. "I think I'm ready".
"Ready for what?" Lexa's brow furrows.
Clarke takes a deep breath for courage and clarifies, "I'm ready to leave all this behind and pursue a life with you." A brief pause is followed by a familiar phrase. "You were right, we are not surviving anymore, we are living. I think it's time we start living our lives, only the two of us".
Lexa's eyes pop wide open and elevates herself on her elbows. "Are you serious?" She can't help expel.
Clarke snorts, "yes I'm serious. I want to go away with you, only you".
"Oh, Clarke", Lexa's face parts in a huge beam. "This is wonderful news," she tightens her grip on Clarke's hand. "Thank you for this", she becomes emotional.
Clarke leans in and plants a soft peck on Lexa's lips. "No, thank you for bringing sense into my life again".
Their eyes lock in an intense loving gaze that contains more than words can say. Each of them silently grateful for being given yet another chance to be together. This time deciding to make the best of it by choosing their own path.
But first things first, of course.
"I gotta go", Clarke announces with a grimace.
"You caught her?" It's Lexa's first query.
"Octavia did", Clarke informs.
"OK", Lexa's jaw clenches. There are lots of feelings harbored against the Ice Nation woman but she will allow her still commander to deal with it. "Go and make sure she pays for all the atrocities she committed".
"Oh, I assure you I will." Clarke's expression hardens but quickly dismisses it in favor to say a proper farewell to her girlfriend. "Now rest, I'll be back later, OK?" With that, she kisses Lexa's hand tenderly before letting go.
…
After talking briefly with her mother to give her some indications Clarke strides out of the clinic only to find Orita is outside.
The young girl tenses up when she notices Clarke.
Clarke approaches her tentatively; she takes a few seconds before speaking. "I didn't have the time earlier but uh, I really wanted to thank you Orita."
Orita relaxes considerably after the statement and replies. "You're welcome." And just because she couldn't help herself, she adds "I didn't do it for you though".
"I know", Clarke lets out uncomfortably.
A moment of awkward silence is broken by Orita who had to point out, "I'm glad you understood the hidden messages I sent. I mean I had to be careful in case someone else saw them but I was sure you would get my hints"
That makes Clarke consider for a bit. "I know what you mean. Deep down I knew you couldn't be a traitor, that you couldn't betray Lexa." She chuckles "and somehow I simply got it, all you wanted to show me I got it. I honestly don't know how"
Both stare at each other momentarily in their own recollections, trying to understand the meaning of that.
"It's was the spirits", Orita finally offers as a conclusion.
"Yeah", Clarke lets out absentmindedly. "Yeah, it was probably the spirits".
They move their heads up and down in a peculiar synchronized way.
But of course, someone has to break the awkwardness. "Well, with the help of the spirits or not, you did this all by yourself," Clarke expresses. "You avoided a war and saved Lexa's life and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you". She offers her arm.
Hesitating for only a second Orita takes the arm offered. She still dislikes the woman in front of her very much, but she can completely separate that from what they just went through.
When they pull away, Clarke lets Orita know, "we will have a formal meeting about these events after I take care of this situation. I will let you know when that happens".
Orita nods and takes a step back, signaling she will not take up any more of her time, but the other blonde has one more thing to say.
"You should talk to her. She will be getting a sedative to help her sleep in a few minutes, so go talk to her." That's all Clarke communicates before heading to the tower.
To say Orita was confused is an understatement. She would never have imagined that Clarke would suggest that she talk to Lexa. But given what has transpired in the past days anything is possible "OK," Orita whispers to herself, coming to the realization it was time to talk to Lexa. When she makes it inside though, she's informed Lexa was taken to the scanning room. So Orita waits for several minutes until Lexa is brought back.
Their eyes meet for a couple of seconds, then Lexa makes a signal for Orita to come into the room.
But before she can enter the room Jahnisce and Malku intercept Orita expressing their gratitude, already aware of what happened and her part in it. Soon she frees herself from their overwhelming attention and goes to talk to Lexa.
At first, Orita doesn't say anything she simply walks inside quietly and stands a couple of meters away. She doesn't know how to begin; she is thinking about the appropriate words to say but Lexa beats her to it.
"I'm sorry I doubted you", comes Lexa's remorseful voice.
It works in bringing Orita out of her reveries. She lifts her gaze just in time to watch Lexa raise her upper body and to turn towards her. Orita sighs before speaking. "No, I'm sorry for the way I treated you. I kinda had to, they couldn't suspect anything. And I couldn't tell you because I didn't know if you would be able to pretend, you know? I'm sorry", she lowers her head.
"I understand Orita", Lexa concedes. "You had to do what you thought was best to accomplish your mission, I probably would've done the same". She then adds, "you were very convincing".
Orita shrugs embarrassed.
Lexa doesn't want to make her feel bad but she just has to know, "Orita?" She waits for the girl's acknowledgment to continue. "How did you manage to pass the scrutiny of Ice Nation warriors? They are the best at analyzing people, I don't… I don't get it".
At that Orita looks away, she's not proud of what made her pass the critical examination but she wanted to respond nonetheless. "Cause all I did was tell them the truth. I am actually Ice Nation". When she notices Lexa's expression of awe, she adds. "Only half though, on my grandma's side. She told me when I was eight, she taught me all I needed to know about them, especially about these kind of warriors. She thought it may come in handy someday".
"She wasn't wrong", Lexa supplies sympathetically.
Orita nods before continuing with the hardest part. "Also I… I kinda hate Wanheda and I wanted her to suffer and … die." She doesn't dare look into Lexa's face as she carries on. "But I wanted you safe, I wanted you to be happy. Even if it's not with me".
It's a crude confession and hits Lexa to the core. But again, she understands the reasoning, means, and execution of Orita's strategy, there's a reason the phrase, "all is fair in love and war" exists. Lexa nods slowly considering. She got the answer she was looking for even if she doesn't like how it sounds. So with nothing more to say about the matter and nothing to judge she voices, "thank you Orita. Thank you for saving my life while risking your own. I can't begin to imagine how hard it must've been, not only for the situation itself but also about your feelings". She then stares into her eyes and says. "You gifted me the chance to live my life again, I will be forever thankful". She extends her arm in Orita's direction.
This time Orita doesn't hesitate and takes the arm offered.
Conflicting emotions run between the both of them, many things happened in the past months that broke them apart but the memories and the time they spent together will be engraved in their minds and hearts forever.
And it's that last part that causes Lexa to comment. "I hope one day we can be friends like we used to be", her voice is shy and insecure but full of hope.
Orita lets go of the hold first, taking a few seconds before replying "one day".
The two girls smile at each other slightly, still with many things to resolve but with the optimism of getting back the friendship they once had.
…
Bellamy searches for Abby in need of her professional opinion. It's not like he distrusts the clinics' personnel but he has known Abby for so long and her input is very important to him. He finds her in the scanning room, staring at images displayed on the big screens.
"um, Abby?" Bellamy calls out, knocking on the open door.
Abby turns with a jolt. "Oh Bellamy", she lets out. "Come here".
The man doesn't waste time and comes in and stands beside her.
"Look". Abby points, "this is the scan of the Nightblood. We are looking at a perfectly normal image of this part of the brain". She then traces a certain area with her finger. "This is the region where memories are stored."
"Oh, OK", Bellamy nods intrigued.
"And," she presses a button, switching to another image, "this is Lexa's".
Bellamy looks carefully and notices a blur in the same area Abby pointed out in the other image. "Something is wrong there". He gets even closer and is able to appreciate the image is not blurred but looks like two images in one; one superimposed over the other. "The machine seems to be failing, you have to take another one" he suggests.
"I took three". Abby slides the images with her fingers.
Bellamy is about to recommend having the machine checked out by Raven but she interrupts him.
"and after her, I took images of a nurse and a healer". Abby slides another image, again her finger showing him the other ones. "The scans are perfectly fine and clear".
"but…" Bellamy shakes his head confused but then it downs to him what the woman may be implying. "Abby…" he glares at her. "What are you saying?"
Abby returns the gaze, holds it briefly before focusing once again on the screen. "I'm not saying anything", she replies nonchalantly. "I'm just showing you the images, simple plain facts. That's all".
Bellamy stares at her wanting to argue but finds he can't. He is not a believer in spirits and stuff but he can't really argue against facts. So, he decides to remain silent, crossing his arms and focusing his eyes once again on the very mysterious image.
They remain that way for a good while.
…
Echo, with chains on both her ankles and wrists, walks confidently to the throne room, where her trial will be taking place. She doesn't pay any mind to the squad accompanying her, she's way more focused on thinking about what she's going to do when she's out. Echo is certain she will be sent to the Polis prison for a good amount of time but she's equally certain she will be out eventually. Echo still has some very loyal followers and she's sure they will do everything in their power to get her out. It doesn't matter how long it takes there will always be a chance of getting out, it's not like they are going to kill her; death sentence is against the law now. So, Echo simply remains composed, watches all this circus unfold, and once again waits patiently for her time to rise.
…
The council had made unanimous decisions during the trials of the rebels who surrendered, giving them a reasonable sentence. The ones that tried to escape -which were not many- won't have the same luck but their trial has been postponed until they have them all together. Now, the council is listening carefully to the charges against the most dangerous rebel of them all to whom they plan to have no contemplation whatsoever.
Echo stands in the middle of the throne room surrounded by all the clan leaders, sporting a smirk on her face as Indra recites all her crimes.
Octavia is on Clarke's left, waiting for the verdict and then to take Echo herself to prison as her title of General stipulates.
Abby is also there, she was summoned to talk about the condition of the wounded, specifically Myrreh, Esiry, and Lexa who were direct targets of the woman.
Clarke, is seated on her throne, she won't take her eyes off the woman. She scowls at her even when Echo challenges with her eyes.
Admittedly, Echo's daring attitude comes from the certainty that no matter how much Clarke hates her, she won't do anything to her, at least not personally. After all, she's just a sky woman who lives under her stupid regulations of human rights and all those things she imposed on the grounders. And there she stands, with a scornful grin and a chin lifted looking like she didn't actually lose, but more like her plans have only been delayed.
But Clarke remains unfazed by whatever Echo is trying to do to bother her. She doesn't hear any noise coming from the room, only the dark emptiness the images of Lexa suffering and the pain she went through brings to her mind. That is until a voice seems to penetrate the wall her subconscious has built around herself.
"Commander?!" Indra calls for the third time urgently trying to get Clarke's attention.
Clarke instinctively turns to her although not truly looking at her.
"Do you have something to add Commander?" This time Indra uses a softer assertive tone.
Clarke straightens up on her throne, returning her gaze on the prisoner. She takes a long pause in which her breathing increases. Then a phrase, whispered through gritted teeth, escapes her lips like it has been waiting years to be expelled. "Jus drein, jus daun", and within a split second, she stands up, retrieves the once decorative spear at her side, and throws it directly at Echo's chest.
Commotion and gasps erupt throughout the throne room. Everyone is astonished at what they just witnessed; nobody dares to move.
Clarke climbs down the steps that lead to her throne and approaches the woman.
Echo, whose eyes are filled with shock and terror, bleeds abundantly from the big opening in her chest.
Clarke fixes her eyes on an agonizing Echo, watching how little by little life is slipping away from her body.
With a hard choking gasp and last breath, Echo ceases to exist in an awkward position due to the way the spear penetrated through her.
When she's sure Echo is dead, Clarke returns to the throne, stands in front of it, and removes her commander's sword, and hands it to Indra. She also takes the pauldron off her shoulder and gives it to Octavia.
Both women are left speechless, slowly assimilating what just happened.
Clarke just broke the first law she established when she took power as commander, one she herself insisted on ruling around the nation: No blood for blood.
Indra who's staring at Clarke dumbfounded becomes suddenly aware of a certain change in Clarke. All those years working together despite everything Clarke went through she could always see something in her, something Indra has always identified as "the sky" in Clarke. But in this very moment, the woman in front of her is not Sky people anymore. Clarke is a fighter, a survivor, a wild creature that makes use of her most crude instincts to keep herself alive and move forward … she is now a grounder.
All eyes are on Clarke, watching expectantly as she exhales deeply, letting her shoulders fall. And just like she suddenly became aware of their presence, she turns and faces the clan leaders.
"Now if you excuse me, while you make your decision, I'll be taking care of my girlfriend", she utters with surprising calmness before stomping to the exit. "Mother" she stops briefly to gather Abby's attention.
Abby shakes her head coming out of her trance "yeah, yeah", she follows her daughter and together they exit the throne room, leaving the proceeding in complete solemn silence.