The metal structure of Arkadia looms just beyond the tree line. Lexa had ordered her army to make camp for the night on the nearby land. Looking around at the gathered tents and warriors Clarke's mind drifts back to that night Finn was killed by her hand. The way the grounders had surrounded what was camp Jaha at the time. Being back here just brings back the painful memories she's tried so hard to move past.
The feel of Finn's blood on her skin. Raven's scream echoing out from the camp.
The missile that hit Ton DC. What was left of the village. What was left of the people caught in the blast. The smell of burning flesh and misery.
The Mountain standing proud in the distance. A constant reminder about just how many people she's killed in such a short amount of time on Earth.
Slowly her Dusk trots forward alongside Anya's and Indra as they head to meet up with Skaikru. Lexa is at the front with her own personal bodyguards. Anubis walk in between Clarke and Anya. For now, she's wearing a hood to keep her identity hidden. Clarke needs to see if she can actually walk into her old home without having a breakdown before people start to swarm her asking where she's been these past five years.
Out of the corner of her eye, she can see Anya sneaking her concerned looks. She can do this. She says to herself psyching herself up for what is to come. Just walk in next to Anya. Breathe normally. Everything will be fine. Everyone's just here to see if they will be ready to march in the morning. No big deal. Just a quick in and out. How hard can it be.
The clanging of the gate opening to let them in causes her to flinch as her heart rate skyrockets. Dread starts pulsing through her body no matter how hard she tries to push it down. Why does she say things like that. She snarks in her own head. It's like the world is out to prove her wrong. In harmony, they all dismount and walk towards the gathered group waiting for them.
This group contains her mom Kane Bellamy Lincoln Octavia and Raven. The five years have treated them well with everyone looking older and more mature. Time showing more clearly on Kane and her mother than the others.
At first, she doesn't spot the eighth member of the welcoming committee having focused so much on her old friends the most. The moment Clarke sees her alive and well she has to take a physical step back.
Standing only a few feet from her was aunt Callie.
Growing up with both of her parents and Wells's dad being important ark council members Callie was the one to raise them. Clarke saw her as her best friend other than Wells and told her everything growing up. Even the things that would have got her in trouble if she ever told her parents. Which she never did. Hell, she was the first person Clarke told about being attracted to girls. She was so proud and happy for her in that moment. She made Clarke feel safe about being who she is. She was the person to sneak her Wells Alex Riley and Eliza alcohol for her seventeenth birthday telling her to have fun. Callie was her person. The one she went to if she ever had a problem or just wanted to talk and she would always be there of Clarke. No matter the time of day.
When the ark came down her station wasn't accounted for. Clarke had thought she had died trying to reach the earth. Exploded in the atmosphere or died on impact.
Clarke remembers only three parts of the ark had been found and one of them had only one survivor. She wasn't on the same ship as her mom and Kane as it was agreed that the leaders of the ark would be separated into the different sections as they knew not all of the ark would make it to the ground and they needed people in leadership positions. If they were spread out among the stations then at least one of them would make it to the ground.
"Commander." Kane greets bowing his head in respect.
"Kane." Lexa greets back formally greeting each member and getting a greeting in return. Only Raven greets her with disinterest. Not that Clarke can blame her since she did tie raven to a tree and have people start cutting her. Total misunderstanding. "I take it you received our message." She states more than asks.
"Yes, we did commander and our guards are getting ready for the trip ahead," Kane responds but that whole conversation doesn't register with Clarke as she keeps focusing on the people standing in front of her. They haven't made her out yet tucked safely away behind Lexa her guards and hiding behind Anya. Using her former fos as a shield between herself and her old life. She swallows loudly and Anya looks over her shoulder concern and understanding filling her eyes.
Her hand takes hold of Clarke's wrist and until that point, she wasn't even aware that her body was violently shaking. "Breathe Klark." She whispers. "Everything will be fine." Clarke nods at her words biting hard down on her lip to stop herself from whimpering under the weight slowly crashing down on her. Anya doesn't let go of her acting as a personal anchor to the world. Grateful doesn't even being to describe how she feels about her right now.
In front of them oblivious to the distress unfolding behind them the two groups start talking about the upcoming war. Lincoln words however did catch her attention. "I don't understand how Azedga backed Luna that far back into a corner. When she established the clan, she made sure that could never happen like that."
He wasn't wrong. Luna but a lot of thought on how best to protect her clan. But Nia planned for that and got rid of the rig and forced people to flee to the village where Luna was currently staying for protection following them to her and then trapping them like rabbits.
"Nia managed to get a spy on to the rig," Clarke says unable to stop the anger in her voice. That rig was their safe haven. Their little secret hidden away from the rest of the world. All eyes flick to Clarke and Anya grip on her wrist tightens in encouragement. "Once Nia knew where the rig was, she attacked wiping out our safe haven before launching raids upon our villages. She spent five years planning for this attack. There was nothing Luna could do but lock down the city and try to hold out as best as we could until we could get help."
Eight shocked eyes bore into her own as she pulls down her hood and moves to stand from behind the commander. Anya remains by her side for moral support her grip never loosening.
"Clarke." Callie is the first to recover her eye's growing wide but a genuine happy smile gracing her sharp features. "I knew you and Wells weren't dead." She says breathlessly taking all of Clarke in cementing this image in her brain.
"I had no idea you were alive." Clarke admits before she basically falls into her arms. She never thought she would get the chance to hug her again. That the last time she saw Callie in person would have been after her dad was floated and she was dragged away by guards with Callie screaming out her name begging Kane and Jaha to let her go. That she hadn't done anything wrong.
To see her here now is unreal. Wells should have been here as well. He would have been over the moon. She means just as much to him as she does to her.
"Where have you been all this time." She asks as they pull apart. And just like that the happiness she felt turns back to a sad worried furry.
Swallowing the lump that appeared in her throat she takes a few steps back so she's back in line with Lexa and Anya who had moved forward with her. "Me and Wells have been living in Floukru." She was going to say more but Lincoln cuts her off smiling proudly at himself.
"I knew it." That earns him a few looks. "I knew you and Wells went to Floukru." He elaborates. "After our talks on the clan, I figured if you were going to hide out somewhere it would be there." He ignores the pointed glare sent to him by her mother. He has a good point for a time her and Wells did talk about heading to Floukru for a while after hearing about it from Lincoln but since she was in too bad of a headspace at the time, they agreed that they would remain nomads for time being. She wasn't anywhere near ready to be around people. Not to even start with how she would have felt after committing genocide and murdering children to spend time with the most peaceful and least violent clan. It would have been like but a starving rabid dog in a cage full of bunnies. "Not to mention when Luna was the second clan to open trading with us with better options and prices than the other clans."
She did what.
Now she knew Luna had opened trading with Skaikru. Floukru mostly traded fish and other fruits and vegetables for metal. The station of the ark which her mom and Kane came down in was stripped bare for the metal. She knows Luna used it to make weapons and help to reinforce the walls which has been lifesaving with the constant Azegda attacks. However, Clarke wasn't aware she had lowered the normal trade prices.
Whether that was because she understood that Skaikru wasn't prepared for what life was like on the ground and wanted to help makes things easier for them to learn how to survive on the ground. Or whether she did it because she knew that Skaikru was desperately searching for her and Wells but keep silent on the matter for them and felt guilty about hiding them away from the people who cared about them.
"She a generous person." Clarke says instead of not showing her own unawareness of the situation.
"Yes she is." Lincoln says with a half smile before it fades as he asks the question she's been waiting for. Hesitantly he asks. "How... How is Luna."
When Clarke had first told Luna about everything that happened with Lincoln, she had very mixed emotions. She was angry at her for allowing Lincoln to be tortured for information. But she was happy to discover that he had fallen in love with Octavia. She was also happy and impressed but still disappointed when she told her about how she saved Lincolns life twice. The first time from being a reaper. The second by killing the mountain man who was trying to kills. She was only disappointed that it had to end in bloodshed and death. But was impressed that Clarke had called him one of her people in front of Lexa claiming him as a member of Skaikru and for allowing to become and stay with her people after the Mountain.
She had once joked that Lincoln was sort of like her own version of Wells.
Lincoln always held a great amount of respect and care when he spoke of Luna. A sentiment that she returned when talking about growing up together in Trikru with him and Lexa. From the way she spoke of him, it's clear she missed him. At least now the two of them can reunite. Even if it isn't under the best circumstances.
It's ironic when you think about it. The two people who hate violence and war the most are brought back together in the midst of probably the biggest war in years.
"She doing well all things considered," Clarke answers hoping not to sound like she's in complete awe and love with this amazing woman. "She was quickly able to create a defensive plan when Azegda attacked. If it wasn't for Luna's quick thinking and overall brilliance Floukru would have been wiped out five months ago. She managed to hold everything together and we haven't lost anywhere near as many people as we should have."
Clarke's not being biased either. To have survived with this many people for this long against this kind of attack is nothing less than miraculous.
"Good. I'm glad she doing ok. I can't even begin to imagine how she's feeling about all of this." Lincoln says sadly knowing that his friend is suffering so much right now. For someone who turned their backs on violence and killing to be put in this situation is basically hell. "How's Derrick doing." Lincoln says happily not noticing the way her face falls ever so slightly at the mention of him. Luna's ex.
"He's... alive." She says her voice being tighter and more emotionless than when she was talking about Luna. This everyone notices. Ok it's not her fault that she doesn't like the guy who used to be with her wife. The man who still follows her around like a little lost puppy begging to be taken back. Luna is aware that she doesn't like him but knows she would never ask her to send him away. She does still care about him even though she's moved on from him. And he did help Luna build Floukru. Clarke just hates that he still flirts with her every time he gets the chance. The way he looks at her like she's the most perfect being to ever exist. Which is she but still Clarke doesn't like it when he looks at her like that. The soft touches he offers her. That stupid smirk he sends her when he makes Luna laugh as if it's a competition between the two of them and Luna is the prize. She isn't a prize to be won.
Clarke trusts Luna fully and completely never doubt that. She knows Luna would never cheat and that she truly does love her and always rebuffs his attempts at winning her back. But that doesn't stop Clarke's jealousy at seeing them interact closely together.
She's never really spoke to her about it in detail about how she feels about having him around because it wouldn't be fair to Luna. After everything she's done for her and Wells the very least, she can do is not go into a jealous rage every time she talks to her ex who is an essential part of their clan.
And to be fair she did leave him for her. They were still together when Clarke and Wells arrived in Floukru. It was her that broke them up. Like what happened with Finn and Raven just without the cheating. She does take the blame slash credit for that. Luna fell in love with her long before she would admit that she loved her as well. She left him and waited for Clarke to be ready knowing that she might never accept her.
"You don't like him." Lincoln states spotting her obvious distaste for the man. Hell, everyone spotted it. Shit Clarke. Think what can make you dislike a guy this badly without bringing up the fact you stole his girl and he still trying to win her back. Which is never happening.
Hopefully
Shit. Go away doubts. Now is not the time to cloud her judgement.
She shrug's trying to seem as nonchalant as possible. Maybe that's pushing it. Maybe trying to act indifferent with a hint of annoyance. "We had a difference of … opinion on a certain matter." Opinion was the best word she could come up with. Sue her. This is a very stressful time. "We share an equal amount of dislike towards each other because of the matter." That's all she's going to say on the subject matter.
Thankfully Raven picks this moment to interject herself into the conversation. "I'm sorry. Can we go back a few pegs." She looks at Clarke with a small glare unresolved pain and anger burning brightly behind her otherwise dark eyes. "Your alive." And just like that her need to escape from here returns with a vengeance. The need to run burns through her begging her to take off running far away from this oncoming conflict.
Right. Forgot they kind of glossed over that. "Yeah. Wells as well... last time I checked anyway." Ok so maybe morbid humour wasn't the best idea right this second. "He's still back in Floukru helping Luna keep everyone alive." She ignores the way her heart bangs in her chest. Like it's trying to escape from here.
"Again, Your alive." Raven repeats her annoyance becoming clearer. Before Clarke can even react, she hit her in the shoulder. Not painfully but enough to push her back. Then again and again and again before she pushes Clarke back with two hands almost tumbling her to the ground. "Five years. It's been five fricking years Clarke and you couldn't be bothered to tell us your alive."
"Look. I know... I know I should have reached out to you years ago." Which is what Luna and Wells have been telling her for years to no avail.
"But." Ravens says expectingly waiting for her to explain her reasons. But what could she say. That the very thought of being here sent her into spiralling panic attacks. That she was terrified of what might happen if word got out that Wanheda was living in Floukru. What attention might have attracted. That someone would them attack like they are right now.
That the mere thought of this place would trigger a panic attack. That her horrific nightmares still haunt her day and night. And it's here forever burnt into her head. She sees them dead. She sees them blaming her. Shouting at her. Saying she let them down. That her best wasn't good enough. That she's a monster and deserves every second of suffering she endures.
"There isn't one." Clarke's voice weavers sightly but she manages to keep going. "I should have reached out to you all to let you know that I was alive. There are no excuses for that." She could have given them any reason that she wanted but in the end it doesn't change the fact that she should have reached out. She's known that she's always known but she wasn't ready for this.
The guilt from the mountain begins to build within her. Her guilt at leaving them only add's more fuel to fire. She can't be here.
"If floukru wasn't attacked, would you have told us you and Wells are still alive." Fair question but not really important right now. If she wasn't so sure that Raven wouldn't let her leave without answering her questions, she would be tearing it off into the woods right about now.
"Eventually yes." Even if she didn't go back or see them myself, Clarke would have let them know she was alive. Eventually.
Her body starts to shake ever so slightly. It's like every nerve and muscle in her body is screaming at her to leave. To just walk away from this place. From these memories that threaten to destroy what little sanity she has left.
"You just left us Clarke. You just left us. You didn't even say goodbye." Raven anger slowly turns into sorrow which is much worse. Anger she might have been able to deal with. She deserved that but not hearing her friend's sorrow. Her leaving hurt them she knows that but her staying would have been so much worse for all of them.
At this point she's surprised that everyone else is staying quiet. Clarke guesses that they will take it in turns talking with her.
Yey.
She needs to leave.
"If I stayed to say goodbye I never would have left." Seeing them. Them asking her not to leave. Clarke doesn't think she could have walked away from that. But she needed to. If she had to look at the people, she saved every day she would just have been reminded of what she did to save them in the first place. How she destroyed her very soul for them. And she wouldn't have survived that. Hell, she only barely survived being out there. If it wasn't for Wells or for Luna then she would have ended her fight long ago.
"You shouldn't have left." She snaps back at Clarke the tension budling around them. She doesn't understand. None of them understand. How could they. This was her decision. Her burden to bare.
"I needed time." Clarke's voice comes out louder but not quite a shout yet. Her chest feels like there's something pushing into it. Her breathing speeds up as she tries to breath in enough air to fill her lunges but no matter how much breathes in it doesn't seem to work. Dark dots dance the corners of her vision threatening to overtake her.
"We needed you." Raven does shout pain filling her voice. Yes, everybody needed her. They needed her to help them. And she did. Clarke sold her soul heart and mind to save them. She gave up everything to protect them. That's what causes Clarke to snap. To unleash the storm stirring inside of her.
"AND WHAT ABOUT WHAT I NEEDED." She screams back at her and just like that everything she's being trying to burry just explodes. "I needed to be able to deal with my shit. I needed to be able breath again before having to deal with all your shit. I needed to be able to not want to slit my own throat over every second of the day. I needed to be able to sleep without being haunted and attacked by the dead. Without waking up every night screaming. I needed to be able to feel something over then over whelming amount of pain grief and guilt that was drowning me. I need to find a reason to keep on living. So, I'm sorry you if you needed me but I needed me more. If I stayed, I wouldn't have lasted a week before I put a bullet through my own head."
Nobody says anything after her slight breakdown.
Seeing her chance, she takes it without a second look back.
Before anyone could say anything, she's back on Dusk racing out of the camp Anubis right behind her.
Behind her, she can hear someone shout her name.
Maybe's it more than one person. But she doesn't turn back to check. She needs to escape. She needs to run. She needs to breathe.
Clarke has no idea how far she rode away from camp. She just kept going. Dusk doesn't falter in her gallop as she guides her rider away.
They stop near a small pool of water. Hopping of Dusk Clarke lays down on one of the many nearby trees. Anubis starts to lick at the water. Sitting there under the forest roof she starts going through the mediation excise Luna introduced her to when she noticed that Clarke first started having panic attacks at small triggers like sounds and smells. The smell of a fire burning would remind her of the people she killed in the mountain or the people who died to the missile in Ton DC and she would just panic.
At first, these techniques seemed pointless but over time they did help Clarke to ground herself.
Picture yourself somewhere where you feel safe and relaxed. Focus on that image. Focus on the feeling. Let it sink into your skin. Let it wash away the demons that threaten your mind. Take deep steady breaths. Centre yourself. Focusing on nothing else but this.
Her let's call it safe place became one off the cliffs in-between Baltic and Delpnnea. The second largest village along the shore of Floukru territory.
It's actually the village she collapsed nearby. Where Luna found her. Where she saved her. Not only in the literal sense but in the emotional sense as well. As much as she wanted to die during her time in self-exile she's glad Luna stopped the sea from claiming her. It wasn't easy but over time Clarke learned to bury her past. Learnt to accept what happened. Which she did. She accepted what she had to do. And she would do it again to save her friends and family.
That doesn't mean that's it still doesn't haunt her though.
Anyways her safe place sits at perch on one of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The tree line expands right to the edge so like she is now Clarke can just sit down and lean against a tree and look out towards the endless ocean. It's a perfect image.
She's drawn most of her pictures from that spot. Most of her pictures are just drawing of my friends. Members of the hundred. Her dad mom Callie Kane. Later on, she started drawing images of her new family. Luna, Luka, Rora, Van, Shay and her own second Adria.
She still young only eleven summers now but would always follow her and Luna around. She said she wanted to be like them. And when asked what they are she said people who protect their people. After much debate and pleading Clarke decided to take her on as her second. She wasn't teaching her how to be a warrior but how to be a healer. Just like her mom did with her.
Adria took to the practice like a fish to water. She was always so excited to learn and wouldn't give something up until she believed she mastered it. And every time she did Clarke didn't think she could have grown any prouder of her. Is this what her mother felt when she was teaching her back on the ark. Is this what Anya felt like when she was training her to be a warrior and a leader.
Clarke can only hope she's safe now back in Delpnnea. She has no doubt she's helping out with the rest of the healers or working with Wells on the plants they grow for healing purposes.
That simple perch on a cliff became her safe haven.
Her's and Luna's.
The peaceful light sea breeze brushes against Clarke's hair lightly as she leans against a tree overlooking the coast. On her lap is the sketch pad Wells somehow acquired for her. She traces the half-finished sketch of Luna. Not matter how much she tries she just can't seem to get her hair right. Luna's hair is reddy brown colour which she just can't seem to get the colour pigment right. Or get the correct waviness to her hair.
"I figured I'll find you up her Klark," Luna announces her arrival so Clarke doesn't get ready to attack the incoming threat. As much as Luna is proud of her for getting better at hearing people approaching and defending herself, she can do without having to doge a blade or get tackled to the ground.
Again.
Clarke turns her head offering her leader a peaceful smile which seems to expand at glow at the sight of Luna. Not that Clarke is aware of this. "Well, it is the best place for me to draw."
"And what is it that you're drawing this time." Luna asks curious. Growing up on the ground not many children or adults take the time to draw. Only those with talent tend to as their villages use them to draw people for wanted posters or things like that. Other artists tend to go into the tattooing side of grounder life. Lincoln was the only person outside of Floukru that Luna had meet who drew because he liked it.
As Luna plops down right next to next to Clarke. She turns the picture over blocking Luna's view of it. "It's not finished yet." Clarke says ignoring the heat sightly building up on her face. She doesn't want Luna to see the fact that she's drawing Luna. Because that would be embarrassing and Clarke doesn't want to deal with the teasing that will no doubt follow. Also, if for some strange reason Luna does find out Clarke is drawing her, she wants it to be perfect. Just like she is. Or as close as perfect as possible.
Luna raises an eyebrow at Clarke's excuse. "You've let me see your art before it was finished before."
"This time is different," Clarke whispers closing the sketch book and moving it out of Luna's reach. She wouldn't be surprised if Luna tried to find some way for the sketchbook to accidently open up on the page Clarke's trying to hide. She's sneaky like that. Clarke turns her head to face Luna. For a second she taken back by how close they are. If she leant her head forward, they would be touching. She ignores the sudden rise of her heartbeat brushing it off as the shock of being this close. "How did your meeting go." She asks changing the subject.
Luna scoffs turning away from leaning her head back against the tree look up towards the heavens. "Same as always." Comes her irritated response. She lets out a sigh before venting everything to Clarke. A type of pattern that has formed between the two of them during their seven months since Clarke and Wells first appeared on the beach below them. "Sangedakru have been asking for more food in trade but are offering nothing extra in return. All they keep saying is what we are supplying them isn't enough for them. And I keep telling them that we can't trade unless we get something in return. That's the whole point of a trade."
Clarke chuckles watching as Luna flicks her hand out every time, she makes a point in her argument. She only seems to be more active when she talks when she's alone with Clarke and Well's. Other than that, she either stands or sits with perfect posture when conducting business. No doubt something instilled into her during her time with Titus in Polis.
The fact that Luna feels comfortable enough around Clarke to just be her is something Clarke has come to treasure. "Yeah, that out sounds frustrating." She remarks with a laugh. If there's one thing Clarke doesn't miss about being a leader it's having to deal with other leaders. Well, that and the death and violence. But we're not going to go there today.
"We've been having this debate for three weeks now." She states earning another laugh from Clarke.
"And no doubt you'll be having it for another three." Luna just groans in response. "What else is bothering you." Clarke ask's already suspecting what Luna's biggest issue is at the minute.
"It doesn't matter Klark." She Luna says through gritted teeth turning her head away.
"It does Luna." She says sympathetically. Without really thinking about it she takes hold of Luna's hand. Luna's head snaps towards her so fast Clarke wouldn't be surprised if she got some form of whiplash. She almost loses her line of thought staring into Luna's deep brown eyes. Forcing herself to look down at their joined hands she continues. "Me and Wells being here endangers everything you've worked so hard to build here Luna." She goes to interrupt but Clarke doesn't let her. "Don't." She pauses to see if Luna will interrupt or let Clarke keep speaking. After a few moments of silence, she continues. "People won't every stop looking for me Luna. The longer we spend here the more dangerous it will be for Floukru. Luna you've been disobeying a direct order from Heda regarding me. You and Lexa have been friends for far longer than I've been on Earth. If word gets out of me being here then it could jeopardise everything. Derricks right about that." Luna winces at Derricks name. From what Clarke understands her and Derrick have been having some relationship problems or something like that. All they seem to do nowadays is argue. A part of Clarke hopes the two work out their issues they may or may not be having because if anyone deserves to be happy then It's Luna.
However, there's another side of Clarke that doesn't want them to work out their differences. Almost dreads the idea of it. She doesn't understand her feeling behind that. "I won't let that happen. You can't risk that for me. I'm not one of your people Luna."
"Who say's you're not." Luna argues her grip on Clarke's hand tightening. Clarkes aware of Luna's gaze on her face but she refuses to look up. Knowing that if she does then she will lose the will to have this conversation. Just like she has many times before. "Klark you are one of my people."
"I'm Wanheda." She replies bitterly. She hates everything about what that name means. "Everyone wants to kill me and take my power. People celebrate what I did at the mountain. They celebrate me being a monster." The very idea of this still has Clarke feeling sick. It's horrible enough living with what she did but to know that people celebrate it. Well, that's just a whole new level of vile.
Luna's voice is quiet but she speaks with such passion it's clear that everything she is saying is true to her. "You're not a monster Klark. You're the farthest thing from a monster. What you did was a truly horrible thing but you did it to protect your people. You not a monster because you did it to help your people. That doesn't make you a monster. That makes you a leader. There is so much good inside of you. I've seen it. The way to interact with the people here. You let them ask you endless questions about life in the sky. You play with the children and make them laugh. You work with our healers sharing methods long forgotten to us. You sit up here and draw Klark. That's not something a monster does. A monster... A monster doesn't make me feel the way you do." Clarke wants to ask what she means by that but Luna doesn't stop talking. "You came here looking to find peace and help people. You might not have meant for that to happen but it did. And you have. Our people's lives are so much better for you being here. My life is so much better for you being here. I know what's it's like to be a monster. I was one. So, trust me when I say you're not a monster Klark."
"Neither are you." Clarke replies equally as quiet. A heavy tension builds up between the two damaged souls. Each clinging to each other like a lifeline. A boat searching for a safe harbour. "You might say you are for what happened in the conclave. But if you were a monster, you would have stayed and killed the others. You wouldn't have felt to start a clan that stands against violence. You make people want to be better. To believe that they can be. You offer them that hope. A monster couldn't do that. Only you could Luna because you are a good person. The best I've ever met. And I am so thankful every day for having met you. You don't realise how special you really are."
Clarke could see Luna's trembling and to be honest Clarke didn't know if Luna wasn't the only shaking. Both girls breathing picked up as they sat there staring at each. Her lips are parted ever so slightly which matches the look of disbelief residing on her face. Clarke watches the emotions flicker behind Luna's eyes. She may have a great poker face when dealing with the clan's business and stuff like that but it's her eyes that always give her away. The way her eyes tend to shine when she's surrounded by her people. So full of joy and love. Just like Lex... Just like her. She likes to think she's a husk but Clarke knows that not the case. She's the furthest thing away from a husk she can imagine. Husks are not so warm and vibrant.
Right now, Luna's dark chocolate eyes reflect awe and fascination. There's also a hint of vulnerability hiding on the edges. Luna swallows her voice coming out just as quiet as before. Only this time it isn't passionate or self-loathing but almost weak. As if she doesn't fully trust herself to speak. Absently Luna reaches' up and brushes a stray lock of hair from Clarke's face. Her finger gently strokes against Clarke's check causing her already beating heart to explode within her. "You think that. About me."
They are close enough that Clarke can feel the warmth from her breath on her face. Clarke can feel something in her shift. The admiration Clarke feels for Luna seems like a weak word to describe how she feels for her. She just isn't sure she if she ready to admit what Luna stirs within her.
"Luna. You might not believe me but you are so much more than the night blood who ran away. You're the strongest most amazing woman I've ever met. You're not filled with darkness. You can't be. Everything about you shines so brightly. It's a beautiful sight." Clarke isn't sure what compelled her to say that last bit but she doesn't regret.
The disbelief on Luna softens which only makes her beauty increase in Clarke's eyes. Luna's eye's shine brightly with understanding and what Clarke can only guess is love. That sight itself it something to behold.
The moment seems to last between them. She has no idea what happening around her. Her only focus is the woman sitting down next to her. That alone is just as exciting as it is terrifying. The two emotions fight against each other within Clarke.
But like all things the moment ends when a wolf howls in the distance. And just like that the spell between them is broken as the two girls turns away from each other to look of in the direction of the wolf.
Clarke expected to feel some form of relief at being able to retake control of her body and her feelings. She no longer feels like the atmosphere between the two was suffocating. Not a bad suffocating but a somewhat natural one. She doesn't really know how to describe it. But all she can feel is disappointment. "We should head back." Clarke says turning back to face Luna.
"Sha. We should." Is all Luna says her eyes boring back into Clarke's. She watches Luna's eyes form some kind of determination and resolution sets into them. What that means she isn't sure. Without saying anything Luna jumps to her feet offering Clarke a hand up.
Grabbing her sketch book, she accepts Luna's hand standing up. "Did you mean what you said." Clarke asks before either girl could move. Their hands still holding on to one another. "About me being one of your people." She explains.
"Of course, I did Klark." Luna respond's her eyebrow rising at the randomness of the question. "Why do you ask."
Without wasting a second Clarke kneels down in front of Luna. "Ai badan yu, Luna kom floukru en nou moun, kom disha nau taim wamplei." She swears her fealty to Luna from this day until her death. Clarke understands how big a deal something like this is. Knows what it means. Knows that Luna would never had asked her to do it. Which is precisely the reason she did it. Clarke never wants to lead Skaikru again and she knows she couldn't ever return to living back in Camp Jaha. As much as she loves her mom and respects Kane she could never live by the Ark's law's and society anymore. If Clarke has to follow any leader she want's it to be Luna. It could only be Luna.
"You know I never took you for someone who runs away from your problems." Anya's amused voice breaks her concentration. Opening her eyes, Clarke spot's her jumping off her horse and walking over to where she is resting.
"You never took me for a warrior either." Clarke joke back offering Anya her own amused smirk. "But you were wrong on that as well. Maybe you're not very good at reading people."
She playfully hit her for that. Clarke can tell it's playful as it only stings. From all their training she is well aware of just how hard she can it. "How are you doing." She asks dropping the amusement taking a seat next to her.
"I'm doing as well as can be." Clarke shifts into a more comfortable position. They might be here awhile. Looking towards the sky the sun is starting to dip. They can't stay too long. She has no doubt that her and Anya can easily back it back to camp in the dark but she would rather not risk it. Besides, she needs to face her demons in the light. "I'm sorry if my outburst reflected bad on you."
Reputation is everything on the ground. For Anya's chosen second to have a breakdown in the middle of camp with Heda and Skaikru leaders about wouldn't' reflect well on her. It shows that she didn't teach Clarke how to control her feelings. Clan's a part from Skaikru and Floukru believe in a more stoic approach or at least have their breakdown in private. It shows weakness and weakness on the ground will get you killed.
She just scoffs. "I don't care about that. I care about you Klark."
The acknowledgment of care takes Clarke back. She had thought that Anya would sooner admit that she was only using her to get close so she can kill her. Not that she cares about Clarke. Like Clarke knows she does in her own way. She's known ever since Anya helped to heal the bullet wound her own people inflicted on her. This was clear when she made Clarke her second and defended her choice to many different grounders who thought she was stupid or weak of picking the girl who bested her in war as her second. She quickly put them on the floor for that.
Seeing as she's trying to be open and comforting for her, Clarke extends her own olive branch. She Luna and Wells having been working though her issues together for years now allowing her to be able to talk about it. "As you can see what I did in Mount Whether broke me." Clarke tries to keep her voice steady and calm. "I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to slit my own throat. I tried to kill myself so many times in the start. I starved myself, didn't look after my wounds. Didn't care about the animals of people hunting me. I just wanted the pain to end. But I didn't deserve that. I had to suffer for what I did. I didn't deserve to have an escape from my pain. Wells took care of me the best he could. He forced me to eat drink bathe. He hunted and helped me to hide from the bounty hunters. I would beg him to leave me alone. To go back home but he wouldn't budge. Every night I would be reminded about what I did. The monster I had become. Things got better after we met Luna. She showed there that there was more to life that just surviving. She helped me work through some of my issues. After a few years I could talk about the mountain without feeling the suffocating pain and guilt. But talking about it and facing my actions are two very different things. I thought I could do it. No that's a lie. What I mean is I thought I could last longer before having a complete breakdown. Being back there everything became less like a haunting memory but like I was right there again. Having my own people scream at me for leaving. Blaming me was too much. I had to escape. I needed to escape."
Anya takes a moment to think before trying to offer comfort. "I don't think your weak Klark kom Floukru. As much as I hate to admit it your one of the strongest people, I've met. Don't think for a second that I or anyone else thinks you to be weak because your struggle. It just makes you that much stronger in our eyes." Ok that wasn't what she was expecting.
Anya jumps up pulling Clarke up as well and dragging her back over to the horses. "And for what it's worth. I do think of you as my most prized second." Her second admission set her back even more. She thinks of Clarke as her best second. The woman who trained the current Heda. "If you speak about any of this, I will deny it and see just how much you've improved in combat." And she's back. "Now let's head back before they start sending out search parties."
The ride back is in silence which is welcoming to helping to steady her mind. Once again, the two of ride in and dismount of horses. She spots Bellamy Octavia Raven and Callie all huddled together. Indra Lexa Lincoln Abbey and Kane must be off getting ride for the journey to the ocean tomorrow.
They start to make our way over to them when an ebony black haired girl catches her eye as they walk past each other. "Al... Alex." Clarke stutters upon seeing her ex-girlfriend and one of her closet friends. They were never in a serious relationship but their break up still hurt.
"Clarke." She happily greets as the two share a quick hug before she pulls back.
"You two know each other." Raven asks eyes flickering between them. Callie sends her a discreet smile seeing where this is going.
"Yeah." She answers mentally thanking Alex for not sharing their history with everyone when she wasn't here. They exchange a quick look as she offers me her permission. "She's my ex."
"I'm sorry what." Raven asks in shock.
"Wait what." Octavia says at the same time.
Clarke watches as her friend's head bounce back and forth between her and Alex. Right, she never told them she swung for both teams. But I mean. Come on it must have clear she was into girls and guys. At least Raven must have known from the amount of time she flirted with her at the dropship. Come on she told her she would pick her first. If that doesn't say gay nothing does.
"Your gay." Raven says looking at Clarke with wide eyes. Clearly not.
"Yes." Clarke says as she and Alex quietly chuckle to themselves. "How did you not know this." She means really. Surely, they must have picked it up. Her flirting with Raven. Her checking Octivia out on that first day when she went for a swim along with Jasper Monty and Finn.
Raven just stares at Clarke for a few seconds until something clicks in her head. "Oh... Oh...OH." She drops her head into her hands hiding the redding of her face. "I'm such an idiot. I'm so sorry."
"it's fine." Clarke wave her off. "I mean I was only flirting with you for a few months. No big deal." At this Alex burst out laughing with Clarke following quickly behind her.
"I thought you had game Griff." Alex joke causing her eyes to automatically roll.
"I do." She defends. She is the one who is currently married to the hot grounder chic. "It's not my fault they were so dense." She means what did she need to do. Wave around a rainbow flag. Make out with female.
The two of them share a look after calming down. The giddiness seems to fade from her face as she looks at me her expression turning more curious. Clarke watches as Alex's eye dip to her chest. At first, she thought Alex was blatantly checking her out. Nothing like being ogled in public. She shifts uncomfortably at the notice. Anya takes a step forward almost acting like a barrier. Alex ignores her tipping her head to the side before looking back up at Clarke wearing the must smug and dopey smile she's ever seen on her ex.
Ok. She's confused.
Alex just stands smirking biting her lip as if she containing her own excitement. She drags her thumb and index across her throat and runs down her neck to the top of her shirt tugging on her neckless.
And just like that her confusion evaporates. Alex raises and eyebrow nodding waiting to see if she's right. Everyone in their friendship group knew that she always wore her great grandmother engagement ring as a neckless and the only reason she wouldn't be wearing it was if she gave to someone to wear after they tied the knot.
Unable to stop herself from smiling like a dope and just stand there grinning. A nervous happy chuckle leaves Clarke's throat as she look's down slightly embarrassed nodding.
"Oh my god Clarke." Alex shrieks dashing forward pulling her into a tight hug which she happily complies with. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks Al." Clarke says feeling the emotion building in her throat. Tears start to from in her eyes but she manages to hold them back. She's really missed Alex all these years. She had honestly thought Alex and Callie were dead like the rest of the people she loved on the ark.
"Just wait until we tell Riley."
"Wait Riley's here." Clarke asks pulling back holding the girl in place as she practically bouncing up and down. If only Eliza was here. She was killed during the rebellion on the Ark. Got caught in the bomb blast just like Kane's mother. To lose her and then Finn was hard to say the least. If Eliza Alex and Riley hadn't had been eighteen then no doubt that they would have followed Wells into get arrested just to end up on the dropship. All for one and one for all. Ride or die. They were that type of a close group.
"Yeah, he's a guard." Oh well done Riley. "He's going to be thrilled."
"He did always say I would be first." Apparently since Clarke was the most serious, she was going to be the one who got hitched first in their little group. "Can you two keep this as a secret for now."
She nods beaming at the news. "Wait right here." She orders before turning away and taking off racing into the ark screaming Riley's name.
"What just happened." Raven asks watching the bizarre scene take place.
Callie looks at her searching for any information about what just happened. It takes her a few moments then her eyes latch onto the empty space on Clarke's neck where her neckless used to be. Just like Alex excitement take over her. "Wait really." She shouts out causing Bellamy and Octavia jump at the sudden outburst.
"Yes. Really." Again she shrieks out in joy rushing forward and pulling Clarke into a tight hug. "When." She asks holding Clarke close speaking quietly enough that only the two of them can hear. "Better yet who." Pulling back, she keeps hold of her shoulders smiling like she's just been told the best news in the world.
"A year ago." She answers her first question before leaning in close to answer the second. She doesn't want everyone to know yet because Luna really wants to talk to Lexa about this and be the one to tell. "We're keeping it quiet at the moment. Theres a complication we need to work out before we announce it to everyone."
"But you will tell me everything." She pleads
"Please" Clarke scoffs "with you Alex and Riley around it's impossible to keep this to myself. We'll take about it later tonight." She pulls Clarke into another hug. "I've really missed you. I've missed you all."
"I missed you to Clarke. Now I should let you catch up with your friends." As she walks away Raven looks towards her with a guilty expression.
"I'm sorry. About before." She mutters with no confidence.
"Forget about." She assures her it's ok. Chances are it will most likely happen again. "So, what have you been up too these past five years." Clarke ask's curious to see what has been happening with her friends. They all seem to be doing fine on the surface but she wonders if they are as broken as she is underneath. Always the optimistic Clarke.
Anya puts her hand on Clarke's shoulder grabbing her attention before she flicks her head in the direction of her came. As offer her a smile telling her she's fine and to go. She has to start getting everyone settled for the night and begin the preparations for the march in the morning. They've still got five day walk from here to the ocean. Just another five days and she's home.
And then there were four.
"So, you've been living in Floukru all this time." Bellamy says breaking the silence.
"Yeah." The awkwardness between the four of them is painful to witness. "It's peaceful there." Really Clarke.
"Well good I'm glad." He says rubbing the back of his neck. "We've just been here. You know working on stuff." Stuff. Helpful insight. Then again, she just said peaceful so who is she to judge.
Octavia decides to speak next. Maybe the conversation will flow better with her. "We've been working with get the people here used to grounder culture like hunting farming and trading. Things like that."
"You and Lincoln must have been a huge help." She's glad Lincoln stayed around after the Mountain. He would have been a huge factor to why Arkadia is still standing if he was the one teaching them how to use the land. Not to mention teaching them to language so they can have open lines of communication with the other clans.
Clarke and Wells picked up most of the language during their self-exile and when they were working with Lexa planning the assault on the Mountain. Then became fluent in it during their stay in Floukru. They had to learn it otherwise people would have realised they were originally members Skaikru.
"We were originally going to go back to the mountain and get the equipment and gear in there but it seemed to have gone into lockdown after we left it." Bellamy states without thinking about the trigger effect that might have had on her. Octavia's eyes grow wide as she elbows her brother in the stomach making him grunt in pain. "What the hell O." He asks wincing.
"She's looking out for me." Clarke jumps in before an argument can start." Thanks O but I'm ok." Well ok is a lie. She's managing would be a better fit. "And for the Mountain that was my fault sorry." She shrugs her shoulders. "I ended the mountains reign of terror over the land."
During the first days of their, self-exile Wells followed her back to the Mountain. The hundreds of people she had killed just lay there rotting away. She failed them in life. She wouldn't fail them in death. So, one by one she dragged their bodies out of the mountain. Wells wanted to help but their deaths were her fault this is something she had to do on her own. She did however allow him to collect wood for the pyre.
Picking up the children's dead bodies was the worst. They died in agonising pain because of her actions. Their bodies all blistered from the radiation. The smell was revolting but she needed to do this. It took two days but eventually everyone had been put on to a pyre. Wells sent off their spirits the arks way reciting our final passage. After he finished, Clarke did the grounder method and light the fires. Hopefully they found the peace in death which she took form them in life.
After that the memories of the mount still hung over her. Hung over the land. The Mountain was a place of great evil. She knew that eventually her people would have wanted to come back to mountain in order to get the gear inside. Maybe even move people in.
That couldn't happen. For one the grounders would take this as an act of war if skaikru people went into the mountain. Two. It wasn't theirs to own. So, she and Wells went back inside for one final time. They searched everywhere before stumbling upon the self-destruct code hidden in Cage's and Dante's office. She activated the code and sealed the bunker shut forever.
The mountain couldn't be used to hurt anyone else ever again. No more mountain men coming to steal people away. No more ripas attacking the villages. No more acid fog. No more missiles. No more Mountain.
Anubis appears by her side licking at hand trying to be comforting. The corner of her mouth quirks up at seeing Bellamy Raven and Octavia jump back in surprise at seeing a giant wolf by her side all of a sudden. How they didn't notice his presence before she has no idea. But she does worry for their people if they are put on watch. Having enough of being slobbered on Clarkes raises her hand up to rub the top of his head instead.
"Clarke." Bellamy says very seriously eyes stuck on Anubis. "That's a wolf." Containing her laughter, she just nods in response. "That's a fucking wolf." His voice goes a little bit higher pitched than normal. God, you would think they've never seen a wolf before. Don't Laugh Clarke. Just act completely cool.
"His name is Anubis."
Raven takes one look at Clarke then at the wolf and then back at Clarke. "Of fucking course, you have a wolf as a pet." she narrows her eyes in a friendly manner. At least she hopes that's what that is.
"Don't be silly Raven." Clarke manages to say without any humour in her voice. How long can she keep this up for. "I don't one wolf as a pet." She waits a little letting a beat pass for dramatic effect. "I have three wolves as pets."
"Of course, you do." She sighs. "Why wouldn't you."
"You named him Anubis," Octavia asks taking this all in her stride. "God of the dead really. Isn't that a little on the nose."
Clarke just shrugs. "I thought it suited him quite well. And yeah, it goes along with Wanheda."
She just shrugs as if saying fair.
"You have a wolf." Bellamy repeats looking towards Clarke and his sister as if we're crazy. "Where the hell did you get a wolf."
She lets out a small sigh. "Again, I have three wolves." She's honestly shocked she haven't cracked yet. "As for where I got them me and Wells found them."
He just rubs his forehead fighting back a headache. "People don't just get wolves as pets."
Clarke looks down at Anubis who has turned his attention away from them and to the forest to the right of them. His dark eye's flicker as if he's listening to something. As casually as she can Clarke turns her head slightly to get a better view to what he's staring at. "Clearly you can." She says acting like nothing is wrong. Then they both spot it. A flash of blue in between the shrubs.
Azegda.
He bare's his teeth at the spies. If only they know that death themselves had noticed them. Squatting down Clarke affectionately rub his coat. "Run to Onya." She tells him. "Drag her outside and bark in that direction. Go with her and Howl when you're ready. I'll get into position." He licks at her face before darting off towards where the Clan's have set up camp. Standing back up Clarke turns to some very confused looking friends and says. "Azegda spies to our right. Go inform Lexa Indra and Kane. Me and Anya will take care of them."
Raven noting the hard edge to her voice doesn't need to be told twice before she takes off inside the ark to find our leaders. Bellamy unclasps his gun but Clarke just's shake my head at him. "You can't do this alone." His concern filtering into his voice.
"I won't be. But it would be strange for you two to follow me into the woods. If I run off again they won't think anything of it. They'll just thinking I'm having another episode." Clarke's explanation doesn't seem to help ease him and she's running out of time. "Bell. This is what I've been spending the past few months doing. You have to trust me."
Eventually he nods moving his hand away from his side arm "I'm a warrior. I can fight." Octavia states proudly.
"I know which is why you can't come with me." Octavia goes to argue anger flickering onto her face. "This isn't a fight. I don't need a warrior. I need an assassin. Stay here and try to act like I'm insane." Clarke doesn't wait for them to respond before she takes of running back out the gate behind her and take off to the left.
Faintly she can here Octavia muttering "As if we have to act like your insane."
Once she reaches the safety of the forest, Clarke loops around behind the ark using the trees to her advantage. Once she got into position overlooking the eight spies, she pulls a small tub out of her belt. Like batman's. She's completely forgotten what's it's called. Not important. Anyways inside the tubs is her war paint. Since Clarke doesn't have time to do her full mask, she has to settle for the simple version. One of her fingers is coated in a dark blue paint and the second is a dark grey. Slowly she drags her fingers under both of her eyes going from her nose to the end of her cheek bones flicking of the endings. The colours represent Floukru clan colours. It's a simple design she normally uses when she's in a rush.
Stalking her targets in the trees above like a wolf about to strike as quietly as possible she pulls out two throwing blades. One for each hand. All she's got to do now is wait for her signal.
It isn't long until Anubis howl echo's loudly through the trees. All the Azegda warriors turn their attention to the direction of the howl turning their back on Clarke. Perfect. Taking her opening she jumps out of the tree throwing the two blades at the two members in the middle of the group. Both blades impale themselves in the centre of her targets chests.
Landing on the ground in between two more members of Azegda Clarke reacts faster ripping her sword out and slicing the closest man's throat open. His throat is torn opens spraying blood all over her coating her skin and clothes. This is the second time today she's been covered in blood. She really hopes this isn't starting to become a habit. Blood is a bitch to clean out of her clothes.
The second man is a bit quicker swing his blade down on her but Clarke easily sidestep his swing pushing her blade through his chest. Before yanking it out. In about five seconds the group of eight becomes a group of four.
The last four members have now turned their full attention towards Clarke and pull out their respective weapons. Two swords an axe and a bow and arrow. The last one being the furthest away she turns her attention to axe wielding ice nation soldier closest to her. He charges and the other two swords people go to try and aid him.
Only the same tactic Clarke used to get the drop on them is used yet again. Since their attention is trained on Clarke. A blade whips through the trees killing one of them. A vicious snarl is heard before Anubis jumps out of his hiding place jaw clamping onto the archer's arm pulling them to the ground, she let's out a shriek before he moves in for the kill. Anya runs out from behind him attacking the last swordswoman.
The man with the axe swings his axe sideways causing her to duck under it before throwing her body to the left to avoid his second swing. Using the momentum of his first swing he actually spins around before pulling his axe up. This movement leave's his side open and a quick jab into his chest and he falls to the ground. Simple.
Looking up Clarke watches as Anya quickly dispatches the last woman ducking under her swing and appearing behind her to shove her sword through the back of her head. "Nicely done." She praises her former first wiping her sword clean and picking up her throwing blades.
"You too." She says with pride looking at the five people she took down by herself. "Your skills have vastly improved since we last saw each other." Clarke can feel her cheeks heat up at her praise.
Clarke let's out a nervous chuckle. "Yeah. Between your training and Luna having us on a strict training schedule I really have improved. Not to mention I've ran into my fair share of fights in my years away." She nods knowing how skilled of a warrior Luna actually is. "And well done Anubis. Who's my good boy." Clarke praises the MVP of the fight kneeling down as his body rams into her own stroking his luscious fur praising him for all his good work. If he didn't notice them then who knows what might have happened.
"Advanced scout party. Probably counting our numbers. I think it's fair to say that Queen Nia is aware I escaped Delphnea There may be a few more lurking around." Clarke does a quick scan of the area to make sure there aren't any more nearby.
"I'll set up a patrol around these woods." Anya agrees. "We should head back." As we're walking, she can't help but pray that Luna and Wells can hold out for a few more days. With Azegda knowing they are coming they will attack with everything they've got to try and wipe Floukru out before help can arrive.
Fighting with Anya again reminds her of the old times. Like when we were running from the mountain. Or the paun. Or the assassins. Yeah there was a lot of running and fighting back then. She's glad to see some things never change.
"Look at that." Clarke mutters more to herself than to Anya who is standing behind her hands still tied. She knew that her people weren't dead like Dante said. The Ark survived. Her people survived. She hopes that those left of the hundred that didn't get captured by the mountain made it here and safe. Bellamy Wells Raven Octavia Monroe Sterling Jinx and Finn should all still be alive. They were still alive and running towards the escape boxes when she closed the dropship door. Well raven wasn't with them but she knows the others would have come back after they escaped the blast radius. They should have found Raven. Hopefully they made it here. They have to be alive.
"How many are there," Anya asks breathing heavily. How she is still standing Clarke have no idea. Hell, she's panting just as hard and she wasn't the one strung up and staved and used as a blood bag for days before being stabbed with a tranq darts and rapidly punched in the head.
Ok two of those was her fault. But still, the fact she's still standing is impressive.
I don't know..." There were thousands of people alive last time she knew but who knows how many survived to make it here. "a lot I hope..." Man, she really needs to get in better shape. Even now her lungs feel like they are on fire. Turning around to face Anya Clarke already knowns what she was going to do back at the dropship. "I'm letting you go..." Surprise erupts onto Anya's face. Not that she can blame her. Clarke did drag all the way here to see her people only to let her go. But Clarke needed her to see them. Needed her to know they have the numbers now. That together they can take down the mountain and free both of their people. Please God let her understand this. "I'm not weak... but I'm not like you. Our only chance against mount weather is if we fight together. To beat them we will need our technology and your knowledge of this world... I know my people will help... The question is will yours."
Anya doesn't say anything but stares into her eyes almost as if she's looking for something. Time seems to stand still until she must have found what she was looking for. "The commander was my second..." Guilt shoots through her at the thought of her last second. Trish. She could have saved her. But she wasn't fast enough. They killed her. A child. Just like Charlotte. "I can get an audience."
Relief. Finally. She's agreed to peace. They can do this. They can save everyone and stop a war from happening. If she wasn't so tired, she might have actually jumped for joy. Anya offers Clarke her arm. This is really happening. Clasping arms with the older woman Clarke knows they can do this. This is the peace they should have created back on that bridge. "Please hurry."
She nods lightly before turning and walking away. Clarke watches her for a few seconds before a shout from the ark catches her attention. Not really thinking about it she takes a few steps closer. She's guessing it's time for her to convince her people to peace now. Should be easy with their kids trapped in a mountain full of murders and monsters.
All of a sudden it feels as if she's been punched in the gut. A sharp burning pain quickly follows. A second later the sound reaches' her ears and Clarke can't help the scream that escape her mouth. Another second later she feels herself falling hitting the ground with a thud the forest looking down on her.
"Klark." She hears Anya scream her name but it feels as if she's in the distance. Like she was hearing it while under water. It's blocked out. Faintly Clarke thinks she can hear someone running before another shot whizzes through the air. A grunt of pain fills the air as the buzzing sound starts to fade as an understanding of the situation hits her.
Clarke's people shot her. She's been shot. Panic floods through her at this thought. Her hand brushes against her stomach before she lifts it back up. Even in the dark, her blood is easy to see staining her hand. Not that needed to see it. Mud doesn't feel this warm and sticky on her body. Mud does seem to burn from within her.
A second shot was fired. Her mind remembers playing catch up. Anya.
As if she knew Clarke had thought of her the dirty blonde woman drops down next to her kneeling over her eyes wide in disbelief that this is happening. Well, at least Anya wasn't shot like her. Maybe peace can still happen. Flashes of light dart over them as Anya pushes her hands over her stomach. "Klark." She says pressing down as best as she can before turning back to look at her face. "Yu gonplei ste nou odon"
Faintly Clarke remembers that she said something like that to that person in the tunnels. Recite of death. Maybe. Like her people's traveller's passage. Those lights from before are getting closer. Shit her people are coming. "Anya." Wow her mouth feels weird. Right, she's losing blood. Focus Clarke. "You... Need ... to run." If she can't save herself or this alliance then the very least, she can do is save Anya. "Go."
Something sparks in Anya's eyes before determination filters over it. "No. I'm not leaving you." She states with certainty.
A crazed chuckle leaves her throat at her decoration. Concern grows on Anya's face after seeing her reaction. "Now..." Clarke mumbles before choking slightly on her own blood. Well, that's not good. Recalling her own medical knowledge something has punctured her lung but how. She swears she was shot in the stomach. That doesn't make any sense "Now you decide to stay with me." Both woman chuckle slightly at this before she tries for what might be the last the thing, she'll ever get the privilege do. Her last stance to make her go. To protect the woman who until long so long ago was her enemy. "My people will kill you. You have to leave for your own people."
Clarke can see that her words impact with her as she shifts looking in the direction which Clarke assumes her people are coming from before turning back to Clarke. She needs to leave to tell her people about what is happening in the mountain. They might still be able to do something with everything they've learnt.
"My people need you to survive." Is the last thing Anya manages to say before the guards descend on to them. Before either of them could say anything one of guard's hits Anya over the head with their gun knocking her to the ground. God. How many times are they going to be hit in the head today. How neither of them have gotten brain damage at this point is nothing short of a miracle.
Clarke's eyelids feel heavy. People are talking above her but it sorts of filters together into one single buzz. So, this is what it's like to die. To feel the world slowly start to fade around you. As the darkness wins out Clarke can just about feel my legs being pulled.
Everything around Clarke feel's heavy. She didn't even know noise could feel heavy. Her eyelids are too heavy to move. Her hands refuse to move. What's happening to her.
"You will not touch her." A familiar voice grunts. "Nobody will." Why does that voice sound familiar.
"You're not in change here." An angry female voice shouts back. She doesn't sound familiar. "You should be locked up."
A clang echoes through the room. "I am." That strangely calming voice glares back. Can A voice glare. It sounds like it is. "And even chained up I will not let you touch her." The threat lingers in the air.
"She's one of our people. We are protecting her from you." The angry voice replies sounding angrier if that's even possible.
"I'm not the one who shot her." Someone was shot. Who.
Instantly an intense pain originates from Clarke's stomach. Moaning at the blistering pain the voices in the room stop arguing. Oh god why did she have to ask who was shot.
"Someone gets the chancellor." The woman shouts before the door slams shut.
A hand gently strokes my cheek. "Klark." The voice telling people not to touch her clicks in Clarke's head.
"Anya." She manages to wheeze out through the pain. Feeling a surge of energy, Clarke manages to pry her eyes open and once again instantly regrets it. The light is too bright. Too blinding. Slowly Clarke reopens her eyes letting them adjust to the very bright lights. The first thing she sees Anya standing over her. Anya's face is stoic but her eyes betray her as they shine with relief. "You're still here." Clarke's voice comes out raspy. She could really use a drink.
"I couldn't leave you to die Klark." She admits with annoyance. Clarke guesses her admitting that she somewhat kind of likes her must drive her crazy.
"Don't worry I won't tell anyone." Clarke jokes wincing slightly at the pain still flooding her system. "I'll tell people you were trying to leave but my death grip wouldn't release you." Anya lets out a deep chuckle at this.
"Mochof Klark."
"I take it that means thank you." Clarke guesses getting a nod in return. "How... How do you say you're welcome in your language."
"Pro." She says slowly as if speaking to a child. Which in this sense might be truer than she would like to admit.
"Pro Anya."
"Maybe there's hope for you yet." Clarke would have asked her what that means but the door opening halts their little conversation.
Translations.
Sangedakru- Desert Clan
Ai badan yu, luna gon the floukru en nou moun, kom disha nau taim wamplei- I serve you, Luna of the boat people and no other, from now until my death.
yu gonplei ste nou odon- your fight is not over