Hello all. I feel like I should refer to you somehow. As I address the conglomerate of my readers. My people, my readers, my unrelenting fan club. My Nobodies. Eh, I'm workshoping it. Anywho, happy October, the spooky season is my favorite time of year. I've been busy, as is evident by my lack of posting. Apologies, this is but one of the many different writing projects that I am juggling.

We see a little of Clarke's dangerous side in this one, hope you all enjoy.

Note: All text in BOLD italics is being spoken in Trigedasleng and is translated for ease of viewing as well as ease of writing.

Chapter VII - Allies & Enemies

Clarke's eyes opened and she was met with the most dazzling smile she had ever seen, Clarke felt her eyes ignite and the glowing blue orbs that met hers were as familiar as if Clarke had seen them just yesterday. Clarke stepped forward and rubbed her head and neck along that of her first mate's. In that moment Clarke felt whole again, like a piece of her that she had forgotten was missing had suddenly been put back into place.

Raven was the one to finally break the moment, "so, what's with the wolf look Cleo?"

Clarke rolled her eyes and grinned wide, howling softly.

"Well no matter what you look like I can't tell you how good it is to see you." She smirked suddenly, "though I wouldn't mind seeing how three years on the ground has made you look when you're human. She winked, and if Clarke could blush her cheeks would have been bright red. Raven stood back up and Clarke moved forward rubbing her head up and under Raven's chin which made the other girl laugh and grab her around the neck. "Jeez Cleo, you're huge too. Why the hell are you so big as a wolf? The girl I remember had nowhere near this much mass."

Clarke frowned at her, giving her best attempt at raising an eyebrow, prompting Raven to let out a laugh, "I'm not calling you fat Clarke, just curious. Like, where does all this come from? Is it all poof? Raven then proceeded to bring both hands down on either side of Clarke's shoulders, flattening the fur and hitting the muscle beneath. Raven patted her a few times testing the resistance she met. "Wow, definitely not all poof," she frowned, "does it have to do with your being an Apex Alpha? Or once the blockers wear off and the rest of us shift will we all be this big?"

Clarke smiled, she had really missed Raven, but she had no answers for her mate and so she just shrugged her shoulders apologetically as the other girl sighed. Clarke was bigger than any of the grounders in wolf form but she had no way of knowing if that was from her unique status or because of having lived in space. Maybe all the Arkers would be like her? As Clarke followed Raven back to her pod she heard the sounds of Bellamy and the others having caught up to them and turned to greet them along with Raven.

"Finn! Bell!" Raven called out when they came into view, "I had really hoped to see your ugly mugs around here. Not quite as much as Clarke's but you two were close runners up." She smiled and stroked Clarke's neck happily before moving forward to embrace the two guys.

Finn grinned, "good to see you Raven, I've missed you."

Clarke growled at that and Raven moved back placing a placating hand on Clarke's shoulder quieting her. "You too, glad the earth really did turn out to be survivable."

Bellamy, who had still been grinning, worked his face into a mocking frown, "c'mon Ray, takes more than a little lingering radiation." He glanced behind her, shaking his head slightly, "though I'm not sure that this," he gestured to the mostly destroyed ramshackle drop pod, "was the best idea."

Raven glared at him in mock-hurt, "hey I worked on this baby for over a month, and she got me here didn't she?"

Bellamy raised his hands in defeat, "fair enough Reyes," he let his hands fall to his sides, "it really is good to see you."

Raven let her scowl drop, "can't believe the crew is all back together again, and here!" Raven stroked Clarke's back again as she did a full twirl taking in a deep breath. Clarkes smiled as she watched her mate taking in the sounds and scents of the ground. She remembered her first moments stepping out of her own drop ship, it was a surreal experience.

Raven turned back to Bellamy and Finn, the smile falling from her face slightly at the looks on their faces. They told her about Wells and Clarke nuzzled closer as her mate took the news of their friend's death. Raven's grimace slowly gave way to anger.

She squeezed Clarke tighter, "we're going to make those bastards pay." Raven looked upwards, towards the general direction of the Ark. They killed Wells, turned that little girl into a killer." She paused, "killed her in the end too really."

Bellamy nodded, "yeah," his frown turned into a look of determination, "but now we're free, they sent us down to test if the earth was survivable, not caring if we lived or died, but we didn't just survive, we're thriving. And when they come down we'll be the ones who know what's going on, we'll be the ones calling the shots." He was grinning now, "c'mon back to camp, there's a lot to catch you up on."

Clarke grinned, despite the situation, it was good to see her friends together again. She shoulder bumped Raven, and made a throaty sound of agreement. Everyone she cared about was down here now.

Finn spoke up then, breaking them all from their thoughts of the Ark. He rolled his eyes and scoffed slightly, "I see you've met our wolf, she seems to like you fine." There was a hint of derision in his voice and Clarke imagined that he was probably remembering her teeth at his throat. He missed the incredulous look that now adorned Raven's features and he continued, "Octavia found her, the beast is very protective." He rubbed his jaw, "over some people anyway."

Raven's incredulous look only grew as she glanced back and forth between Clarke, Bellamy, and Finn. Realization finally seemed to dawn on her face and she turned finally to Clarke, eyes wide. Clarke rolled her eyes and nodded pointedly at the guys and made a huffing sound of exasperation. Raven let out an amused laugh before shaking her head in disbelief.

"Bellamy, Finn," she paused for dramatic effect, "there is someone I would like to introduce you to." She grinned as they frowned and momentarily looked past her and into her empty drop ship. She shook her head again in disbelief upon seeing their confused looks before continuing, "Bellamy, Finn, meet my soulmate, Clarke."

Clarke for her part bent her head low before looking up, rolling her eyes, and grinning at the stunned figures before her. Their looks were every bit as dumbfounded as she could have hoped for.

The radio that Raven had brought had been mostly destroyed but their small group gathered what necessary items were still intact and then began the walk back to camp. The guys tried to get over their shock and Clarke did her best to explain again why she couldn't shift. Upon arriving back at camp Bellamy decided that it was probably a good idea to update the camp on everything that had happened. He signaled one of the guys on watch and told him to get everyone up. Bellamy gave Clarke a last squeeze and, shaking his head, walked off in the direction of Octavia's tent.

As he moved off the realization of what was about to happen hit Clarke and suddenly she was excited all over again for an entirely new reason. Clarke glanced over at Raven, her mate looked back, arm comfortably over Clarke's shoulders, but Clarke could tell she was still processing. The ground, the grounders, Wells' death; truth be told they could both use the distraction. Deciding that something else to focus on would be best, and honestly not wanting to wait any longer, Clarke began to move off in the direction Bellamy had gone, beckoning Raven to follow with a small wolfish smile. Together they made their way through camp. Clarke found her target easily enough, the girl was already up and speaking with Bellamy, apparently upset that she had been forced to stay behind.

As Clarke and Raven approached the pair Octavia's demeanor changed, she turned and gave Clarke a big hug, "you wouldn't have made me stay behind would you Sunshine?" Clarke stiffened slightly at the sound of Raven's laugh behind them, ah shite... she had definitely heard the nickname. Oh well, Clarke supposed it was inevitable, at least Bellamy had conveniently not yet gotten to the part about Clarke being, well Clarke. Doing her best to ignore the amused snort from behind her Clarke stepped aside slightly as Raven moved forward. Bellamy gave Raven a large smile and gestured to her, "Octavia this is my friend Raven and Raven this, finally, is my sister Octavia."

Octavia smiled and Clarke grinned, knowing exactly the words that were about to come out of the girl's mouth. She had seen the words that were etched onto Raven's left shoulder blade, traced them with her fingers, spent hours together in her room musing, wondering at who would one day speak those words.

"So you fell from the sky alone huh? Awesome."

Raven's eyes widened and her friendly smile was replaced with a look of shock, she looked back at Clarke in surprise and Clarke grinned back spinning in a quick excited circle before shoving Raven forward. Raven glared at Clarke before turning back to their mate.

Turning her glare away from Clarke Raven managed to compose herself. Now grinning she nodded at Octavia, "I did, and yeah, it was pretty badass."

Octavia's eyes widened and she squealed happily, "no way no way no way." She tackled Raven in a hug and Clarke couldn't help but laugh, and her laughter only grew louder at the look on Bellamy's face.

After a moment he spoke up looking between his sister, Raven, and Clarke. "Wait so you two are..." he looked down at Clarke, "and if you and Raven are also... Then that means the three of you-" Clarke cut him off by howling happily and Raven laughed along with her.

Raven turned to Bellamy, "all this time and your sister was our third."

Octavia frowned at that, "that's right, Clarke could still be somewhere here on the ground right?" Octavia's face lit up, "wait that makes Clarke my soulmate too!" She squealed excitedly, "we have to find her!"

That statement returned the smile to Bellamy's face and he and Raven shared a look, "actually," began Bellamy. "You DO know her, we've already found her." Octavia was shocked and looked quickly around to see if she had somehow missed a second new face in camp but Bellamy just continued explaining. His grin widened, "actually O, it was you that found her."

Clarke stepped forward and met Octavia's gaze. "Sunshine?" Clarke rolled her eyes but nodded her head. "Wait, you've been my brother's missing friend and my soulmate this entire time?!" Clarke lowered her head sheepishly but shrugged and nodded in confirmation. "Why didn't you tell us! Why don't you shift back to human?! Why…?" She trailed off as she absorbed the information.

Bellamy sighed, "near as we can tell she made some sort of deal with the grounders to try and make peace, but she isn't allowed to change form right now because they don't want her giving away information."

Octavia nodded, "ok, ok so in a few days at the meeting on the bridge we will figure everything out," she turned to Clarke, "and then you can shift?" Clarke thought about it for a moment before nodding again in confirmation. Octavia frowned, "maybe we can shift into our wolves? Talk to you that way? Would we be able to communicate as wolves?"

Clarke however shook her head and to her delight Raven began to verbalize exactly what Clarke was thinking, "no," Raven mimicked Clarke with a shake of her head, "they gave you your shots before sending you down right?" Bellamy and Octavia nodded and Raven continued, "right, so your last dose of blockers won't wear off for another two weeks or so." She paused, "and I just had my shots a week ago so I have even longer than you guys." She frowned, "also I'm not sure that being a wolf would even allow us to speak to each other…" She turned to Clarke, "Wouldn't it be like learning a whole new language?"

Clarke beamed, she had missed her other half dearly (or, her other third now she supposed). It had taken Clarke even longer to pick up on the nuances of the wolves' conversation than it had to get the hang of Trigedasleng. It mattered not whether she was in human or wolf form, the sounds of howling, whines, growls, and guttural barks were a language all their own. A language far more difficult than any grammatically structured human one. Oh well, they'd cross that bridge later.

Bellamy nodded and then began to move away saying that he was going to prepare everyone for the Clarke announcement. As he walked away Octavia hung her head, disheartened at the new information and the prospect of not getting to talk with her newfound mate. Clarke approached with a low whine, she moved forward and licked Octavia's cheek making the other girl laugh. Clarke smiled in response as Octavia gave her a hug, "I can't believe this, all my life spent hidden and alone and now I get two soul mates in one day!" She shrugged, "I mean sort of one day, I guess you've been with me for almost two weeks huh Sunshine."

Clarke rolled her eyes and growled softly at the name to which Octavia laughed, "aw c'mon Clarke, you don't like the name Sunshine? Bellamy always said what beautiful golden hair you have, I think it fits even better now!" Clarke turned to glare at Bellamy's retreating form and then at Raven who was now laughing at her.

Suddenly Octavia's eyes grew wide and her laughing cut off. "Wait! You've been here almost two weeks! Sunshi- Clarke you've been sleeping in my tent, I've changed in front of you!" At this Raven and Clarke burst out laughing and Octavia got a bit red in the face, "It's not funny! I thought you were just some wolf!"

As Raven and Clarke's laughter began to die down they looked at each other with a new feeling suddenly behind each of their expressions. Raven grinned, "well as soon as Clarke can shift I hope to see both of you undress." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively and Clarke rolled her eyes, but she couldn't deny that she wanted that too. Octavia reddened further but before she could protest or respond Bellamy was shouting over to them that it was time for Clarke's reveal.

The rest of the delinquents had been a bit surprised by the new revelation but it did seem to make them all far more comfortable around Clarke and the buzz didn't last as long as Clarke had anticipated, for which she was grateful. After a few dozen questions about Clarke, as well as about Raven's arrival, the delinquents seemed to accept the situation and began to disperse. This left just Clarke's small group with some time to themselves to talk further about the fast approaching peace meeting with the grounders.

To Clarke's displeasure she could not convince any of them that it wouldn't come to violence. In the end it was agreed that those on the bridge would go unarmed, however, they would also station gunmen in the trees should things go south. The guns however, to Clarke's dismay, were far from the worst part. Despite her best efforts, Clarke hadn't been able to stop Octavia's idea for a bomb. After almost being speared through she was understandably fearful of the grounders and, with the protective natures of both Raven and Bellamy towards her, there had been little Clarke could do. Raven was all for making things explode and she looked apologetically at Clarke as she agreed to make the bombs.

The days passed and although Clarke was nervous beyond belief she was also the happiest she had ever been. She spent the days with her mates and her best friend, she hunted and she laughed and then at night she got to curl up next to her two favorite people in the world. Through Bellamy and Octavia's accounts Raven had learned about Finn's less than stellar behavior and at Clarkes confirmation Finn had received a lingering red mark across the face, much to Clarke's satisfaction. Raven had been saddened at first but had now begun to just ignore Finn as he alternated between trying to apologize and just sulking off by himself.

Spending so much time with her mates lifted Clarke's spirits greatly and she began to find herself hopeful that everything would work out. She made semi-often trips back to the village, both to socialize and to reassure everyone of the ongoing desire for peace on both sides. In two days time they would be finishing up the negotiations, there would be a solid truce, and Clarke would be able to just share and enjoy all the wonders of the ground with those she cared about. Of course, she should have known it wasn't going to be that easy.

The next day Murphy came stumbling into camp, he had a black eye and a cut that ran from his temple to his jaw. He was locked up immediately, tied to the wall on the top floor of the drop ship. However, after questioning him Bellamy returned with little information. Just that he had been living in the woods until a day or two ago when he had been found by a large grounder force, apparently the leader had tortured and beat him. Clarke watched with a slight frown as he was led away into the drop ship to be bound and watched.

There must be a new village or a different kru in the area, one who didn't know about the temporary peace. Or else maybe Murphy had been on the wrong side of the boundary line. Clarke would have to speak to Anya. Before she could leave however the grounders' plan was set in motion. Murphy had been released on purpose and now the disease that he carried had spread. The delinquents began to drop and as both Octavia and Raven fell ill Clarke realized that she couldn't leave. As Bellamy ordered those who were sick onto the drop ship Clarke just tried her best to comfort those that had been infected. Even Murphy was brought down with the rest of the infected, bound to a cot instead of a wall. Clarke knew this sickness and the only thing to do was wait it out. She tried to explain this to Bellamy when he had asked her to go to the grounders for a cure but she wasn't sure he had understood; and as the first of her people succumbed to the sickness Clarke could only sit and whimper as her mates lay with bloody noses and labored breathing.

Clarke awoke suddenly, her instincts alerting her to movement. Her eyes opened, twin orbs of piercing blue in the dark. The artificial light from the overhead lamp cast a dim glow over the cold metal, but Clarke had no trouble seeing. She didn't move at first but glanced around the room, for a moment nothing caught her attention, then she heard a shuffling of feet from the other side of the ship. Whatever it was was blocked from her sight by the console and support structure at the center of the space but the sound was enough to draw Clarke's attention. Silent as a shadow she got to her feet, taking a moment to check on her mates, their breathing was fairly even and so she began padding her way towards the noise. Rounding the edge she came into view of what had caused the sound.

Before her, roughly ten feet away stood John Murphy. He was standing over a cot and held a dirty rag loosely in his left hand. He had obviously managed to work himself loose from his hastily tied restraints. Clarke could see just past him to the prone figure of Connor that lay unconscious and breathing heavily. Clarke knew what this was, Connor had been the main force behind the mob that had nearly Killed Murphy, the mob that had eventually led to his torture and banishment. Clarke watched as Murphy bent low and then clamped a hand over Connor's mouth. Connor woke quickly, wide eyed and struggling, but Murphy held tight, holding him down and muffling the sounds of his distress. A couple more seconds passed before Connor grew still, realizing he was too weak to fight back he just looked up at his assailant with a wide fearful gaze.

Murphy's hold loosened slightly but he did not move his hand. His hunched form moved into a crouch and he grew closer to Connor before beginning to speak. His voice was low and intense as he looked into Connor's terrified face. "Do you know what they did to me? What the grounders did when they caught me?"

Murphy paused and waited for Connor to shake his head before continuing. "They began by binding me tightly, hands, arms, legs." He paused, "I know you can't see but the marks from those ropes are still deep, they didn't care how deeply the ropes cut." He stopped again, letting his words sink in. "Then they tied my ropes to their horses, legs first, I was pulled behind them for over an hour, shoulders rubbing against the ground and head bumping every rock and root along the way. When we got there I was unbound from the horses only to be tied to a post. They asked me questions, I refused to answer, so they beat me. I told them that I wasn't one of you, that I was an outcast, alone. But they didn't believe me. Then they brought out the blades." Clarke watched Murphy's form shudder slightly. "I talked after that, I told them everything, but they continued to cut me anyway." Murphy took a deep breath. "Then one day they brought me a meal, as they had done once a day for my stay with them. Then they untied me, cut the rope binding my legs, and told me to run back home." Murphy shrugged in the darkness, "I didn't even know that I was infected, not that anyone here will believe me. I'm surprised Bellamy hasn't had me killed yet. But I'll be damned if I survived all that just to be put to death by Bellamy or one of you mindless flunkies. After this I'm out of here, this plan to make peace with the grounders is going to fail, they don't want peace, they want us dead. But I sure as shit am not sticking around while you all are executed." He stopped and At Clarkes angle she could just make out the small smile that spread on his lips. "Well, I say 'you all' but you won't really be part of it, you'll already be dead."

Murphy punctuated this final statement by removing his hand from Connor's mouth and bringing the rag at his side up to replace it. The rag covered Connor's nose and mouth and the prone figure of the boy immediately began to thrash and fight. A second ticked by, then another, as Clarke contemplated her choices.

Clarke stepped forward, a growl low in her throat. Murphy's head flicked to the side and his eyes widened as he caught sight of Clarke's form looming from the darkness. He startled to his feet, pulling the struggling form of Connor along with him, halfway up and off the cot. But he didn't let go, he turned back around, just looking at the struggling Connor below him, and spoke softly, "you don't understand, he's the reason I was blamed for Well's death, he's the reason I was outcast from my own people, he's the reason I was captured and tortured, he's the reason Charlotte killed herself."

Clarke's growl died in her throat and she came forward until she was nearly pressed into his back. Looming above him she looked down at the struggling form of Connor, the boy's movements were slowing down.

"If it's really you Clarke, if you've really come from the Ark, been living here for years…" He blinked and Clarke could see a wetness trailing down his cheeks. "You must have done whatever it took to survive, you must have killed. The strong survive. If I don't… If I'm not strong enough to… How can I trust that he and the others won't just turn on me again?"

Without really thinking about it Clarke felt her body shake, her bones ground and shattered and her skin tore. She grit her teeth but didn't make a sound as her form shifted. Then she was standing behind Murphy, two legs beneath her, arms at her sides. She reached out slowly and clasped Murphy's arm. "I've killed," she paused as Murphy's body stiffened. "But only when necessary."

His voice came out shaky, he still did not so much as glance away from the slowing form of Conner that now lay half in his lap. "I… I can't let him go."

"You can." Clarke slowly grasped tighter and began to lift his arm up and away from Connor's face. "He was wrong, they were wrong to treat you as they did. I've seen what the grounders do to their prisoners. Connor and the other's caused you pain beyond anything they can imagine. But John, they did it out of fear, they didn't know any better, they only knew that another person was dead, and in their fear induced panic they were convinced that it was your fault. If you kill him now you're every bit the monster that they condemned you for being." Clarke pulled just slightly harder and Murphy's arm finally loosened in her grasp. She guided it away from Connor's face and the cloth fell to the floor. A moment passed before Clarke heard Connor suck in a breath. He was unconscious and limp, but his breathing was even, if a bit labored.

Clarke let go of Murphy's arm and it fell limply to his side as he slouched down, head hanging low. Clarke moved around him, lifting the front half of Connor's form off of Murphy's lap. She lay the unconscious boy back in his cot and covered him with his blanket. He might die from the sickness, but now at least it would not be at Murphy's hand.

After getting Connor situated Clarke turned back to face Murphy. She placed both hands on his shoulders and waited for him to respond. Eventually he looked up and, though he had made no sound, his eyes were filled with tears. His eyes widened slightly as he took in her naked form but his momentary shock passed quickly as his eyes found her own.

"I'm sorry, thank you Clarke"

Clarke smiled and squeezed his shoulders, "I've been there, forgiveness is the most difficult course of action, but if you can manage it it's the best way forward."

Murphy swallowed heavily, "I don't want to be alone anymore."

Clarke let her head tilt forward until her forehead bumped against his, "You aren't alone John, and you aren't an outcast. What you did was understandable, forgivable, and you have more than atoned for your crimes."

Murphy chuckled gruffly, "no one has called me John in a while…" The beginnings of his smile fell from his face and his head dropped, his eyes moving from hers back to the floor. "They won't see it that way"

"I'll make them see it that way, I heard what you said to Connor, you had no reason to lie." Clarke pasused, waited until he was looking at her again. "I have known a dozen warriors, some barely even human, that have caved within minutes of interrogation. If you held your tongue until they began the cuts… Well, like you said, the strong survive."

Morning came early and Clarke awoke abruptly with Bellamy's hand on her shoulder. Octavia and Raven were sleeping soundly and it appeared as though their fevers had broken during the night and, while others had not been so lucky, Clarke couldn't help but be relieved. They would be ok. She also checked in on Connor, she found him unconscious and breathing a bit heavily, but stable. Today was negotiations and Clarke had no doubt that was why Bellamy had woken her. She took a deep breath and steeled herself for what came next.

Despite Clarke's efforts, the bomb that Raven had made before falling ill had already been placed underneath the bridge. Clarke could only hope that she would be able to negotiate peace and that neither side would have to resort to violence. She knew that if they blew up the bridge then any chance at an armistice would be completely void.

Bellamy pulled Clarke from her thoughts as he signaled for her to follow him out of the drop ship and with a weary sigh she got up and followed him. As they exited the large doorway they were met by a small group waiting at the entrance. Clarke shook herself, waking herself up a bit and taking in the members of their negotiation party. Including herself and Bellamy there were six of them; the others consisted of Finn, Miller, Monroe, and Harper. Monty was originally supposed to be part of the group but Jasper was still sick and he had opted to stay behind to help Trina tend to the infected and also to bury the bodies.

As they turned to leave there was a call from behind them and the group turned to see John Murphy exiting the drop ship. He kept his gaze low but looked up to meek Clarke's gaze as he stepped down the ramp. Bellamy, Finn, Miller, and Monroe kicked into gear immediately, their shock at seeing Murphy unbound lasting barely the second that it took him to descend the ramp. They surged forward, but Clarke was much faster. By the time their weapons were raised Clarke was already at Murphy's side, facing the group, teeth bared.

The group startled slightly but slowly lowered their weapons. Bellamy watched Clarke carefully before frowning, "are you sure Clarke? You know what he's done. Clarke just nodded, not breaking eye contact with her best friend. Bellamy looked at her for another moment before glancing back at Murphy, "alright Clarke, I trust you." He glanced around, "weapons down."

Murphy looked appreciatively at Clarke before speaking up, "I'm sorry Bellamy, I'm sorry for the trouble I caused, sorry for Charlotte, sorry for bringing this sickness to our people, all of it." He lowered his gaze. "I just want to help."

Bellamy seemed to struggle for a moment, "I haven't forgiven you Murphy, I don't think I can after… Well after everything." Bellamy shrugged, "but if Clarke trusts you then that's good enough for me. At least for now."

The others were hesitant and kept their distance but eventually the seven of them got moving at a steady pace towards the bridge. Clarke's breath was even but her heart was racing, this would work. It had to. It was a quiet walk through the woods, well quiet in the sense that no one was talking anyway. Clarke couldn't help the slight annoyance at her companions for how loudly they were tromping through the brush. It was a wonder they managed to hunt anything without her.

Clarke was broken from her thoughts as their small group finally came into sight with the bridge. No one else appeared to be around but it was getting close to the agreed upon time, Trikru weren't far. Clarke's biggest fear was that whichever group had sent Murphy would further antagonize the situation, she was sure it wasn't Anya but she would have liked to have spoken to them before this meeting.

As agreed, Clarke, Bellamy, Miller, Harper and Monroe continued forward while Finn and Murphy stayed back. As they reached the bridge Harper and Monroe fell back, posting themselves further back but within sight. Bellamy and Miller paused momentarily to leave their larger firearms behind. However, despite Clarke's protests, Bellamy still had his pistol hidden beneath his jacket.

The three of them continued forwards until they reached the middle of the bridge. Then they waited. Clarke watched the treeline on the far side of the bridge, listened for the sounds of approaching footfalls. The wind was blowing away from them and Clarke found herself a little uneasy at not having a clear scent.

They didn't wait long before Clarke caught sight of slight movement in the trees. She nudged Bellamy at her side and he nodded realizing what she meant. A few more moments passed before the small convoy of Trikru exited the treeline.

Clarke watched as four figures broke from the group and moved forward to meet them. The smaller party consisted of Anya, Tris (Anya's Second), Indra, and a fourth that Clarke did not recognize. She frowned, he was a tall man and strode confidently at Anya's side, Clarke knew he must at least be her equal in rank. Another Unit General perhaps? Was he the one who had taken Murphy and attacked their camp? She shifted her attention slightly, she'd know soon enough. Looking past the small group Clarke could also see Lincoln, Nyko, and several others she recognized, though they remained at the edge of the bridge. She glanced around the trees, she had no doubt that there were others further back among the trees.

Clarke stood tall as the four emissaries arrived in front of them.

Anya spoke first, "Wanheda, Skaikru, we are glad you have agreed to meet with us, I am General Anya of Trikru." She gestured to her sides, "this is Tris, my Second, Indra, chief of the nearest village, and Tristan, General of the northern forces." She was looking at Clarke as she finished and Clarke nodded in both greeting and affirmation.

However, it was Bellamy who spoke. "Thank you for meeting with us, I am Bellamy, I speak for my people." He gestured towards Miller, "and this is my second in command, Miller." Clarke was glad that he skipped her introduction. "We hope to avoid further conflict with your people."

Anya nodded towards Bellamy, "My people do not wish for more violence, you have honored the border and Wanheda has vouched for you. I am inclined to entertain a lasting peace. We-"

"-But you didn't." It was Miller. All eyes turned to him and he blanched slightly before pulling his face back into a scowl. "You sent Murphy, one of ours, back to us with a sickness, a number of our people have died already."

Clarke frowned at Miller's boldness, the matter had to be addressed but this was not exactly how she would have liked to breach the subject.

Anya's unreadable expression turned to a slight frown and Clarke caught the quick glance that she sent towards the other general. Tristan appeared unconcerned, face stoic. Anya spoke, "an unfortunate misunderstanding on our end, we had a contingent arrive…" She paused for a moment as if choosing her next words carefully, "unannounced." Clarke almost thought she caught a hint of annoyance. "These new arrivals did not yet know of our temporary truce and found your 'Murphy' near the border."

Anya was cut off by Tristan, his voice taunting but firm. "Across the border actually, he was found where he did not belong."

Anya gave a slight nod, "in any case, it was a reaction born of misunderstanding and one that would have been prevented if communication had been better established. You have my apologies."

Miller seemed about to retort, but before he could say anything Bellamy spoke up. "We appreciate that but it does not change the fact that our people suffer, perhaps if you could provide us with a cure?" He looked somewhat hopeful but Clarke already knew the answer.

Anya shook her head, looking genuinely apologetic. "Unfortunately this sickness is used in warfare specifically because it has no known cure. It is designed to weed out the weak, thin an opponent's numbers, sow chaos in the ranks."

"Those that die are weak, you don't want them anyway." Tristan smiled, though there was nothing friendly about the expression. "I did you a favor." Tristan's smile fell and he half turned to Anya, addressing her. "These people are all weak, we shouldn't even be entertaining this. My unit alone could wipe them out easily."

"Enough, Tristan. We both have our orders, they have weapons and technology beyond ours. I have no doubt that, should it come to war, we will be victorious. However, the Commander has spent too much time and sacrificed too many lives in the pursuit of unity. Many of us would die in a war against the Sky People. We knew as soon as Wanheda arrived that the myths were real. Don't forget General, there are more of them still up there."

Tristan Glared at her but seemed to accept her words for the moment and Clarke was relieved to hear that Tristan at least seemed to be under orders. Clarke did not know much about this 'Commander' But she had heard the stories from Linkon and Indra, of the young woman who had risen to power and united the twelve clans as no Commander had done before. Clarke had yet to meet any of the clans besides Trikru, but through the stories she had come to respect this 'Commander Lexa'"

Bellamy held up a hand to stop Miller from speaking, he addressed Anya, ignoring the unintelligible conversation that had just happened. "If that is the case, if there is no cure, then how do we move forward? We were under a truce, yet your people killed mine, and you don't even seem to have any aid to offer."

Anya's apologetic look vanished, replaced by her cold mask. "Take care how you speak Bellamy of the Skaikru, you are new here, you arrived in our lands, shot at and injured our people. It is only because of Wanheda that we did not just wipe you out." Anya paused, "you ask what we can offer. It's true that we can not help you with the plague your people currently face but we have lived in these woods for generations, we can offer knowledge of the land, its animals and plants, the dangers and the intricacies of life here. We are also prepared to allow you to keep your unjust claim on the land that you currently occupy. It is the best offer you are going to get."

Bellamy took a deep breath, "and what do you ask in return?"

"You stay off our lands, you make no alliances against us, and you use your weapons only against the animals and the Mountain Men."

Bellamy, whose face had been neutral, showed some confusion at the last statement. "The Mountain Men?"

Anya frowned, "I suppose you have not seen them directly." She paused for a moment, "you have seen the death fog, yes?"

Bellamy nodded, "yes, the acid fog killed one of us early on."

Anya continued, "the fog is sent by the Mountain Men, they inhabit Mount Weather, rarely leave their underground stronghold. When they do leave they are covered in protection, they seem to not be able to survive once their coverings are torn." Anya turned her gaze to Clarke, "Wanheda has met them."

Bellamy turned to Clarke who nodded in affirmation. He turned back to Anya, "you seem to be a fair leader Anya of Tree Crew, your terms are fair."

"Good, we will-"

Bellamy cut her off "-I wasn't done. Your terms are fair but," he glanced at Miller who nodded, "we have one thing to ask."

Anya frowned but leaned back, "ask then."

Clarke knew what was coming but she still hoped that Bellamy wasn't about to do what she thought he was going to. Bellamy nodded and raised a hand until he was pointing at Tristan. "We want him."

Tristan sneered at Bellamy, "you want me? Let's do this boy." He took a step backwards and grinned in a clear challenge.

Bellamy, to his credit, completely ignored the man. He turned back to Anya, "you say he is responsible for the break in our truce, he captured and tortured one of ours, then released a wartime disease that has killed a dozen of my people." Bellamy did not break eye contact, "is this how your people act during times of truce?"

"Temporary Truce boy!" Tristan was in Bellamy's face now and Clarke didn't miss Bellamy's hand twitching towards his vest, coming to rest on the pistol that lay, hidden just beneath. "Your boy was ON OUR LAND! A clear violation of your TRUCE." He spat the last word and grinned down at Bellamy. Anya attempted to stop Tristan but he just ignored her and continued to shout at Bellamy. "The offer that has been given to you is more than I would ever have allowed, give me a reason, any reason to kill you here and now boy. I will kill you, your second, those cowards behind you, and every damn one of you. I-"

He was cut off by Clarke, she had had enough and had moved slowly forwards until she was between Bellamy and Tristan. His bravado disappeared as Clarke stepped in front of him, the growl that had been building ripped from her throat. Tristan's confident grin was replaced by a look of fear and he backed up several paces.

"Wanheda…" It was Indra, "please, restrain yourself."

Clarke glanced at Indra and then past her to where several bows were now trained on their position. The archers at the base of the bridge all looked uneasy but Clarke did not doubt that they would obey the signal to fire. She would be fine, but Bellamy and Miller…

Clarked backed down, she stepped back, resuming her place at Bellamy's side.

"Bitch"

Clarke's eyes narrowed but otherwise she didn't react, her attention was back on Anya.

Anya nodded to Clarke, "thank you Wanheda," she turned to Bellamy, "your request is not unreasonable." She looked back at Tristan. "Jus drein jus daun."

Tristan's fear had dissipated and he now turned on Anya. "What? You can't be serious! You think I'm going to turn myself over to them? They broke your precious truce! I was simply carrying out justice. The Commander charged me with solving this situation, bade me succeed where you have so obviously failed. I see now why you have been unable to deal with this. Wanheda has blinded you! She may be prophesied but these Sky People hold no power here, I never thought that you of all people would bend to their will so easily. I will deal with them, then I will deal with you!" Tristan Stood tall, pushing past Anya. He raised a hand over his head as he took several imposing steps forwards. "You should have taken the deal Bellamy of the Sky People."

Crack!

Clarke heard the sound of the gun firing and then Tristan lurched and cried out in pain. He came up clutching his arm, he must have been grazed.

Bellamy's shout for Finn to hold fire came far too late as Clarke watched the spark ignite in Tristan's eyes. He glared at Clarke, spitting his next words at Bellamy, "even Wanheda can not save you now!" His smile was plastered back into place and he looked almost gleeful at the turn of events.

Clarke wasted no time, she turned and barreled into Bellamy shoving him into Miller, they collided just as Tristan's order rang out.

"FIRE!"

Tumbling over the side of the bridge, Bellamy and Miller already in freefall, Clarke twisted in time to see the barrage of arrows flying towards them. One struck her flank and then the next thing she felt was the rush of cold water. She broke the surface almost immediately and heard the battle cry as dozens of warriors came pouring across the bridge. They stopped about halfway across and Clarke could see Tristan Glaring down at them from over the edge. She could hear Anya and Indra attempting to halt the warriors and some seemed to be heeding them. But the main force Clarke didn't recognize, they must be Tristan's. He raised an arm and Clarke watched several dozen bows draw, aimed at her, Bellamy, and Miller.

Shit.

Then shots fired. But not from the Trikru bows. Bullets tore through the warriors on the bridge and there were screams of pain as bodies fell. Tristan turned with a warcry and those still standing surged forward. Oh no-

"Wait no!" Bellamy was too late.

Clarke turned towards the woods, to where Finn and Murphy were hidden, she caught a slight glint of silver. Then-

KA-BOOM!

Clarke was blown backwards and back underwater, the heat from the explosion singing her fur. She broke the surface, her ears were ringing and rubble was falling all around her. She turned and began swimming for shore.

Reaching the shore she was vaguely aware that Bellamy and Miller were a ways behind her, still treading water but making their way. She couldn't worry about them. She dashed up the bank and made a beeline for the foot of the bridge. She took stock as she went, Harper and Monroe had retreated into the treeline but were continuing to take shots. Tristan and a bulk of his warriors had been blown into the water and a large section of the bridge where they had been was already disappearing beneath the water. Some had been blown apart but most, including Tristan, were regrouping and had begun to swim toward the delinquent's side shore. She glanced to the other shore and realized that more warriors, men and wolves alike, were throwing themselves into the water, making their way across. Clarke reached the treeline just as the first warriors began scrambling up the bank.

Clarke turned to face the approaching force, her back to the woods. Bellamy and Miller joined her just ahead of the first warriors and Clarke motioned them to get behind cover. Miller complied but Bellamy stayed by her side. Clarke's mind was racing, they had a matter of seconds before the force would be upon them, she didn't want to hurt any of the Trikru warriors, she could only hope that they were mostly Tristan's men.

Then Tristan appeared over the edge of the bank, he was grinning like a madman and, though still in human form, upon making eye contact with Clarke he let out a gleeful and enraged howl. He stood tall as his warriors joined him, they stood not even twenty feet away. Bows were drawn, spears cocked, weapons raised. But no one fired, for a moment there was silence on both sides. Then,

"Step aside Wanheda, the Commander would very much like to meet you, allow justice to be done and I will spare your life. It would be a shame to have to present her with only your body."

Clarke closed her eyes, there was only one way to end this without bloodshed on both sides. Her eyes flew open and Tristan faltered as he was met with the purple glow of Clarke's true power. Clarke did not break her gaze and Tristan stared transfixed as Clarke's form began to shift. Skin began to pull tight, her fur receded, her muscles tore, and her bones cracked. She did not make a sound, she did not falter, her eyes never left his. A few moments later and Clarke stood tall before the gathering warriors. Those that were before her had lowered their weapons and those just arriving managed to stumble their way to flat ground only to be stopped dead in their tracks.

Clarke took one step forward, then another. A low growl built in her throat and pierced the growing silence. Heads began to bow and warriors all along the bank fell to their knees. They submitted, craned their necks, exposing themselves to Clarke. She moved forward slowly, towards Tristan, the only person who had not moved a muscle, his gaze still locked in hers. She continued forwards until she stood directly in front of him, looking up at his terrified, confused, angry, awed expression.

"Kneel"

Tristan fell to his knees and looked up at her, unbridled hate behind his eyes, but he could not disobey. She looked down at him and felt nothing, he had broken their code, attacked blatantly while under a flag of truce. It did not matter who he was, the punishment was death.

At this point Anya and the others had gathered at the far side of the broken bridge and were watching. Good, it was best that they witnessed this.

"You have served well for many years, Tristan Kom Trikru. Yet now you have broken the terms of truce with a possible ally. You sent the sickness into the Skaikru camp, knowingly infecting them despite being aware of the truce. Do you deny it?"

Tristan's voice came out whispered and strained, "no."

Clarke continued. "You captured a member of Skaikru on his side of the boundary, captured him and tortured him for information. Do you deny it"

Tristan said nothing. Clarke's eyes flared and she poured out even more pheromones.

"Do. You. Deny it?"

His answer was choked but clear. "No." He glared up at her, "and I'd do it all again."

Clarke nodded, breaking eye contact for the first time. She lifted her gaze to Anya. The general took a moment, seemingly locked in place, before she nodded and then too bent to her knees. She was quickly mirrored by all of the warriors behind her, the ones Clarke recognized, the ones she'd spent the last several years fighting beside. Clarke turned then to look over her shoulder, she could see the wide eyes of her people, her friends, were the circumstances different she might have enjoyed the look on Finn's face. "Do not interfere." Clarke turned back to Tristan.

"For your crimes against Skaikru and your betrayal of the laws set forth by Kongeda under Heda Lexa I sentence you to death." She paused for a moment and saw a flicker of uncertainty from the man before her. "In light of your service and your station I will allow you a warrior's death." She closed her eyes and when they opened they were her normal piercing blue. "Stand."

Tristan stood shakily, head bowed, "Wanheda forgive me, I-" He faltered as he looked up to meet Clarke's gaze. He swallowed and then stood at his full height, a good couple inches taller than Clarke, an intimidating presence. Clarke did not so much as shift her stance. Tristan nodded, picked up his sword from where it had fallen to his side, and charged forward.

Clarke dodged aside as his first strike swung wildly past her. She sidestepped his next, more controlled, jab. In a blur of movement she stepped in close, catching his next swing with her arm, the flat of the blade sliding along her arm as she grabbed Tristan by the neck and lifted him into the air. She slammed him to the ground with enough force that she felt one of his ribs crack. As she held him down she felt the blade slash into her side. With a strangled roar of fury he drove the blade into her flesh. Clarke grimaced, but held him tight. She used her free hand to grab his arm at the wrist. She squeezed until she felt his grip on the blade go slack and she forced it to the ground. She applied more and more pressure, ignoring the blows as his free hand pummeled and grasped at her desperately. A few seconds passed and the only sounds were his strangled ghasps. Then Clarke gave a last forceful shove, she heard a crack, and Tristan's body went limp.

Clarke stood, gripping the blade at her side, She pulled it free and let the weapon fall at Tristan's side. Her wound would heal. She looked up at the rest of the assembled warriors. They were looking up at her now, some seemed angry, most seemed to be a mix of awed and confused. She addressed them, "go, return to your homes." She looked past them and met Anya's Gaze. Clarke raised her voice, "we will discuss more soon, for now, Skaikru accepts your terms."

Anya just nodded, she gave the order and the warriors took one last look at Clarke before turning around and heading back down the bank. Clarke watched the small force trudge back across the river, she waited until the last of them had vanished into the trees before turning to face her friends.

Ending Note: So, what did everyone think? It was a bit of a longer chapter but I kept feeling like more needed to be said before the end. I almost left it off when they arrived at the bridge but ultimately felt that would be a breach of your eighth amendment rights. Please do leave a like/ comment if you enjoyed. Comments bring me an amount of joy that varies comment to comment and I try to respond to each and every one that warrants a response.

Hope everyone (see you guys need a title) has a pleasant day/morning/evening/middleofthenight. And, Is it Thursday yet? Wait shit wrong outro. Oh well, peace