I am so incredibly sorry for how long it has taken me to write this. It has been 2 incredibly long years since I have updated and haven't even touched this since August of 2020. It really seems that it was one thing after another for a long time. First it was the concussion, then I totaled my car, my girlfriend had to move in because of her living situation, my mom become a full-on alcoholic and I had to help my dad out a lot, then I got married, rugby started back up, my mom passed away after multiple stints in the hospital due to liver damage and then organ failure, and now I am getting a divorce. I cannot begin to describe how much like absolute crap I feel emotionally right now. It is really hard to do a lot of things, but I figured this would help me feel better because I love the story that I have created. I hope everyone has been happy and healthy. Thank you for your patience and for taking your time to read this. It means more than you could possibly know that so many people like what I have created and still after 2 years are commenting on it asking for more which seriously makes me feel like such a total ass because I haven't been able too.
Also heads up but you might be getting notifications for an update, but it will be me going back through and fixing any grammatical errors that I can find. I swear I can read something 12 times and still find something that I have missed. Very irritating if I am being honest. I am giving a heads up so some don't get upset if they have updates saying the story has been updated when in truth it hasn't. I reread my entire story to try and make sure that I hadn't made any errors or things like that. It was during that that I realized that I still have a fairly decent amount of grammatical errors.
Don't worry about my other stories! The only ones that are abandoned are the ones that specifically say it. The Forgotten is a special case because I only write and work on that one when I become very depressed. It's strangely therapeutic. Which is why it is darker than my others. The next story that I will update will most likely be "Bear with Me"
A.N: I do not own anything!
Chapter Eight: Rubicon
"I am sick of this, Clarke. I am your mother and not only that, but I am the Chancellor. You shouldn't fight me on every order that I give, and you especially did not have the authority to release and then Kill that man. You're lucky that you haven't been arrested!" Abby had her arms crossed against her chest. Heaving with how hard she is breathing.
"You told me that you trusted me! That you would allow me to lead us in this time of war. You have done nothing but go back on that promise time and time again. What happened that you can't trust me anymore?" My face contorted in a sneer. I know she can see the beginning of hate forming in my eyes and the mass amount of disappointment.
I had forgotten the mistrust and how aggressively she had made sure that I stayed a child for as long as possible the first time around. How even close to her death she still would try to overrule my decision but in her defense, it was when I was going deliberately out of my way to kill. That time of my life was especially dark because I had gained the characteristics of a warmonger. I wasn't only wanted by Ontari but had bounties in All of the remaining clans for my murderous acts. I saw it as if you followed such a vile human than you didn't deserve the life you had.
She instantly deflates, her shoulders dropping along with her head. When she finally raises her head, her eyes are filled with tears. "Ever since you returned from the first meeting with the Commander, you have been different. You are quiet and I haven't seen you smile in days. Do not think that I haven't noticed that you either flinch when someone touches you or you'll reach for one of the numerous knives on your body. When you wake up it's even worse! Let's also not forget that you somehow have black blood now!"
She took slow steps towards me and stopped once she was barely a couple feet away. Thankfully, it was the morning and the only ones who were out of the Ark are the guards along with a few Trikru doing their morning training. Training that I had originally planned on trying to join before Abby came running out to me telling me that I wasn't healed enough for such rigorous activity.
"I can understand that you aren't a child anymore and considering everything that has happened, it would be unfair of me to continue to treat you like one, but I can see that something happened. I am your mother, Clarke. You are the greatest thing that I have ever done or will ever do. I can't help but want to keep you safe and protect you from people I feel could hurt you. It doesn't matter if it's emotional or physical. I couldn't live with myself if you were hurt and there was something I could have done to stop it. I love you so much and it almost feels like I'm losing you."
Her hands make it into her hair as she takes a deep breath. "Hell, it feels like everything I do now makes our situation worse."
My head had dropped at her words and my chest felt tight. I don't know what else she was going to say because the guards started yelling for the gates to be opened because of approaching riders.
The large man in the lead caused a smile to break out across my face, as it appeared that Ryder was back. In this timeline I had only seen him a couple of times but in the previous he had become a good friend before I left after the Mountain. He easily slid off of the horse and made his way too me, eyes quickly scanning my body and taking in all the injuries that could still be seen which included the stupid cane that I had to use.
I greatly hoped that I would be able to walk without it by the end of the day. My leg, while a little sensitive didn't give out or buckle when I walked but if I walked or stood for too long then it would cause a deep ache to set in. Which would then lead to me limping and one of my friends (mostly Raven) to begin lecturing me on proper rest before going on how irresponsible I am with my own health.
The man stops in front of me and instantly I grab his forearm. "Ai laik Ryder kom Trikru. Ai laik sent by Heda bilaik bodyguard." (I am sent by the Commander to be your bodyguard (Again the main website that I had used for translations was shut down and I absolutely hate it))
I couldn't help but chuckle "Did she say anything else?"
The man grinned "The Commander said you are a branwada and that she needs your spirit to stay where it is."
My jaw dropped. Literally dropped because she had never been that forward before and no, I did not blush. I do not blush. I Never blush but going off the strange look I was getting from my mother and how even Ryder seemed to be smirking, I was. My head falling back, a heavy groan slipping past my lips as I stared at the lightening sky.
"It wasn't even my fault this time," I can't help but grumble out like a child causing the large man to laugh at my plight. My attention quickly shifted back to my mother whose face is still crest fallen and I can't help but close my eyes as the sound of her screams reverberate through my head.
"Mom all I am asking is for you trust me when I say that I know what I am doing. I have grown so much since we have come to the ground and all I need for you is to understand that in times of war I will be in charge. It might be strange for our people that I am so young but here on the ground it isn't an uncommon occurrence. The Commander herself is only a couple years older than me and she leads hundreds of thousands people in both times of war and peace."
"Lexa is the longest reigning Commander and the most successful. She first came to power at almost 12 years old, formed the Coalition at the age of 17, and has been ruling in times of peace since. Well as peaceful as it could be, what with the whole thing with the mountain and the snow assholes," the last part said through clenched teeth.
By the end of my little speech she looked almost concerned with what she had learned about the Commander before taking a deep breath. Her shoulders losing much of the tension and her face relaxing. Quickly reaching forward she dragged me into an extremely tight hug. My body instantly tensing up before relaxing into the love that she seems to have pouring out of her.
"I love you so much, Clarke. Please if it becomes too much let me know and I won't think any less of you," she whispered in my ear trying to ensure no one heard her.
"I love you too, mom. If it becomes too much, then I swear to you that I will let you know. Once this little war is over then I will happily hand back the reigns to you. I've missed you," the last part whispered even quieter to the point, I can't even tell if she heard me or not. After pulling myself from the hug I let her know that I need to speak with Raven.
The walk to Raven's workshop seemed to take longer than necessary because of the amount of people that kept peaking their heads around corners or would try and talk to Ryder especially the young children. It seemed the man had a soft spot for them and tried to answer any questions they might have had. Most of the questions involved the tattoo that was on his face or asking to touch or see his weapons. The man was responsible and would only allow the children to see them but not touch, at least not until they became seconds themselves. Which started a whole nother round of questions and by the end of it Ryder seemed more than frazzled.
It was almost a good thing to have so many Trikru at Camp Jaha. It would mean that the younger generation would be the one to hopefully close the rest of the gap between our people. It was almost strange to see that it was the girls that seemed the most fascinated. Asking multiple questions on how one became a second and steps to become a warrior. Their parents either had looks of pride or horror on their face. The few boys that had come to talk were more interested in how his weapons were made and what other jobs were available to them.
Raven was hunched over one of the work benches with a soldering rod in one had and a wire in another trying to attach it to a circuit board. The shop oddly quiet because typically she would have some kind of music softly playing in the background.
"Hello, my favorite little bird!" I couldn't help but finally shout after waiting over a minute to interrupt her work.
"Shit, Clarke! What the hell?" Raven shouted, her instant response to throw the soldering rod at me but thankfully she was able to stop herself because that definitely would have hurt. Possibly broken the device as well.
"You need to have a damn bell on you…You and who ever tall, dark, and broody is," she grumbled to herself.
"Well Raven, this is Ryder or as you like call him tall, dark, and broody," I tell her after lifting my arm high enough to grab his shoulder. Her eyes running over his entire frame, taking in the long beard, tattoos, and weapons that seem to be on every inch of his person.
"I assumed it was also implied but what is he doing here?"
Finally Ryder interjects himself into the conversation. "It is because she is a branwada that the Commander has decided needs a bodyguard, and I was given the honor. Well met Raven, friend of Skai Heda."
Raven looked confused at his final words but put her arm out for the large man to take. The mans hand engulfing her entire forearm in a hard grip but the man kept a smile on his face, letting Raven know he didn't mean any harm. "It was probably smart of Commander hot pants to give her a guard. The other day, I watched Clarke walk into a wall because she was looking at a data pad instead of looking where she was going."
That seemed to be the thing that broke Ryder as the large man bent over as he laughed. Blushing is beneath me, but God damn it, my face is on fire. My eyebrow were starting to twitch from irritation. "I hate both of you so much right now…I haven't been in any part of the Ark in a long time and didn't see the wall."
This seemed to snap Ryder out of his laughing fit, but Raven was still chuckling as she wiped a tear off of her face.
"Then it was smart of the Commander to require a bodyguard. I shall ensure she walks into no more walls. Fighting walls is never a smart endeavor as one will always lose," Ryder told Raven, as if he was explaining some long-kept secret.
"Was this learned from personal experience?" Raven asked him, her face lighting up with what looked to be joy.
"No but my brother ran into a door once and in a fit of rage, cut the door down with our nomon's sword. Needless to say she was not pleased, and he had to help the wood carver out for a moons time to help pay off the new door."
"Oh my god. That is amazing! Clarke didn't get too upset but she did kick the wall."
"Please stop talking about this or at least wait until I am out of the room to discuss one of my more embarrassing moments. We do need to be serious for a moment though. Has Bellamy checked in yet?"
"He hasn't but I am sure that he is fine though," Raven tells me calmly.
Unconsciously my hand rubs the back of my neck as I take in the drawings of the damn that she has done, heart clenching as the memories of the time before start to surface. The screaming voices begin to loudly echo around my mind but are stopped by a hand gently taking hold of mine. My eyes locking onto the tanned hand before slowly traveling up and locking onto Raven's own eyes.
"He is fine, Clarke. Everything will work out in the end though, I promise you," she whispers as she tightens her grip before letting go and walking back over to her worktable.
"I also can't really work on the acid fog yet because I don't know what kind of dispersal system that they have but I Am looking into how to shut off the power to the damn. I am assuming they have a backup power source, but I can't seem to find out where they keep it. I have the main source figured out because of the damn but I know they have to have a secondary source. The plans I have are incomplete, so I am thinking they have it somewhere in the lower levels."
"Sounds like you have been busy then. Have you been able to make any more of the tone generators?" At my question, Raven seems to become nervous and rings her hands slightly.
"I have managed to only make two so far. I have Wike scavenging for parts, but I am not sure how many more I will be able to make."
"That's fine, Raven. Keep working on what you can and if we only have two then we can just give one to each team leader and ensure that we have Ark guards with guns to fight with the groups that don't have one," I tell her gently. My mind flashing back to the first time we had this conversation and cringing from how rude I was acting.
"Yea…" Ravens words cut off by the radio cracking to life and Bellamy's voice coming through.
"Workstation. Does anyone read me?" Bellamy asks.
Leaping forward, I grab hold of the radio. "I am guessing it wasn't safe to get a hold of us. You are late by two hours. Is every 3 hours too soon for each check in?"
"It might be. I tried to radio sooner but a lot of bad shit is going down here." He spoke.
"Understandable. Have you found the source of the acid fog?"
"No, that is going to have to wait. They have started taking our friends from the dorm, every few hours."
"Jok…" I whisper. Ryder stills at Bellamy's words.
Raven grabs the walkie from me. "Taking them where?"
"I don't know," he sighs. "We tried to follow but they went to a classified level. Maya borrowed the schematics of the vent system from her boss and we're still trying to find a way in."
"I think I found a path, but it is going to be tight fit. Here's the walkie Raven asked for and the ear bud," the voice can barely be heard but I know it is Monty speaking.
Raven turns to me and explains that "We're going to make him mobile so that he can talk from anywhere."
"Well that solves our every three hours problem then," chuckling I tell her.
"Be careful, Bellamy. Find them because if you don't then all of this was for nothing."
"I got it, Clarke. I will message you all later. Bellamy, over and out."
Once he speaks his last word, the static sound disappeared leaving the room quiet once more. "I don't think going to TonDC is a promising idea for me. Kane will need to go in my stead. I will return in a little bit after speaking to him."
"Sounds good. Be careful, princess," Raven says. Already she is going back over to the worktable to work on another tone generator.
-Time Skip-
After making our way through the winding hallways, finally I manage to find Kane.
"Plans have changed, Kane. I need you to go in my stead to TonDC," I tell him after making my way over to the table he is standing at.
"The Commander is expecting you though, Clarke," he tells me as he turns.
"As I just said plans have changed. My people inside Mount Weather are in danger and I need to be here for that because the radio won't reach the town," I tell him through clenched teeth.
"What can you do for them from here?" He asks, taking a step back after realizing that he had made it into my personal space, noticing that Ryder who had stopped at the entrance of the room come closer, eyes directed toward his hands.
"My order is final. You will go to TonDC in my place. Lexa respects you and I don't trust anyone else to go," eyes not leaving his, as I wave my hand behind me after hearing Ryder stop close behind me. Slowly he walks a little further back but definitely staying inside the room.
"Clarke, being a good leader means knowing which battles to…" Kane doesn't even get to finish his sentence before I cut him off.
"…fight. And which to delegate. I know this but I need you to do this. I have a bad feeling about leaving right now. This is me delegating, Kane." I barely get to finish my sentence when Abby walks in.
"Well why doesn't Abby go? She is the Chancellor," he suggests.
"And as you just stated she is the chancellor which means she needs to stay here. Her job is to make sure that all day-to-day operations are running smoothly while I focus on our war efforts. She is also our most skilled doctor at camp, and I don't think it would be wise for her to leave with how close we are to Mount Whether." My eyes tracking over to my mother quickly taking in the note that is clenched in her fist. Her eyes somehow darker in whatever has angered her so.
"What do you have?" I ask.
"It seems that Jaha and a few others have left camp to find the City of Light. Murphy, one of your hundred, went with the group as well. Do you know anything about this place?" Surprisingly, she looks over at Ryder to answer.
"I do know the place he speaks of. It used to be thought of as a safe haven where Praimfaya had not touched. Heda Lexa at the beginning of her reign as Commander, sent out scouts to investigate after an entire village left to find this place and never returned," the large man spoke softly as his eyes shifted to the floor.
"The scouts found all the bodies of the villagers. The men, women, and children were all torn to pieces many of their bones were clean. The creatures are as tall as any man and look like a crocodile that can walk. They have large horns on their head with spikes running down their spines. Only one scout returned to Heda. It was the mans last mission as he could no longer stomach blood or violence. He now lives with Floukru to have peace filled life in his remaining years."
"After this was discovered, word was spread to all twelve clans. No one goes there now as nothing can kill those monsters. I am not sure if your guns would even work against those beings. Sankru has been working on having gates and fences placed around much of the area to keep people away. Even with the lack of food the beings do not ever leave that place. It is almost like they cannot be far from their nest."
My mothers face had gone completely pale at this tale and seemed horrified. "We need to get them back and he also took our guns. As much as it pains me to say this, but we need the ammunition that was also stolen as well more than the guns and people. The amount that they took was at least a fourth of what remains."
"Our people don't know enough about hunting to be able to cycle out our guns yet to survive and as generous as the Coalition has been I do not want to ask for more than necessary. If what the Commander says is true about us working to become the Thirteenth clan than I don't want it to look like we are weak. I have talked to enough Trikru to know that weakness is looked down upon. We don't have large enough numbers to appear weak to the other Twelve clans especially with how close Azgeda is to us."
"The main problem with getting the weapons and ammunition back is that we don't have the men to send because of the groups out searching for other sections of the Ark. We are down to about half of our original guard numbers. If we send any more than we are at risk for being attacked or overrun by either the Mountain Men or Reapers. From the reports that Kane has told me there are large groups of them that keep getting closer to our gates."
That piece of information got my attention because I had forgotten about that. "Ryder can send some of the Trikru warriors or scouts to find them. Whichever is more readily available and then send one of our men with them just in case. We don't want to scare them if they find themselves surrounded by unfamiliar warriors."
Abby quickly turns and almost looked surprised by my announcement, eyes trailing after Ryder who only nodded his head at my orders and quickly left. "I don't know why but I thought you wouldn't care about this situation. I am sorry for doubting you Clarke," she says sounding ashamed of herself.
"Mom, they are still our people. Murphy is one of the 100. He only left because all of the adults still treat us like criminals. They look like at me like I am about to snap and go on a rampage whenever I am not looking. The ammunition is the main concern though if what you say is true. I will check with the one in charge of the armory about how this happened so that it doesn't happen again in the future."
This shuts her down and she shuffles over and pulls me into a hug. Instantly my arms coming up to wrap around her. "I know you have enough on your plate so I will take care of this. You just focus on getting our people in Mount Weather out. One of the ones who went with the group worked there and was able to get it all out."
Then before I could even say anything else she lets go and turns to Kane speaking one last time before immediately leaving. "You heard my daughter. Get to TonDC, that is an order from your Chancellor."
"Well, I guess I am going to TonDC. I will make sure that Ryder gets the right guards to go with whoever from Trikru is chosen," I stop him before he leaves the room completely.
"Kane, tell Ryder that I will be in Raven's workshop when he is finished."
Kane nods once before leaving.
-Time Skip-
Raven roughly shoves me down into a chair that Ryder somehow procured without me noticing.
"I told you more than an hour ago that you needed to sit down but you just ignored me. You were shot barely 5 days ago. I get you have some magical blood to speed the healing process along, but I do not care. I don't need for you to turn into me," by the end of her little speech she is almost whispering, and her eyes are downcast.
"I promise I am being careful little bird. It is simply hard to sit down and let it heal, I haven't truly been able to stop moving for years. I feel anxious not being able to move around and do something to help."
"Well good news then Princess because you have competent people who know what they are doing. Just because you are sitting down doesn't mean that you aren't doing anything. Enough sappy shit then, princess. It looks like he just passed the air filtration system on this floor which puts him about here," her finger slowly sliding to right about where he is.
"Bellamy, we think you're close. The lab should be up ahead," I tell him.
"Any chance you could be more specific?" I can almost hear the eyeroll.
"Never mind, I hear something up ahead," he leaves his radio on and both Raven and I can hear him shuffling and what sounds like a drill. My eyes shutting as previous memories flash across my eyes of Raven and our people strapped to a table.
"Is that a drill?" Raven asks.
"It has begun, it seems. Bone marrow extraction," I tell her, not noticing how tight my grip is getting on the radio. Raven gently takes it from my hand after a small crack sounded through the air.
"Are you ready for the last treatment you'll ever need?" We all hear Dr. Sing ask.
"I've waited my whole life to breathe fresh air," the mans voice grates my ears causing my teeth to grind at the offensive sound. Cage Wallace. That sorry sack of shit that couldn't handle the thought of having to share the ground.
The sound of boots walking across the floor grab my attention. "Sir, we finally found Emmerson," the man's voice doesn't stir any memories.
"Well? Where is he? If he isn't with you, is he in medical?" Cage asks.
"No, sir. Our cameras picked up movement along the border of the river. We couldn't get a clear look at what the savages were doing but we sent people to investigate after they left. It seems that they cut off his head and placed it on a pike. Our officers searched the surrounding area, but we couldn't find the rest of his body."
I couldn't stop the deadly smile that slipped across my face, all my teeth clearly on display. It was my trademark from the previous timeline. My enemies would have their heads placed on a pike with my war paint design on them. Raven didn't say anything but looked a bit disgusted.
"I was afraid you would say that he has been out of contact for too long. Has anyone told his family yet?" Cage asked.
The amount of sick satisfaction that filled me was almost disgusting. The small sliver that was this timelines original Clarke, tried to push forward and feel anger at myself but was quickly silenced. He deserved to have his head removed, his spirit didn't deserve peace.
"No sir," the other guard was quick to respond.
"I will take care of it then; they deserve to know from me. Is there anything else that I should know about?"
The handheld radio was powerful enough to hear paper being shifted.
"This note was pinned to the pole. I am sorry that I couldn't give you any better news, sir," with those final words we could hear him leave the room.
It is quiet for a couple seconds before the paper is crumpled in his hands. "Well aren't they just thoughtful," Cage growled out.
"What did it say," Dr. Tsing asks.
"Nothing of consequence, only that they would release the might of their army, and someone named Wanheda on us if we don't return all of their people alive. It is too late for that though," he tells her before chuckling.
"Who is Wanheda?" Dr. Tsing questions.
I can't help or even stop the almost feral smile as I continue to look at the radio, only to get smacked over the back of the head.
"Don't make that face. I let you keep it for a minute but now I am getting nervous being so close to you. You look insane right now," she whispers.
My smile dropping slightly but not completely gone. I know my eyes would still show how unhinged I looked.
"Who cares. Whitman just radioed in. Apparently, there is a war council meeting happening tonight, in one of their villages. All of their leaders will be there."
"What does that have to do with anything? One man can't take out so many people by himself," Dr. Tsing tells him.
"Oh, he won't have a problem. We are going to be using one of our missiles. They haven't been able to find him, even though patrols around the village and surrounding area have been increased," with those final words, we can hear as both Dr. Tsing and Cage leave the room.
"Please tell me you heard all of that," Bellamy's voice a welcome sound after having to listening to those two pieces of shit speak.
"I did and I wish I didn't," I tell him before turning to Raven. "Kane doesn't have a radio at least I don't remember him taking one."
"No, this is the only unjammed frequency. We have to keep it open for Bellamy," she tells me, eyes looking darker than before.
I quickly stand up, ignoring how my leg tightens at the sudden movement. "I'll make it there in time," telling her as I begin to walk away. Raven snatching my arm, tightly grasping onto my wrist, not bothered as her fingers weave around the handles of the blades, eyes wide in terror.
"In time to get blown up, you mean. I thought you didn't want to die?" Raven's voice harder in her fright.
"I won't. When I get back, I want to know our friends are safe and the acid fog is down. I want it to be destroyed, there shouldn't be any way for them to turn it back on. That's an order."
"Clarke wait! When I left Octavia was still in Ton DC," Bellamy's frantic voice stops me, Raven releasing my arm.
"She's here in Camp Jaha. She arrived the other day back from Ton DC."
"Ok…Ok good. You be safe too," he whispers in relief.
Raven walks back over and quickly turns off the radio. "Octavia is in Ton DC for the meeting with Indra. Why did you lie?"
"You're too smart to ask such a silly question. If Bellamy know that she was there, he would be distracted. Normally I don't condone telling people what they want to hear but it is too dangerous for him to be distracted. Trust me, I hate lying about something like this," my voice quieter. I hate that I had to lie to him about the situation, but the man cares deeply and makes dangerous decisions in his quest to take care of his sister.
"I wouldn't say it is a silly question, but I understand though. Are you sure that you should go? What about your leg? I saw your face change when you stood, you are pretty shit at lying Clarkey."
"Ok, first please don't make that a thing. You have called me that a couple of times and Ryder has also taken to call me that in private. Second, you worry too much friend," I tell her after pulling Raven in for a hug. Her arms gripping me hard enough that my back cracks.
"If you get blown up, I'm going to pull some Frankenstein bullshit and bring you back to life just so that I can kill you myself," her tone not matching the empty threat.
"Of course because only you're allowed to kill me," my smile stretched across my face.
*Time Skip*
Ryder and I raced down the small road, pushing our horses to their breaking point in our rush to the village.
"What is the plan to handle the missile though?" he asks. Even though I am in the lead, I can hear his scowl.
"We can't risk them finding out we have a spy. It would ruin everything, but I do have a plan that I need you to complete as discreetly as possible."
I pause to adjust myself in the saddle putting slightly more pressure on my right side due to my left as the dull throbbing increases to a sharp pain.
"Gustus, Indra, Octavia, and you will need start small fires in different areas of the village. This will force many to evacuate before the missile hits. Wait until dark and keep hidden," my voice leaving no room for argument.
"Sha, Skai Heda," the man pauses for a second before continuing. "Or would you prefer Wanheda?"
His question while used to push my buttons was a welcome relief. In the past couple of days, I had learned that he loved to slightly irritate others. Ryder in the simplest of terms was a troll. He knew when to push others buttons and when not too.
"I will also admit I am curious where you heard that name. Do you understand the history of that mythical figure?" Ryder asked as he urged his horse to be closer to mine.
"I have dreams of the name. My heart beats to the sounds of the drums of war. My soul cries for those lost unjustly. Please tell the history of this figure," my words spoken calmly. My face giving away nothing. My wording chosen carefully to not tip off that I know what is to come but enough spoken to let him know that I will be claiming the name once more.
"Since Praimfaya there has always been a Heda but during times of great strife a warrior would appear that could command the aspects of Death. The aspects included birth, re-birth such as when you breathed life back into that man and bringing about the end of those who destabilize the natural balance of the world. The purpose of Wanheda is protect the sanctity of death. Heda protects life and Wanheda protects death. The two are supposed to work in harmony and bring about a better life for our people."
"The last Wanheda came to us not long ago and appeared during the reign of Sheidheda. They came from Azgeda and if history is to be believed they were supposedly the previous Flame Keeper. Their history before killing Sheidheda is shrouded in mystery, some saying that they met in the capital and were others while others stating that she was a spy for the Commander. Many state that she wiped out many villages all over both Trikru and Azgeda lands but others state that she was an exceptional healer who found techniques to prevent the death of multiple mothers. It is also said that she prevented the deaths of many during a plague that killed hundreds across all of the clans."
"Why haven't I ever heard anything about her? I have never heard of her spoken of before. Are you also ok with me claiming the title of Wanheda?" I tell him. In all my time in hiding, many would speak of past Wanheda's but never about this one.
"The reason for this is because many don't recognize her as Wanheda, as many are under the impression that only a man can be Wanheda. I believe this is because the discrimination against women during that time was at an all time high due to Sheidheda not allowing any women to be warriors. After his death women were welcomed back with open arms this also led to many leadership positions being taken by women. I believe it is because being told one cannot do something is a driving force in achieving that goal. That kind of rhetoric is no longer used. It is about who has the strength to lead and not what is between one's legs."
"My mother spoke highly of that Wanheda if what our family history states is true then she is the reason that I am alive today. My grandmother almost died in childbirth but was kept alive by Wanheda. My family has promised that if another appears then we will be their strongest protector and guard. This is why my family since my grandmother have been working as guards for Heda, as Wanheda always shows themselves to Heda."
Ryder quiets down for a minute as he takes a long drink from his canteen, allowing for me to take in everything that he spoke of.
"I do not care that you will take the name of Wanheda, Clarke. You would righteously be called Wanheda, and many would follow you. You burned 300 warriors to ash, beat two of the top Trikru Generals, and yes, I am talking about Anya. I know about that. Indra loves to gossip when she gets deep into her cups. Quint was killed in combat honorably after he attacked you in a Trikru village something that normally one would suffer through 'Death by a Thousand Cuts.' You defeated Gustus, a man who I have aspired to be like since a goufa."
"Something you must understand about him is that he has protected different Commanders since he was 16 summers old. Gustus became the youngest guards to be granted one of those posts. He has also served as one of the Commander's Generals, since he was 20 summers old, during any times of war."
"These victories alone would qualify you as Wanheda, but you are also an accomplished healer. Do not try and lie to me about this either stating that you aren't a doctor yet. When I was assigned as your personal guard, I took the time to learn of my charge. I learned if you were worth the time that I would spend away from the rest of the Commander's guard. You might have been hobbling around like the old woman you are, but you still helped in the hospital if you could. You might frown upon the name that will be given to you, but you would be the perfect candidate. My people would revere you almost as much as they Heda. I would willing follow you wherever you would go without the order from Heda."
The man seemed to be done talking for the time being which wasn't a surprise, while he might enjoy being a troll, he was still a man of few words. This might be the most I have ever heard him speak easily more than he ever did in the previous timeline. He words brought me some comfort that by using this name he would not look down upon me. That he would be upset that I was not from one of the clans and came from the sky.
"Thank you for your kind words and for the knowledge that you have given me. I won't lie, I was a bit nervous that you be upset with me using that name."
I could easily hear the grunt he let out as we continued to run through the trees following the almost invisible trail leading us to TonDC.
-Time Skip-
By the time our horses came to a complete stop, we had to have been traveling for close to 3 or 4 hours. The mid-day sun had already crested and was beginning its descent behind the mountains in the distance.
Octavia was the first to great us which was no surprise because typically the first duties that seconds were given was guard duty. From the things that Indra told me in the past, it was a way to work on their patience and to teach them the importance of staying alert even if there was nothing going on.
Her eyes were trained on my left leg looking to see if any blood was visible on the black pants that I was wearing. "Is anything wrong? Why are you here? Is Bellamy ready? What about the acid fog, is that down?" The woman barely taking anytime to breathe as the words rushed out of her.
I couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Jesus, O. One question at a time. I am here because I need to speak with the Commander immediately. Bellamy hasn't gotten it down, but he is working on it and he is fine. I just talked to him a couple hours ago." My words having a bit more bite to them than I wanted.
Her shoulders seemed to drop in relief at my words, but her eyes get a guarded look to them. "I was just curios, pull back the claws."
Reaching out, I grasped onto her shoulder giving it a tight squeeze before letting go. "I am sorry. I am just a bit stressed out right now."
The hairs on the back of neck began to prickle as though someone is looking at me. Eyes slowly looking around not to quickly to arouse suspicion, until they finally catch bright green. The tightening in my chest releases and I kept help but let out a sigh of relief, smiling. Lexa's blank face changing until a smirk was present. Her eyes almost glowing in mischief and something that made fire race through my veins.
"Should just call her Commander Heart eyes," Octavia chuckles.
"You will not say or call her anything of the sort. Honestly I think Gustus might cut your tongue out if he heard." I tell her, the tone light and playful.
Finally making my way over to her until we can exchange an warriors shake.
"Clarke of the Sky People has graced us with her presence," Lexa's words causing many of the warriors around us to quiet down. Wanting to hear our exchange.
Feeling a bit mischievous, I can't help but deeply bow at the waist with my right hand clenched over my heart. "Well I was going to say something nice to you, but I don't I will now. I must say that it incredibly rude of me to be late and I apologize for the lack of respect I have shown you, oh great Commander."
I raise up out of the bow once she releases a wonderful roar of laughter. My eyes quickly cataloging the way her eyes crinkle in mirth and her shoulders roll back. Many of the warriors around us looked almost confused with her behavior before letting themselves smile.
"I will say you have made suitable time, Skai Heda. I did not think you were coming when Kane arrived barely a candle mark ago. Are the kids in Mount Whether ok?
"For now. Commander we need to speak in private," my words causing her to straighten up to her full height and any mirth left in her eyes vanished.
Gustus and Ryder following close behind as we both turn and make our way to her quarters and the war room. Only stopping once we make our way inside so that we are not interrupted.
Once I fully close the door, Lexa quickly turns me around and slams my back against the door. Hands finding their way into my hair as she brings her lips to mine. No thought was needed as my own hands slid their way down to find purchase on her butt pulling her closer into me.
The moan comes out without any thought letting Lexa work her tongue into my mouth. The taste of cinnamon quickly driving away any other thought from my mind. I allow myself to enjoy the way her tongue and lips feel on my own. Enjoying the way her hands feel along my shorn hair, how her very touch sends rippling fire through my entire body.
When Lexa's hand begin to drift down and start working at the clasps of my armor, I know that we need to stop. If I let us go any further than we might not have time for our plan to work. After managing to regretfully remove my hands from her ass, I slightly push at her chest.
Lexa only releases a heavy sigh and lets her head fall onto my chest. Pushing her face into the leather armor in hopes to hear or feel my heart beating wildly inside my chest. Her voice is muffled as she speaks, "I know what you are going to say. The missile is still being sent, isn't it?"
She raises her head and takes a small step back so she can look into my eyes. "I was hoping with Emmerson dead that maybe we might not have it happen this time. I also need to ask, how are you doing? Is your leg, ok? Should you even be standing on it right now?"
After her last question, she grabs onto my arm and drags me onto the nearby couch at the edge of her living area. Pushing me down onto it before climbing into my lap. My left arm wraps around her waist to pull her tighter into me and intertwining my fingers with hers.
"Sha, I am ok, ai hodness. I didn't think it would change the outcome with the missile. I did it because I couldn't leave it up to chance that he would still live. Too many death are because of that man."
Lexa leans back enough to try and look at the newly shaved area of my head and to see the wound there. I turn my head to the right to give her a better look, feeling as her eyes trace the puckered skin going from the top of my head in jagged lines to stopping just before the top of my ear. The stitches having been taken out this morning, but the bruising still remained. I hadn't spoken to anyone how if I began to think too hard then my head would begin to pound, lights burned my eyes and it felt as though someone was taking a hammer to my head. The concussion on that first day had been horrendous.
Looking back on it, the fact that I could think, form sentences, or even that I managed to hit Emmerson with my arrows is unbelievable. After killing him, I had gone back to my room and slept for close to a full day. Only being woken by my mother to make sure I could eat something light and drink water. One could only assume that the Flame allowed me to push past the obvious injuries for a brief period of time because it was like a flip had been switched once I turned to go back inside the Ark.
Thankfully Indra had been standing close to me because I would have collapsed otherwise. My mind and body felt as though it had been trampled by a horse, which it had been. She had managed to make it look as though we were just walking close together and not like she was essentially carrying me back to my room.
Her voice is soft when she finally speaks again.
"You ignore my other questions. How is your head and leg?" The care in her voice almost brings tears to my eyes as my chest starts to constrict on the feelings.
"Do you like the new cut? I think I look quite dashing now, reminds me of the Scandinavian warriors of old when they would go a Viking." I can't help but chuckle out to help lighten the mood, but all Lexa does is just narrow her eyes at me. Releasing a deep sigh once I know that my attempt did not work.
"My head doesn't really hurt anymore. I can think and respond when spoken too normally but if I begin to think to hard or have too many thoughts at one time then my head will start to hurt some. The wound doesn't hurt too much now and is just tender to the touch. Now it just looks worse than it actually feels."
Lexa's fingers had moved down to my neck, gently massaging the area releasing some built-up tension.
"My leg is also doing ok; the stitches were also removed this morning along with the ones on my head. The wound is also a bit stiff from the ride here. Thankfully Raven and Ryder has been on top of my recovery because I have spent more time sitting down than standing. I was barely allowed into the med bay yesterday to help out my mother because I tripped on a table. Ryder stated that I was being stupid by rushing my recovery."
The truth seems to bring her some comfort as she tenderly presses her lips to mine in a chaste kiss.
"I will be fine though, dear one," I whisper, pressing my forehead softly against hers.
"Are we changing history or holding fast on our previous decisions, regarding this matter?" The Commander persona finally coming out. Seems like she was ready to get down to business.
"I am going to have Gustus, Ryder, Indra, and Octavia setting strategic fires around TonDC. The entirety of our army is already located in the surrounding forest with only high-ranking officers inside the city. Before I left to go to Camp Jaha, I told Gustus that he needed to tell the villagers that if more than one fire broke out at the same time then they needed to go to the surrounding woods. He assured me that he would take care of it and considering the small head nod he gave me earlier, I can say that he was successful."
"I understand that we need to make it seem like we don't have a spy but because the mountain men do not know what the villagers do in case of a large fire, I think we will be good. What do you think? If you do not agree then I can tell them that the orders changed. We will still be locating the spotter though, no matter the plan."
She doesn't say anything for a solid before smirking, her teeth fully on display at my words.
"I did wonder what he has been up too, he seemed too proud of himself the past couple days. He wouldn't tell me why and would only state that everything was running smoothly. I honestly thought he might have been eating tiny amounts of jobi nuts. Your plan has merit. If we are being honest, much of the nights I have been laying awake trying to produce a plan to save the villagers."
"Do you think he is in the same location as the previous timeline? I have been having a large amount of patrols around the village with increased range. The only problem is that I do not remember specifically where he was the first time. I have tried to go through my memories but can't remember any specific landmarks."
After her words, something cold rushed down our spines before a voice echoed through our minds.
"The shooter is located along the ridge to the north, located north east on it. Due to having more time in this time line you will have the ability to go up and around before coming down the mountain. Thus making it easier for you both to subdue him because you will have the high ground. The sun is just beginning its descent and the first shots will not occur until the rising sun crests the mountain."
Becca's words brought some modicum of relief but the anger I felt at her first word quickly returned. "No one asked for your opinion," I spit the words out before I could bite my own tongue.
"Clarke, please be kind and respectful. She may not have kept her word, but she does try to help when she can," Lexa's voice soothing some of the anger coursing through my veins.
Lexa was right but at the same time wrong. Becca did keep her word; she had said that Lexa wouldn't get her previous memories back unless she asked for them. We didn't take into account that Lexa by far, has had the Flame in for the longest. She has had the flame since she was 12 years old and is now 21. Not only has she reigned the longest, but she was also the youngest Commander, as most were chosen well into their late teens or early 20's. Lexa is hands down the most powerful and the most in synch with the Flame.
Becca in her relief that we were fixing the timeline and saving all of her people, didn't take into account this things. Of course it makes sense that memories of the two after who had the flame would bleed through. She might have created the Flame but that didn't mean she knew absolutely everything about it. Her and I would need to have a discussion soon.
"Thank you for your help and information, Becca," my words spoken with respect. I could feel the smallest amount of confusion bleed through from my connection to Becca.
Lexa herself seemed deeply pleased with my words and kissed me on the cheek.
"You're welcome. I know I have said this before, but I truly am sorry for going against your wishes. Please consider my apology, I truly was trying to help you both."
"I will work on accepting your apology. I can't just yet as I am trying to work through my anger regarding those events. We do need to speak more on the subject."
While I was speaking to Becca, Lexa got up from my lap and walked to the door. Speaking to both Gustus and Ryder before making her way back over to me.
"Thank you, Clarke. Please try to make sure no one ends up shot this time."
Once Becca finished speaking, the ice-cold feeling running down my spine left. Leaving me with slight goose bumps and twitching slightly at the left-over feelings.
"I let Gustus know about where we would be looking. It is time to go though." With those loving words Lexa then threw a hooded cloak at my face. Like first, like second it seems.
-Time Skip-
They had made it more than half way up the mountain by the time the sun fell below the mountain, leaving the valley below blanketed in growing darkness. Within minutes of this happening, we could see the fires start. We stopped for a couple minutes to watch as the fires quickly consumed each building they were started in.
"I am not sure what your opinion of this is but I think we should let the mountain send the missile. Not only would it mean they have one less missile but also it would still give a cause for our people," Lexa casually mentioned as she let me pass her.
"I fully agree. I have been thinking the same thing for a while now. Thankfully when we were leaving, I noticed that Gustus grabbed my mother. I still not sure why she came to begin with. I can only guess that something went wrong back at camp."
"I also figured since we had the entire village empty it would be easier to rebuild. You know since there won't be any bodies to also move."
It was too quiet and when I turned around, Lexa had stopped and her hands were covering her face. Clearly taking deep breaths.
"Ok…Love, I really don't think we needed the dark humor," her voice obviously exasperated with me.
"Oh come on…You have to admit that it lightened the mood a little bit."
When she still hadn't said anything and just lifted her head from her hands to glare at me. I knew that my semi-joke missed its mark. "Maybe it wasn't needed but at least you have to admit I was right."
After those words, I turned back around and kept walking. Obviously, this was the perfect time for me to miss the roots that were jutting out of the ground and fell. Thankfully I didn't hit my head on anything and landed more to right side of my body. Karma came and bit me on the ass with my ill timed attempt at humor.
I waited on the ground for Lexa to get closer but didn't make an effort to get off the ground.
"Come on, you need to get up," she sounded more tired with me than she already was.
"No, I think I am going to stay and die here. Clearly the spirits wanted this." I tell her throwing my hand to cover my eyes.
"I swear, you can be so childish now. Don't think I didn't hear how you evidently ran into the wall and then kicked it."
At her words I shot up off the ground while groaning, "How do you even know that?! I didn't tell you and hadn't planned on it. Also in my defense that wall came out of nowhere."
"Ryder has been keeping me updated on your safety and what you have been doing. He also feels the need to let me know of all the shenanigans you get up too. It seems to me that he and Raven are getting along fairly well because he also lets me know about what they discuss regarding you."
Lexa seemed awfully pleased with herself regarding that. Of course she would though because she is the kind of person that thinks its funny when people fall.
"I knew I shouldn't have introduced those trolls to each other. It was only going to bring about trouble. He is quiet with it while she just does what ever she wants."
After that, we do not speak much more to each other. Focusing more on keeping quiet and ensuring that we were keeping to the darker shadows. The further on we go the more our eyes adjust to the darkness which slightly helps us out. Obviously, it happens to be a night that it is almost a new moon. It will likely be one in the next day or two.
We both stop when someone moves out of the darker shadows up ahead. The man looks massive and going off that we can a sword on his waist it has to be one of our warriors. Lexa goes down to one knee before quietly letting out a kind of bird trill.
The figure in the distance stops before making a returning bird sound. Lexa lets out a sound of a relief, quietly telling me that it is one of her scouts.
We don't move from our spot as the figure comes closer. Finally realizing that it is Lincoln.
"Well, well, well. Look who finally crawled out of the woodwork," the smirk I had looked positively mental.
"I am sorry but I don't know what that means," the man truly looks apologetic. It seems like Octavia hasn't told him all the slang terms that we know. I should talk to her about that.
"It means that you have been gone for a while and just coming back," I politely tell him. No need to confuse him further.
Lexa pushes past me to get a closer look at the man but even from where we were I could see the reaper armor and war paint that still covered his face. Including the large bruise that covered part of his face. It seems like he was mentally recalibrated.
"Are you fit to serve Lincoln? Should we be concerned that you are here? I still see all the reaper armor that you are wearing." Her eyes tracing his entire body, as her hand held on tightly to her knife.
"No, Heda. I made a mistake and put my personal needs before the oath I made to both you and Clarke. It will not happen again. I swear," he told us as he placed his first over his heart and bowed his head slightly.
"Make sure that it doesn't. You are one of my best scouts and I don't want to remove you from service. I will if I have too though and will feel no remorse about it," Lexa words and tone were as hard as steel. Letting the man know that this was his final warning.
"Mochof, Heda. I swear on my life that something like this won't happen again. It is not worth it," Lincoln tells her finally lifting his head up.
"Lincoln, not that I am not happy to know that you are safe but why are you here?" Finally speaking after Lexa seemed to accept his allegiance.
"I ran into Octavia who took me to Indra. She sent me to this general area to try and find you to help with whatever you are looking for. She believed that my skills would be needed as almost all of our scouts are not near the village anymore."
"Well now that you are, Lincoln, you can help us. A mountain man is somewhere in the area and we need to find him. We are going to come down the mountain to get behind him," I tell him once I start walking once more.
"That sounds like a plan. He only has a few spots in the area that he can stay hidden, and we are getting close to them now."
-Time Skip-
Lexa, Lincoln, and I did not find him before the missile strike, but it still worked out the way we wanted it too. Lincoln was horrified to see the strike but calmed down once we mentioned that due to the amount of warriors in the area that if multiple fires happened then for the villagers to hide in the woods. The generals and other leading officers also know to do the same thing.
The sounds of single shots from a long-ranged rifle start to go off once the smoke starts to clear from the village below.
"Clearly some did not take our warnings seriously to not enter the area until the all clear was given." I spit out irritated that most likely people were being killed because we couldn't find the damn spotter.
"Don't worry Heda and Clarke. We are closing in on the final area and going off the sounds of the gun he is too focused on the village to hear us closing in."
"Ok so if he is below on us the mountain right now, then the plan is for me to come from the rear, Lexa to move in on the right, and for you Lincoln to move in from the left. Which ever one of us can make the kill then do it. I don't want to risk any of us getting hurt. In my rush to get here I forgot my bow and arrows, but I do have my throwing knives."
My fingers sliding across the knives neatly tucked into my gauntlets.
"I have some that can be used for throwing and my sword," Lexa spoke up as she also held onto the grip of her sword.
"I do have the same, so I believe we are prepared," Lincoln spoke up last.
The three of us split up and slowly made our way down. Lexa and Lincoln both being incredibly careful with trying to stay in the darker areas of the open field.
The spotter chose a good area for what he was doing, as almost every side was carefully closed in except along the ride side. Meaning that Lexa would have the highest probability to get him.
I made it within 10 feet before I made the mistake of accidently kicking a rock, that then proceeded to roll down the remaining distance and hit the fallen tree that was behind the spotter.
"Fuck." And with that the spotter jumped up from his spot to peak his head over and adjusted his rifle to aim at me. Once the rifle was aimed at me, I instantly dropped to the ground as a shot whizzed over my head. The man let out a cry as pain as a knife connected with his shoulder with another quickly following to hit his throat.
Once the men fell down, I lost sight of him but I can only guess that he was desperately gripping at his throat as his precious life blood flowed from the wounds.
I barely had any time to register this before a body slammed right into me. My body tensing for a second before realizing the warm body pressed to mine was Lexa's. Her head buried in my neck as she was slightly shaking. "That was too close, ai hodness."
"That it was," I whisper to her. Grateful that the only one present for this was Lincoln who wouldn't tell a soul of what he saw.
And that is the end of this chapter! Thank you so much to all that have read this and continue to read this. I cannot give an accurate timeline for when I will next update because 'Bear with Me' is next on the list and then a chapter for my re-write of 'When the Fog was Lifted' called 'My Fall'
Again I just want to state that these three stories are not abandoned at all. It might take time, but they are being worked on and will continue to be worked on until they are completely finished.