This one came out a lot quicker than usual. I hope you guys enjoy it.


"War," Luna's tone was as firm as it was haunted, "That's the only way these problems will go away once and for all."

Clarke felt as though the weight of a mountain had been dropped onto her shoulders– the irony of that wasn't lost on her either. Skaikru had stakes in this dispute. Half of Clarke's friends had been abducted and she wouldn't rest until they were found.

"Can we go somewhere private?" Clarke asked Luna who nodded immediately.

The throne room was maybe not the best place to have what was bound to be a heavy conversation. Luna gestured for Clarke to follow and so she trailed just behind Luna as they weaved through the many hallways of the tower.

There were a few tower servants or delegation members who seemed to eye them with interest. That was nothing new, though, when it came to Clarke and the Grounders so she did her best to appear apathetic to it all.

They went down a flight of stairs and it was then that Clarke realised that Luna was taking her to the floor assigned to the Coalition. It was pretty bold to do so especially so soon after the meeting.

It was as big of a statement as Luna could make without actually making one.

Clarke was certain that the consensus is Skaikru was certain to side with Trikru. Luna inviting Clarke to her room would confirm where Floukru stood as well. The clan itself wasn't strong, but Luna was a game-changer.

It could serve to sway more people towards the Coalition if they saw two nightbloods willing to work together for another nightblood. A vast departure from what the Conclave had taught the clans.

Finally, they reached Luna's door and after they both entered Luna shut the door. The room was smaller than Clarke's by quite a lot and so Clarke chose to sit down on a bed.

As Luna locked the door, Clarke took in the room. Oddly, it seemed to have a few personal effects like sketches, paintings and other trinkets laying around whereas Clarke's room had been void of anything like that.

"This was my room when I was a novitiate," Luna said before smiling at Clarke's surprised reaction.

"I hate your power so much," Clarke said as Luna sat down on a chair, "Emotion sensing shouldn't be a thing."

"I did not use my power," Luna said staring into Clarke's eyes, "I would never use it without your permission. You know that."

"I do."

"I am sorry for parading you like an animal," Luna said as her eyes softened, "I don't want you to think I'm using, but Floukru–"

Clarke put her hand on Luna's knee, "I understand. You had to show them which side you were on. I'm not mad. I would have done the same thing."

Clarke stared into Luna's eyes before there was a subtle shift in the room. She ignored the urge to move closer to Luna as instead, she leaned away. Luna's eyes seemed to lose a bit of their light, but Clarke dismissed that as foolish.

Lexa may have been right about Costia's feelings, but she was dead wrong about Luna's. They were just close friends and something akin to parents to Madi.

That was enough. For sure. Definitely.

"Is Lexa going to win?" Clarke felt like biting her tongue at the blunt question, but as always Luna did not seem to mind.

"Undoubtedly," Luna's answer was quick, "It will not be easy, but she will win. She always does. There is a reason she unified the clans. You are only worried because you have not seen her fight."

There was a myriad of reasons why Clarke was worried and despite her heart screaming at her to tell Luna, she did not. It would only complicate matters between the three of them and things were complicated enough as it were.

"The more important matter is the war, and how your people fit into it," Luna said and Clarke frowned upon hearing that word again, "It is safe to say Lexa's actions at the Mountain would not have endeared to your people."

The "or you" went unsaid.

Just a few days ago, Clarke would have readily agreed with Luna's assumption. Now, after the Costia situation, the argument with Lexa and the prospect of a terrible war, Clarke did not know where exactly she and Lexa stood.

That uncertainty seemed to be the story of her life at the moment.

"Skaikru will fall in line," Clarke said her tone firm, "This is bigger than Mount Weather. This is life or death. You have nothing to worry about from them."

"I am worried about some of your friends," Luna said her tone a bit hesitant, "Your friend, Raven, she was rather open with her distaste for Lexa. It might make her a target from both sides, but for different reasons. Have you two settled your differences?"

"Not exactly," Clarke said a bit helplessly, "I know you and my friends don't get on well, but you can trust them all. If you don't trust them then trust me."

Luna dropped the issue immediately as soon as Clarke finished talking. Luna was one-half of the reason why Clarke was in a better place now. It had taken months, but they trusted each other fully. Clarke had spent more time with Luna and Madi on the rig than she had spent time away from it while on Earth.

Her relationship with Luna was something Clarke would never do anything to jeopardise. No matter how much it hurt her. That was just how much she valued the other woman.

"What about you?" Clarke said carefully well aware of how touchy this subject was, "Will you fight?"

Luna was silent. Her eyes dropped to the ground and her hands balled into fists. Luna's body language was stiff and coiled as if ready to lash out at some invisible foe.

"I don't know, Klark," Luna had slipped into Trigedasleng something she hardly ever did around Clarke despite her now-perfect understanding of it, "Sometimes, I still see Sol's face. My sword through his chest...the blood...I don't even know what his last words were...Why did you stay? Why didn't you leave when you heard what I did to Sol?"

The situation Clarke was in was not exactly comfortable ground for her. She had comforted Luna before, but that was on the rig where their demons were far away.

Here in Polis, their demons were shadowing their every move.

"Look at me," Clarke said bunching her fingers into Luna's, "You are a victim of a cruel world. This place changes you. The things I've done will stick him for the rest of my life. We deserve to be happy."

"You did that to save others," Luna was still stating at the ground, "I killed my brother to save myself and then I ran. He died for nothing! Why can't you see that? I feel so cold and empty on the inside."

"You don't know that," Clarke said tightening her grasp on Luna's hands, "You could have lost the Conclave or been assassinated as Heda or anything else, but that didn't happen. You've taken in warriors tired of fighting and given them a home. You helped Floukru survive and prosper under the Coalition."

"We saved Madi from a life of suffering," Clarke said and Luna finally looked back up at her. It was a near-perfect reversal of their talk before the meeting. Luna was so good at helping and comforting others, Clarke forgot that Luna needed the same treatment she gave out so freely.

Clarke disentangled her fingers from Luna's bringing them up to Luna's face, "You saved me from myself. That's why I stayed, Luna. I don't care if you choose to fight or not. That would never change anything between us."

Clarke could feel Luna trembling beneath her and in all honesty, Clarke wasn't sure if it was Luna who was shaking or her. The tension from their talk just a few days ago had returned will full force and no warning.

Yet, there was nothing to be done. Luna and Clarke were friends and there was a war brewing. There was no time for something like this. This was stupid. She should just leave.

Despite that playing on a loop in her mind, Clarke slowly leaned forward. Luna mirrored Clarke before finally, she pressed a kiss to Luna's lips. It began deep as Luna pushed herself against Clarke. Luna groaned sending fire across Clarke's very being.

Clarke pushed Luna down to the bed as she straddled her. She pressed herself flush against Luna even as she kept her grip on Luna's hair and neck. Luna's body was a tantalising mix of hard and soft which only excited Clarke even more.

Luna ran her arms up and down the back of Clarke's thighs before pausing at the top and squeezing. Clarke moaned into Luna's mouth, but it was swallowed up by Luna. Her hands kept trailing and teasing Clarke's thighs and legs much to her delight.

Clarke felt her heart begin to race before she, regretfully pulled back to face Luna. Luna's eyes were almost pure black as she stared into Clarke's eyes. Their breath felt hot against each other and the warmth of Luna's body made Clarke feel vibrant and alive.

A part of Clarke wondered why she had done that. It felt selfish and exploitative and wrong and yet it felt like the best thing she could have done.

Luna was so very important to Clarke and she couldn't help but feel the urge to comfort her. The rest had been her body operating almost on its own. As much Luna had seemed to want it, Clarke wanted it just as much.

"You aren't some empty husk," Clarke said her hands still gripping onto Luna's neck and hair, "You are so much more than you know, Luna. Don't ever think otherwise again."

Clarke sort of leaned into Luna. It was halfway between a hug and also laying on top of Luna too. Clarke had been so focused on her own issues with Skaikru and Lexa that she had neglected what Luna was going through. The least she could do was let Luna know that she wasn't alone.

Clarke's own issues were boiling just underneath her skin, but she owed it to Luna and to Madi and to her people (and to Lexa) to keep them under control. Clarke had to push them down and deal with them later.

Unfortunately, Clarke had to separate from Luna who had wrapped her arms around her, "I need to go. I'm sending everyone back to Arkadia for the fight. If something happens, we'll be prime targets."

"That would be wise," Luna said her voice soft, "I–just stay safe, Clarke. Not just for Skaikru, or Madi or Lexa, but for me. If I lose you too–"

"You won't," Clarke said forcing herself to sound confident, "I had this conversation with Madi already. I won't let anything happen to me. The same goes for you, Luna. You're important to us."

"I know."

Clarke wanted to stay here with Luna away from the real world, but that wasn't an option. Not anymore.

"This was a mistake," Clarke said and she rushed to finish as she saw Luna's face drop.

"That came out wrong. I enjoyed what we did," Clarke said lacing her hands with Luna's, "A lot. I just think now's a bad time with everything and also I still have some very confusing feelings for–"

"Lexa."

Clarke's words died in her mouth at that. Was she that obvious? Did anyone else see it?

Luna sounded a touch upset as she spoke, "You would say her name while you were sleeping. You also said mine and months ago, you said Roma's too. You sounded so sad when saying her name. It hurt me."

Luna smiled sadly, "It was not hard to see the link after you told me about Roma."

"Luna, I still–"

"Calm down," Luna said her smile a mix of sad and happy, "You've given me a mile when I wanted an inch. I will support you in whatever you choose, Clarke. Choose what is best for you. Once we deal with everything."

Clarke did not know what to say. What did you say to someone in a situation like this?

"Thank you, Luna," Clarke said hugging her tightly once more before standing to leave, "I-I wish things were simpler."

"So do I."


The top level of the tower was as empty as Luna had said it would be. Clarke didn't need to use the eyes of an eagle or ears of a dog to verify that. Hardly anyone was allowed up here apparently.

The stairways were all guarded by multiple guards and the elevator did not even go all the way to the top. Clarke was somewhat sure she could have gone past the guards, but they could have held her up or caused a scene.

It was easier to just jump out a window and fly up. Her invisibility cloak had been turned on just in case anyone was looking at the massive bonfire atop the tower.

The design and decor of this floor were different from the rest of the tower. The flooring and walls were almost sparkling and there were various decorative items.

Worn statues of a woman in a bulky armour holding a spherical object in her head. Paintings of what Clarke could only assume were past commanders as well as scenes from past battles.

A few stood out to Clarke. There was the pile of bodies outside a giant metal door while orange mist hung in the air. The first major battle between Mount Weather and the Grounders. The battle that led to the splintering of the first Coalition.

How fitting.

There was also a drawing of a woman with black hair and black eyes that Clarke did not recognise, but her gentle demeanour stuck out from the severe expressions of the Commanders surrounding her.

This was the only drawing to be behind a glass cover and it had a frame encrusted with actual jewels and gold. She was either a very important figure or just well-loved by the people who had survived.

Still, though, the woman's face lingered in Clarke's mind.

Finally, Clarke came to the last painting. This one was newer than all the others, but it was not its recency that made it stick out.

The subject of the photo had vibrant green eyes and luscious brown hair. A cogwheel was placed between her brows and she had black facepaint akin to tear trails. She stood holding two swords in her hands as she stared off towards an unseen adversary.

Without knowing why Clarke trailed her hand on the painting of Lexa. The canvas was surprisingly smooth to the touch and the paint did not flake off. A shaft of sunlight made the colours pop only enhancing the beauty of the piece of art.

"It's quite beautiful, isn't it?"

Clarke turned her hand to the source of the voice. The blue psionic energy faded away just as quickly as it had appeared upon seeing who had snuck up on her. Clarke did not lower hand, though, as she stared at Gaia.

"You can relax, Wan–Clarke," Gaia seemed to catch herself, "I know why you are here."

"You aren't going to call the guards?" Clarke asked prompting Gaia to shake her head.

"They could not stop you," Gaia said and it was that piece of honesty that made Clarke drop her arm, "Heda is not in her room. She is busy with something. I can take you if you wish."

Clarke stared at Gaia with a fair amount of suspicion. She was a lot more agreeable than Titus had been which was a nice surprise. Clarke was beginning to think being a prominent figure in the Coalition came with being a prick.

"Lead the way," Clarke felt like she could trust Gaia and apparently Gaia felt the same as she immediately turned her back on Clarke and walked away.

They walked in silence for a bit before Gaia spoke, "I hear you went to see the leader of Floukru."

"I did," Clarke said her voice just a bit terse. It seemed like Luna was right about them making waves.

"You already know her from your time together after the Mountain," Gaia said prompting a nod from Clarke, "Normally, Luna would have brought someone like you to Polis. Yet, you stayed with her for months on end. Why is that?"

"Nightbloods stick together, don't they?" Clarke said drily which unfortunately drew a laugh from Gaia, "What's so funny?"

"You affect the people around you, for better or worse, and you fail to see it," Gaia said slowing to a stop prompting Clarke to do the same.

"I guess you are right about natblida sticking together," Gaia said and it was with a tone that filled Clarke with dread, "Otherwise, Madi would probably not be here."

There was a loud thump as Clarke slammed Gaia against a wall. The Flamekeeper didn't even seem fazed and Clarke frowned when she saw the pink glow to Gaia's eyes.

"You are still very impulsive," Gaia said her voice only straining slightly, "My power told me you would attack me no matter what I said about Madi."

Clarke glared into Gaia's eyes before finally stepping away. Gaia dropped down the floor and cleared her throat a bit. She then took a moment to compose herself before speaking.

"You are extremely strong, Clarke," Gaia said and Clarke could sense the second part of the sentence already, "However, you are still too impulsive and wildly so. The pyres for those you killed at Mount Weather burned for over a week."

"What's your point?" Clarke said crossing her arms.

"You have not been in a real war," Gaia said, "They are not just one big battle. They are long and numerous and arduous. Lexa will have to do stuff you may not agree with. I do not know if you are ready for that."

It clicked.

"You think I would betray Lexa?" Gaia remained silent giving Clarke her answer, "I am not like that. You may think your psychic powers tell you everything, but you are wrong. There's so much you don't know and won't know until it's too late."

Clarke eased the distaste in her voice as she saw blue energy began to emanate from her. She reigned her power in before looking at Gaia.

"This is about the Mountain," Clarke said and Gaia's face said it all, "I'll only say this once. I am furious about being betrayed. Lexa did that, not me. I am still mad about it, but I understand why she did it. You should just hope and pray Skaikru doesn't get betrayed a second time."

Gaia, to her credit, kept a blank face before speaking, "I see. I apologise for overstepping. I worry about Heda. It is not my place to say this, but a betrayal by you would hurt Heda immeasurably. She truly cares for you."

Clarke felt like enquiring more about what Gaia said, but she chose not to. It would only serve to worsen the storm of emotions within Clarke. Clarke felt like she was being pulled two different ways and the only thing worse was the dread she felt at having to make a choice.

"I know. I–" Clarke caught herself as she remembered Gaia was a stranger, "Take me to her."

This time, they walked in complete silence. There were quite a few turns before Clarke finally heard Lexa's voice. She was speaking in Trigedasleng, but the question was to who?

They reached a semi-open door and Clarke raised her eyebrows as she saw a group of children congregated before Lexa. The sheer affection and adulation in their eyes reminded Clarke a lot of her and Luna with Madi.

"The greatest attribute any Commander can have is courage. The courage to stand against impossible odds. The courage to do what is best for their people no matter the cost. The courage to accept and embrace the burden that comes with being Commander. When I die, my spirit will be there to guide you in your role as Commander."

Clarke's mouth fell open as she realised who the children. These were the nightbloods. They looked so young. The oldest could not have been more than 12. How could he be ready to lead?

"I see you know who they are," Gaia said causing Clarke to nod, "Then you must keep Madi safe. Lexa will not push the issue, but these are not normal times. Some people may be feeling rather...bold."

Gaia didn't even Clarke a chance to process as she walked into the room. The occupants of the room turned to them in surprise and Clarke felt singled out as everyone seemed to zero in on her in particular.

"Children, greet Chancellor Clarke," Lexa said a measure of surprise on her unmarked face.

The nightbloods all rose to their feet before they greeted Clarke with a mix of enthusiasm and respect. They remained standing as Lexa turned to them once more.

"Tell Chancellor Clarke what is to become of Skaikru should you become Commander," Lexa said and the only thing that surprised Clarke more than the order was the vehement reply.

"Skaikru are our allies," the children said in unison, "They have earned eternal gratitude from the Commander for felling the Mountain and it shall be my duty as Commander to repay that debt by keeping them safe."

Clarke was stunned. She stared at Lexa whose face was slightly nervous. It was a sincere gesture that Clarke wasn't expecting, but perhaps what twisted the knife deeper was the thought of Lexa's death. Why and how could she be so open with the prospect of her death?

"I-Thank you," Clarke said turning to the children, "That means a lot."

"Gaia, please show Clarke to my quarters," Lexa said a smile on her face, "I will be right there."

Just like that, they were leaving again. Clarke looked over her shoulder and she met Lexa's eyes who immediately looked back towards the novitiates. It was a short walk to the room and Gaia left her outside.

"You can go inside," Gaia said half turned away, "I have to return to take over from Heda."

Having said her piece, Gaia turned on her heel walking the way they had just come from. Clarke turned to the massive wooden doors which were slightly ajar before letting herself in.

"Lexa, we–Oh. Clarke. What a surprise."

Fantastic.

"Costia," Clarke said in greeting and her gaze became wary as she took in Costia's state. Her eyes were puffy and red as she sat at the foot of Lexa's bed.

Costia wore a blue front-closing dress that was tight around the body but flowed around the arms giving Costia an alluring look. Her hair was also stylishly done up and Clarke could smell her perfume as it hung in the air.

"What is all this?" Clarke said as she looked at the woman in distress, "Look, Lexa called me here–"

"Am I not good enough for either of you?" Costia said as she began pacing around, "Lexa left me for dead and I threw myself at you and you pushed me away. Why!"

Costia picked up a vase and before Clarke could react, she chucked it straight down at the ground. The vase shattered instantly and the shards flew everywhere. Costia then flipped a table sending its contents all across the floor.

"What the hell?" Clarke said under her breath as Costia seemed to just flip a switch.

Costia made to pick something else up, but Clarke had had enough. She sped towards Costia and took away what Costia had been holding before pinning her on the bed.

Clarke was straddling Costia while she pinned the unstable woman's arms above her head. Costia fought all the while she was in Clarke's grip screaming and shouting.

Clarke turned to the side as she thought she heard. It turned out to only be some of the trinkets on the floor that were still moving around. Clarke turned back to Costia whose right hand was now oozing blood.

"Costia, stop!" Clarke all but screamed in her face, "You're bleeding. It must have been from the vase. Let me heal you."

Costia stopped almost immediately as she looked up at Clarke. Her eyes seemed to stare into Clarke's soul even as they leaked tears. They trailed down Costia's face which only enhanced her undeniable beauty.

Clarke climbed off of Costia and sat down on a chair that was facing away from the door. Costia slowly sat up before looking at Clarke her body sapped of any and all energy. Clarke could not help, but feel pity for Costia.

Is this what years of confinement and torture amounted to?

"You're perfect, Clarke," Costia said her voice drained and tired and sad, "I wanted to surprise Lexa, but then I heard you come this way. All I've heard in Polis was your name. All I saw when I slept was your face. You saved my life. Twice. I was dressed like this for you."

A feeling of dread filled Clarke as Costia rose to her feet and stood before Clarke. Costia erased the space between them to just under a foot before she pulled the catch on the front of her dress.

There was a soft thump from behind Costia before Clarke stood up and, being mindful of Costia's wound, gently tried to close her dress. The top part or bodice of the dress had been opened revealing Costia's bare chest. Costia seemed to resist Clarke's every move with startling strength.

Clarke realised Costa was enhancing her strength in a bid to fight Clarke off. This was the level of desperation she had reached and all Clarke could feel while looking down on Costia was pity.

Costia kept trying to open it more and finally, Clarke once again straddled Costia before pinning the woman's arms above her head. This seemed to only please Costia who smiled up at Clarke. Clarke tried to ignore it as she focused on healing the surprisingly severe wound on Costia's arm.

"I know you hate Lexa, Clarke," Costia said her voice lowering a few octaves, "This is your best chance at revenge. She is a monster! She betrayed both of us. She will betray us again if she does not die out there. You wanted to heal me? This is how you can heal me."

Clarke had been focusing half her energy on healing Costia while the other half was taken up by the insidious words spewing out of Costia's mouth. That was probably why she had not heard Lexa enter the room at all.

"Clarke? Costia?"

Clarke scrambled off of Costia realising just how that scene looked. Costia did not seem to share the same sense of urgency as she slowly did up her top and purposely brushed past Clarke full-on despite there being more than enough space to get past.

"Excuse me."

Two words full of clear amusement and relish, Costia was gone. She shut the door behind her leaving Clarke and a still-frozen Lexa behind. The second the door shut Clarke tried to explain. Keyword being tried.

"It was not–"

Lexa held her hand up silencing Clarke.

"It was not what it looked like?" Lexa said tilting her head to the side, "Do you think I am stupid?"

"What do you w-want from me, Clarke?" Lexa said her voice cracking which sent a bolt of pain through Clarke's chest, "Do you want to torture me? Do you want me dead?"

"No–"

"So, why can you not just tell me what you want?" Lexa said and she could not quite conceal her emotions as the epitome of a pained expression crossed her face.

"This is the second time I have caught you with Costia," Lexa said breathing deep and heavy, "Is this because of the Mountain? Did you two plan this just to hurt me? Why would you do something so cruel? In the bed, Costia and I used to share?"

Clarke found herself powerless to talk. The raw emotion and pain pouring from Lexa rendered her silent. She felt like she was watching a building collapse and no matter what she said or did, it would all come tumbling to the ground.

"Why do you want to hurt me so badly?"

A faint bell rang in the distance. The bells went off every hour in Polis. There was now only at most an hour before Lexa had to fight for her life and for the life of the Coalition.

"Please leave," Lexa said trying and failing to reach the same level of stoicism Clarke was used to, "I have to prepare for the fight."

Lexa turned to go towards one of her closets and Clarke walked towards her in a bid to reassure. She nearly slipped on a small dagger with a black blade before catching herself. She placed her hand on Lexa's shoulder who drifted away from her touch as if poisoned.

"There is nothing more to say, Clarke," Lexa said as she stared at Clarke, "I understand. I betrayed you and you felt the need to hurt me as I hurt you and you succeeded. Skaikru will still be safe, but we are done."

Clarke frowned at the bite in Lexa's words. To think that they had gone from being on the same page to being worlds apart hurt Clarke immensely. A part of her was still resentful at how she was left high and dry at Mount Weather.

Yet, another part of her could not and would not get the tent

"Of course, you can–"

The sound of someone approaching the door with some speed silenced Clarke's outburst. The person stopped at the door before knocking rapidly.

"Heda," Gaia's muffled voice filled the room, "The generals have taken it upon themselves to move up the challenge. The majority of the people are already gathered in the pit."

"I will be there soon, Gaia."

That seemed to be enough for Gaia who walked away just as urgently as she had come. Lexa turned towards Clarke her face settled into a frown.

"Please just go," Lexa said her voice drained, "You have made your feelings clear to me. I will not hold it against you if you decide to stay away from this mess. Nia will have planned this for years now. Skaikru will be safe from harm."

Clarke reached out to touch Lexa, but her froze in midair. Clarke tried to push forward but only succeeded in moving it forward a few inches. It was then that she realised Lexa was holding her hand up.

So this was how it felt to have your blood used against you.

"I know you would not join Nia's side," Lexa said and right before Clarke's eyes the stoic facade returned in full force, "May we meet again."

Clarke was given full control of her body, but she chose to turn on her heel and book it to her friends. There was no chance of Clarke abandoning the Coalition especially at a time like this.

She'd sooner die than let her inaction cause someone dear to her to get hurt.

The doors to Lexa's room shut behind her and Clarke prepared to have what was bound to be a difficult conversation with her friends.


The door to her room was already open so Clarke was able to hear the voices of her friends as they spoke frantically. Octavia and Bellamy seemed to be on the verge of an argument when Clarke walked in.

"I know I'm late and I'm sorry," Clarke said as she stepped inside, "We don't have the time to argue. I need you guys to stay up here for the fight."

"What about you?" Bellamy asked showing surprising restraint, "You can't go down there alone, Clarke. You're our friend. You'd be massively outnumbered out there."

"It's an order," Clarke said pushing down the guilt she felt for pulling rank, "You guys are the best Skaikru has to offer. If even one of you gets hurt then we'll have trouble."

"You do know we'd still be trapped in a warzone if something happened?" Raven pointed out her tone having an edge to it and Clarke paused for a second before gesturing for everyone to move back.

They did so and Clarke drew a wide circle in the air. A portal formed in the air and through it, Clarke could see Arkadia and its people going about their day.

"If things go bad then I want all of you to go through this portal," Clarke said leaving no room for negotiation, "If you want to close the portal then you just need to disrupt the boundary. Don't use anything you want to keep intact."

To prove her point, Clarke made a sword of light and slashed through the portal. The portal immediately shut close. Clarke held up the sword she had made revealing it to be cut clean in half before dispelling it.

Clarke heard the sounds of drums beating in the distance. The challenge was starting soon. Clarke made another portal and this was in the corner of the room to give them space to move around.

"I have to go," Clarke said before she crouched and pulled Madi into a tight hug, "I'll be back. That's a promise."

Madi didn't say anything, but Clarke was glad to see that her words had resonated within Madi. She was young but brave and Clarke was certain Madi would keep her head on right.

"Stay safe, Clarke," Octavia said surprising her with a hug, "You're strong, but we still worry about you."

Clarke avoided the gaze of her friends feeling her cheeks warm up, "Thanks, guys."

Octavia's words putting her in a better mood than she had been in. The day had already been filled with a lot of highs and lows and it was set to continue with Lexa's fight.

Clarke turned and left before her friends could sense the sheer turmoil she was feeling. They did not need to be worry about yet another thing. She had things under control.

Clarke had forgone wearing the armour she had made, but it would be easy to convert her current clothes into armour. It only took a few seconds before Clarke jumped out one of the broken windows in the hallway.

She controlled her fall with bursts of air from her hand and feet, choosing to forgo her wings. She landed lightly by the Tower's entrance into an empty street. Clarke looked around her and Polis was deserted except for the noise coming from the pit.

"The citizens are hiding," said Anya walking outside the tower, "They are in their homes waiting for the result. There will still be a lot watching the challenge. Entertainment is hard to come for many of them."

Clarke shook Anya by the arm which was returned by the other woman, "You don't sound worried."

"Lexa will live," Anya said her tone certain, "The Coalition will not."

There it was again.

"Where is Raven? And your friends?"

"I'm keeping them away from the danger," Clarke said as the sound of the raucous audience began to get louder, "They would be prime targets."

"Good choice," Anya said before putting her hand on Clarke's shoulder, "Let's go and be ready for anything."

They disappeared in a cloud of smoke before they reappeared in an arena somewhat similar to the one Clarke had fought in. The only difference was that there was no elevated platform.

"What is this place?" Clarke asked Anya as they moved their way to the front, "It seems too old to have been made today."

"This is where the Conclave is held," Anya said before pointing to one of the higher seats.

It was a private booth of sorts and the generals were all seated in large chairs. There were two rows of seven seats and Luna was seated at the bottom left.

The generals took up twelve seats and the last two were taken up by Gaia and Nia. Luna seemed to be antsy as she fiddled with the arm of her chair. Clarke wished she could go speak to her, but that would draw unnecessary attention.

There was a cheer from the crowd as six opponents made their way out from a single archway. There were two women and four men who were taking up a formation of sorts on the field below.

The man that looked the most dangerous to Clarke, though, was the Azgeda man at the extreme back of the formation. He was a head taller than everyone else and had a surly expression on his face.

"That is Prince Roan," Anya noticed where Clarke was staring, "That scum's son."

In any case, the formation the challengers took up was interesting. Roan, his face painted white and black, was as at the back and in front of him were a Sankru woman and a bald man from Ingronarona. Their respective tan and yellow facepaint gleamed in the afternoon sun.

In front of those two were two men, a Boudalan man with deep brown skin and a very thin man from Yujleda who looked more a hermit than a warrior. Finally, at the forefront of it all was a woman from Trishanakru. Her hair was bunched up behind her and she had a focused expression on her face.

"The way they're standing," Clarke said to Anya, "They must know each other strengths and weaknesses. That Trishana woman isn't at the front for no reason. Do you know any of them?"

"No," Anya's frustration saturated her tone, "I can only guess that the woman at the front will be their defender and the two behind her are close-range fighters."

Before Anya could add any more, an even larger cheer erupted from the crowd. From the opposite end of her challengers, Lexa walked out into the arena. Her face was as hard as tone and her gaze was like a knife cutting into her opponents.

Lexa wore her usual armour with one difference. That difference being the rather long sleeves that extended past her hands. There was also a multitude of weapons strapped to her body. Daggers, a throwing star and of course two swords.

Clarke was so focused on Lexa that she did not hear what Anya had said to her.

"What was that?"

"She looks angry," Anya said her gaze pinned on Lexa, "Something must have made her angry...It was probably that pest Costia. Lexa has been allowing her too much leniency out of guilt."

Clarke balled her hands into fists when she heard the contempt in Anya's voice for Costia. The pain that came with it doing nothing to erase the exhausted and sad look Lexa had on her face in Clarke's mind.

How would their...talk have affected Lexa's focus?

Gaia had risen from her seat and she now stood before a roaring flame. It was similar to the one used at Clarke's coronation.

Clarke remembered how Lexa had told her she had full confidence in Clarke winning. Lexa had been more confident than Clarke had been at the time and with their roles reversed Clarke had failed to do the same.

"A challenge has been issued to the Commander," Gaia's voice cowed the baying crowd into silence, "There are those who think she is weak and unfit for her station."

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of boos and jeers all directed at the challengers. The sheer fury seemed to get to all of them except for Roan who still seemed unfazed by it all.

"Get me to the booth," Clarke said to Anya who only hesitated for a second before complying.

They appeared at the entrance setting the guards and everyone in it on edge. Clarke walked forward and the guards tried to stop her, but a glare was all it took to give them entrance.

An order from Anya resulted in two chairs being brought out and they chose to sit next to Luna. Clarke could feel the generals staring at her, but it was Nia who spoke.

"The almighty Skaifaya," Nia's voice dripping with sarcasm, "I did not expect you to come to this. This will be violent, you know? Did you not flee to Floukru because you were too weak to handle what you did at the Mountain?"

"Clarke, don't."

Luna's warning was only audible to Clarke and despite it, all Clarke wanted to leap across the booth and teach Nia a lesson. The smug expression on the face of the Ice Queen doing nothing but stoking the flames within Clarke.

"I beat your mortal enemies all on my own," Clarke said keeping her expression even, "You have been under their thumb for centuries and I beat them in an hour. Don't start a fight you can't finish, Nia."

Nia's face froze before dropping into a cold glare. Clarke held her gaze. Unbidden, an image of Nia standing in a burning Arkadia flashed into Clarke's mind before it faded away.

Nia was still glaring at her with a furious glare and Clarke was only able to turn away once she heard Gaia call for the start of the fight. Out the corner of her eye, she saw Nia turn away and Clarke sighed as the fight began.

Neither side had moved and Clarke found herself feeling a nervous curiosity. This was the first time she would see what Lexa was made of. Everyone spoke about how strong Lexa was, but now Clarke would get to see it for herself.

It was the woman from Sankru that made the first move. She was right at the back so everybody got a clear sight of her raising her hands in a weird triangle shape. She pointed it directly at Lexa somehow having a clear view despite the people between them.

A beam of light shot out her hands before slamming into Lexa. Clarke expected Lexa to get sent flying or scream in pain, but oddly she stood her ground. The beam faded away but there was still a faint glow surrounding Lexa.

It was then that the skinny man from Yujleda made his move. The man let out a scream of effort before his right arm began to warp and morph. The arm rapidly widened and thickened as it grew rapidly in size.

The once-thin arm was now many times its previous size and length. It had also bulked up considerably and its owner drew his now-massive arm back before throwing it forward to Lexa who seemed almost rooted to the spot.

Lexa's face strained as she moved with zero grace and finesse. The veins on her neck were clearly defined showing hard she was pushing and yet she was only able to take one agonisingly slow step at a time.

"What is she doing?" Clarke said as the giant got within range of Lexa, "She needs to move,"

In the end, Lexa was only able to raise her arms before the giant fist slammed into her with a loud clap. The crowd screamed with excitement and shock and horror as their leader was sent flying through the air before rolling to a stop.

To Clarke's chagrin, Quint took it upon himself to praise his subordinate.

"Good hit, Rey!" Quint was our of his seat and clapping, "Show her the might of the Yujleda! Look, she cannot even stand!"

It was then that Clarke saw Lexa still had the white glow around her body. That first attack had done something to slow Lexa down. The penny only dropped for Clarke once she saw how Lexa battled to get to her feet.

Gravity.

Lexa could only manage to get to her hands and knees, but her limbs were trembling all the while. Nia laughed snidely at the sight and Clarke nearly turned around, but Luna stopped her by nudging her leg.

"Wait."

Lexa stopped on all fours. Her limbs were still straining and shaking wildly. Black blood was dripping from her mouth before she spat it aside. Interestingly, Lexa looked fine other than the blood that had been dripping from her mouth.

Rey's arm shrunk rapidly and Clarke raised a brow as he cradled it immediately. Clarke enhanced her vision and she blinked as she saw the mangled form of his hands.

How?

Clarke looked back towards Lexa. The white glow surrounding her was more prevalent with her enhanced vision, but Clarke was able to spy something grey wrapped around Lexa's arm.

A second later, chaos erupted.

A chain erupted from the ground right in between the challengers. The chain faked towards one of them before ultimately wrapping around the ankle of the Sankru woman that had trapped Lexa.

"Lia!" Erid shouted and she tried to jump down, but she was held back by Akeri, "She is my friend! Let me go!"

"You chose this," Akeri said pushing Erid back down into her chair, "You all did."

Clarke turned back to the field and she was shocked as Lexa stood easily now. A chain was sticking out her sleeve and it wrapped around her hand before it fed into the ground.

"She was wearing a chain this whole time?" Clarke said and again she looked ar Rey who was cradling his broken hand, "She wore it as armour."

"Brute force is not enough to beat Lexa," Luna said now a lot more relaxed, "Lia should have waited before doing that. She made herself the biggest threat."

On the field, Lexa whipped her chain up and it ripped up the earth that it had tunnelled underneath. Lia was whipped into the air and Lexa spun rapidly before slamming Lia into the ground.

There was a groan from the audience as dust was kicked up from Lia's crash landing. Her arm and leg were broken, but that apparently was not enough for Lexa.

The chain wrapped around more of Lia before bright sparks began to fizz off of Lexa's free hand. Lexa turned towards the booth and Clarke followed Lexa's gaze as it settled on Erid. A second later, Lexa fed the electricity into the chain.

Lia began to thrash and scream as the electricity coursed through her body. Furthermore, the chain seemed to be heating up as smoke emanated from it and it began to glow a dull red.

Lexa stared at Erid with a harsh glare. Lia was thrashing and screaming as the electricity fired her nerves and the chains burnt her body. Her pleas to her teammates for help fell on deaf ears. The arena was silent amplifying Lia's shouts to an eerie level.

Yet, Lexa did not falter. Her wordless order to Erid clear.

Submit.

And submit Erid did, "Heda, please stop! I am sorry! Please–"

It was a sight to see the normally calm Erid be so hysterical and in front of so many too. Lexa obliged Erid. The chain unwrapped from around Lia. The woman had burn marks in the shape of chain links all across her body and skin.

A few attendants rushed on and quickly, and rather carelessly, took Lia away. Erid left the booth immediately, but not before turning towards the generals.

"You said they would work together!" This seemed to be directed at nobody in particular until Nia spoke.

"Your friend was too weak," Nia sounded unmoved by what Lia had just gone through, "Weaklings do not deserve to be helped."

Erid's face twisted with fury, but she reigned herself in as she left the booth. Clarke assumed she was going to check on Lia. The burns Lia had sustained were not immediately life-threatening but they looked very likely to scar.

"This is your last chance to forfeit," Lexa's voice broke the silence in the arena, "If you stay, you will fall."

Lexa was staring at the generals and none of the ones involved moved. The combatants seemed just as resolved as their superiors and Rey, in particular, seemed overly eager.

His arm multiplied in size and raced towards Lexa, but Lexa was now free to move. She moved to the side of the fist before she tapped it. Similar to the battle at the Mountain, Rey's fist dropped to the floor as its mass was multiplied beyond what he could lift.

The effect seemed to have been passed along his whole body and even as his arm shrunk, the thin man was still laying on the ground in a large crater. Lexa fired a bolt of lightning at him and similar to Lia he began to scream and plead for mercy.

None was forthcoming, however. Quint remained silent as Rey begged for his help and once Lexa saw there was no help coming she increased the intensity of the bolt. Rey let out one last scream before his body collapsed.

Lexa's opponents had once again abandoned their comrade to his fate.

"Kila, stop being weak and fight!"

Livia's order spurred Kila into action and he was about to charge when his body froze. He was lifted off the ground, his limbs looking stiff and frozen. Blood was dripping from his nose in copious amounts.

Lexa had dropped her chain to the floor and was pointing her right hand at Kila. Amazingly, Kila managed to prepare an attack as out of thin air, multiple clones of himself charged at his captor.

Clarke was sure that there had to be well over two hundred of the clones.

At the same time, thick and sharp vines burst from the ground all aimed at Lexa. Clarke looked at the remaining opponents and saw the Trishana woman had her hands on the ground. The clones of Kila and vines reached Lexa at the same time.

It looked inescapable and Clarke froze as the wave flowed over Lexa. Clarke expected black blood to fly through the air as Lexa was cut into and yet that did not happen.

Lexa had drawn her sword blindingly fast and was simultaneously dodging the attacks and slicing into the clones and vines. Lexa's eyes were glowing a brilliant red as she gracefully weaved through each and every attack.

It was almost, no scratch that. Lexa seemed to know exactly how and when the attacks would come. It seemed like a variation of Clarke's Instinct but unlike Instinct, it was not automatic. Furthermore, it only seemed to work for what Lexa could see judging by the brilliant red glow to her eyes.

The last general, aside from Roan, joined the fray once the clones had all died down. He grew multiple limbs out his body and tried to use that to confuse Lexa, but it was futile.

Lexa's throat cut off his additional arms before she grabbed onto him and used him as a shield. The vines burst into various parts of his body seriously wounding him.

"Jon!" The despair in Remus' voice was palpable, "Sagan, Ema almost killed Jon. I see now that I chose wrong. Pray that he survives this or Trishanakru shall face Boudalan's wrath."

Remus, much like Erid, left as a few brave attendants managed to extract his body. The only three left were Kila, Ema and Roan who had not moved at all.

Kila was once again caught by Lexa's blood control and he screamed as blood flowed out his nose and mouth and eyes before he froze up. His body fell to the ground in a heap.

Two left. Clarke looked back towards Nia and the frown of displeasure on her face was clear as day. Livia, much like Quint, did not seem bothered that her subordinate had just died in a gruesome and torturous manner.

Ema had stopped her attack with the vines once Jon had been hurt. Lexa took out a knife and threw it at Ema who dodged with ease, her body contorting as if it were made of rubber.

Again and again, Lexa's knives missed their mark and Lexa seemed to be growing more and more agitated.

"Futile," Sagan's words were confident but his tone was lacking, "Ema can bend her body in any way imaginable. Mere throwing knives will not work."

As if she heard him over the raucous crowd, Lexa took the large throwing star off her back. She threw it at Ema who ducked underneath it with ease.

"You see—"

Sagan was cut off as Lexa raised her hand and before Ema could react the throwing star reversed course. It streaked through the air before slamming into Ema's half-turned body. The impact was strong enough to send Ema sailing before she collapsed on the ground, dead.

The crowd was wild as they revelled in the intelligent and gruesome finish. Lexa had managed to beat a group of fighters all on her own and the crowd seemed to now be fully behind her.

Roan drew out his sword and to his credit, it did not seem to be made out of metal. It was a gleaming white and Clarke would have recognised it from being a doctor, if it weren't for the fact that she had almost been killed by the very same thing a year ago.

"Bone," There was no doubt in Luna's voice, "Roan stayed behind on purpose. The others were not terribly strong, but they tired Lexa out. I knew there would be a plan, just not something like this. It is so...sly and insidious."

"Call it what you want," Nia said to Luna, "The new Commander will not take so kindly to nightbloods. That goes for all of them."

"Nia, if–"

Clarke placed her hand on Luna's knee to calm her. She could understand Luna's fury. The idea of Nia knowing about Madi unsettled Clarke and she was not sure this challenge would resolve anything when Lexa won. However, fighting now would not help at all either.

Clarke got the feeling that someone was staring at her. She turned to the arena and felt a mix of embarrassed and confused as Lexa zeroed in on Clarke's hand. Clarke let go of Luna rather quickly, but it was not quick enough as a deep frown settled on Lexa's face.

She drew out her sword and walked closer to Roan who met her halfway. They began to circle each other and it was painful to see the sweat running down Clarke's face and the way her body seemed hunched with exhaustion.

It had probably taken a lot of effort to kill all two hundred plus of Kila's clones and avoid the vines and that first hit at the beginning would have hurt Lexa too. Yet, it was only now that Lexa seemed to be rigid with her fury.

It reminded Clarke of how choppy and unrefined she had been the morning before Finn's death. Lexa had easily identified and remedied Clarke's form and yet in a sickening role reversal, Clarke could see the glaring faults in Lexa's stance.

"She is angry," Anya was careful to not be overheard, "Her form is terrible and I know Roan can see it."

Roan and Lexa had stopped circling each other before charging. Lexa was like a storm as she attacked with all power and no finesse. Her sword was a blur as it cut through the air, but she was missing wildly as Roan stayed just ahead of the slashes.

Roan blocked another overzealous attack from Lexa before he delivered a bruising kick to Lexa's side. Lexa stumbled to the side, but she recovered on time to dodge a slash from Roan.

The precedent for the fight had been set. Lexa seemed hellbent on attack and Roan was playing full defence. Roan was getting cut but not nearly enough to seriously hinder or affect him.

It meant that soon Lexa was flagging and soon Roan would be perfectly placed to strike. That was what happened next.

Roan parried a slow strike from Lexa before he rocked her face with a punch. Blood and sweat flew from Lexa's face as she let out a blood-curdling scream. Her opponent slowly stalked forward before pulling his foot back.

Clarke saw how Roan's foot was vibrating widely before it slammed into Lexa's torso sending her across the field. That was not good. The intense vibrations not only boosted Roan's strength but would also mess with a lot of Lexa's internal functions like balance, heartbeat and so on.

Roan's attack was strong enough to make Lexa drop her sword. Clarke, not caring for how she looked, stood up out of her seat. Lexa was laying on her side and she just seemed spent.

Roan towered over Lexa his sword high above his head. Time slowed to a crawl as Lexa stared right at Clarke her gaze resigned. Like hell.

"Lexa!" Clarke's shout drowned out the rest of the horrified crowd, "Get up!"

Clarke saw Lexa's eyes turn red before she dove out of the way of Roan's stab. Lexa took out her last dagger before thrusting it into Roan's hip. Roan let out a loud groan as he abandoned his bone sword.

Lexa ripped the sword out the ground and she attacked Roan with a newfound fury. She seemed to have tapped into unknown reserves as she delivered deep slashes to Roan. His clothes were stained red with his blood and were in tatters.

Finally, Lexa slammed the hilt of the sword into Roan's nose. The crack of Roan's nose was as loud as a bullet in a cave. Lexa swept Roan's feet out from under him before she put her foot on his chest.

"Stand up!" Nia sounded hysterical as she moved to the front of the booth, "She killed Vega! Your sister! Stand up and fight now!"

Lexa held her bone sword and she looked down at Roan before looking up at Roan. Clarke saw Lexa adjust her grip on the sword. Lexa's gaze was firmly pinned on Nia, but that changed as Roan stabbed Lexa in the calf with a bone dagger.

Lexa cursed as copious amounts of black blood leaked from her calf. She lifted the sword and, in a flash of white, the arm Roan used to stab her in the calf was cut off at the elbow.

Lexa threw the sword aside. Clarke could see the sweat building on Lexa's body as she walked with a dagger in her calf. Lexa seemed dizzy and off-balance, but her voice was confident as she held her hand up for silence.

"The challenge is over," Lexa had won but Clarke could not help but feel that she was forgetting something, "Skaikru will be inducted into the Coalition and the traitors within will be rooted out and killed!"

The crowd ate Lexa's speech up. They chanted her name over and over as Lexa stood tall in the centre of the arena. Roan was helped away by a few attendants. He had fainted after his arm was cut off.

A sound of annoyance from Ontari drew Clarke's attention. Clarke was reminded of her fight with the arrogant general and it was then that she realised what she had forgotten.

Ontari used poison on her swords.

Lexa doubled over on the ground and a deluge of black blood exploded out her mouth. The crowd's chanting morphed into screams of horror and before she was fully aware of it, Clarke had already leapt over the barricade.

A bright gleam drew her attention and high up on the rim of the arena, Clarke saw Maine kneeling with a futuristic and powerful-looking crossbow loaded with an arrow. The world was in slow motion as Clarke sped towards Lexa.

Maine fired the arrow and it moved so fast Clarke knew she would not be able to move Lexa without endangering the Commander's life. That only left one course of action.

Clarke spread her arms wide as she slowed to a stop on front of Lexa. The crowd barely had time to react before Maine's arrow slammed into Clarke's stomach. Clarke groaned as a white-hot pain erupted in her stomach.

She ripped the arrow out and raised her hands towards where Maine had been, but the assassin was now gone. Ignoring the disbelief in the crowd, Clarke picked Lexa up fighting past the attendants that tried to her.

Clarke used Insight on Lexa to survey the damage done to her. It didn't look good. Lexa was exhausted and her systems were out of whack– Clarke suspected Roan's vibration attacks had a lot to do with that.

However, the worst part of it all was due to the poison. It was something Clarke found vaguely familiar until she realised it was an organic copy of a synthetic poison that Clarke herself had been hit with.

It made no sense and yet Clarke was sure she was right.

Ontari had reverse-engineered the power removal serum used by the Mountain Men's Guardians.

Ontari had made a poison that could disable the power of the Coalition's warrior.

Ontari had used that poison on Lexa.

Clarke made it to a room that was quickly emptied as she set Lexa down on a bed. Clarke could, no, would save Lexa. Clarke's hands glowed green as she focused on healing Lexa, but a small part of her mind rebelled.

The challenge had been a ploy to try and kill Lexa whenever she was at her weakest. Roan had played his part despite being at Lexa's mercy. It was clear that the animosity for Lexa ran deep on her enemies' side.

This was far from over.


Author Notes:

Luna and Clarke kissed, Costia is crazy, Lexa and Clarke fell out and an assassination attempt. Yeah, not much happened here at all.

Nia did not get gored by a spear which is something that probably disappoints a lot of you lol.

Thanks for all the reviews and kudos, you guys have been giving me. It really makes me chuffed. Please tell me what you thought of this chapter and I'll see you soon.

Stay safe, people.