A/N: As always continued thanks to those you follow or favored this story. Special thanks to those who take the time to review. I love hearing everyone's thoughts, good or bad so please review! Just a reminder this is my version of Season 3 so it will not follow the show accurately. Hopefully you enjoy it. Let me know, please review.
3 MONTHS AGO (2 DAYS AFTER MT. WEATHER)
Lexa was marching towards her tent. Stopping a few feet away, turning and glancing at the tent to her left. Lost in thought for a minute before she started towards it. The three guards outside didn't move a muscle when their Commander waltzed past them. Lexa could hear Indra practically hissing out words to the person she was blocking. "Pleni," the Heda shouted out.
Indra froze in place. She turned slowly to face her leader. Indra hung her head low not wanting to step on Lexa's toes. It wasn't her place to enforce rules but sometimes she felt the necessity to do so. After all her loyalty to the Commander ran deep. "His betrayal must be punished." She kept her voice low and even. Never raising a tone to her Commander even when she didn't agree.
The Grounder Leader glimpsed over at Lincoln. He was bound to a chair. The ties were cutting into his wrist; she could see the fresh blood staining the ropes. His ankles tied tight to the legs of the seat he was prisoner to. Lincoln kept his eyes on the Heda. His mouth was not gagged yet he didn't speak. Keeping her gaze locked on his, Lexa addressed Indra, "Bants osir." When Indra began to plead the Commander spun to face her, "NAU!" Her face cold with her firm reply. This time the warrior didn't try to retort. She gave a small bow before exiting the tent. Slowly Lexa returned her view to Lincoln. Walking slowly around him. "You disobeyed direct orders."
She stopped in front of him. Her eyes reflected nothing, no feeling or emotion, almost mirror like. Her expression hardened. This was the Commander Lincoln was used to. He didn't dare reply. He knew better. Waiting for her to continue knowing she was studying his every movement. Which is why he never let his eyes fall off of hers for a second. "Treason is punishable by death," her voice void of any sentiment. "You are one on of my best warriors. I need to know I can trust you Lincoln. I need to know that if it ever comes down to it again, you will put your people first. Love is a weakness!" She emphasized that last part. Partially wondering to herself if she did it for her own reminder, or his.
"Ai serve yu," his response was automatic. He loved his Heda. He also loved Octavia. He didn't have to see Octavia to know leaving them at Mt. Weather was going to hurt her. Bellamy was inside the building. He saw the look in Clarke's eyes. The tears filling them threatening to spill over. The blonde fighting to keep them at bay. All from Lexa's choice. The choice to save the Grounders over the SkyPeople. It was when Lincoln realized the old SkyCrew Leader had to love his leader. It was only love that can cause that kind of pain. He pictured that pain in Octavia.
The Commander's eyebrows crinkled together as she contemplated his allegiance. On one hand he has proven to be an exceptional fighter. Has protected the Grounders countless times, fought beside her, and was reliable. On the flip side of that he was clearly in love with Octavia. His actions two days ago were not the actions of the man she once knew. Lexa knew there was some decisions she made that were different because of Clarke, more lenient. How could she punish Lincoln when she was not so dissimilar? It was part of the many reasons why she made the deal with Emerson. "You will prove your loyalty. When Octavia comes to Polis you may not see her. I will have her informed of how you're doing, and you of her. You will not see each other until I say so." She brought her face so close to his that she could feel the exhales through his nose. "If you dare try to see her before, you will watch her die." Her decision was final. There was no third chance. The Heda wasn't known to be merciful and she was not going to start.
Lincoln heard his verdict loud and clear. This woman terrified him. He has seen her fight and he has admired her as a leader. The one person he knew never to cross was Lexa. He never saw himself doing anything like this against his clan. That changed when he met Octavia. "What makes you think Octavia will come to Polis, Commander?" He was shaken from his thoughts when he saw Lexa almost leave the room. His voice was raspy from the dryness that was burning his throat.
She didn't turn to face him, "She has chosen to be a Grounder over SkyCrew long ago." The brunette departed through the curtains after she answered.
He was thankful she left. He wouldn't have to fight the smile that forced its way through. If Octavia was a Grounder he would never have to worry about choosing her over his people, she was his people.
PRESENT DAY - POLIS
Clarke turned her attention to Lexa immediately. Watching as the Commander's head snapped back from shock. Her whole body went rigid with the tension that Clarke knew was burning throughout her. The Wanheda stood motionless. Her brain was barely processing what was just said. It wasn't her place to say it but she couldn't stop. "How do you know?" Clarke's voice was hoarse as she spoke, still trying to wrap her mind around this new information.
Indra stared at Lexa, waiting for her nod of approval to answer. Never getting the chance as the former SkyCrew member replied to her old leader. "There was bullet holes in them Clarke." Octavia was ashamed of what the people she used to consider family did. The choice to leave after Mt. Weather and seek out Lexa was not an easy judgement call. After all the Grounder Leader just left her friends and brother to die. It was her love for Lincoln that won in the end. She was glad it was who she chose to align with. These actions confirmed it.
"It can't be," the blonde was having a hard time getting words out. The shock and horror evident in her voice. Confusion was etched all over her face. She knew she hasn't been there in 3 months but these are not the actions of the people she left. Clarke couldn't help but to wonder who the people were that she left behind so many months ago. Who did they become? Was it because of her actions?
The fury inside Lexa didn't dim in the slightest. It was actually growing throughout her entire body, blood rushing through her veins making her turn a slight shade of red. The Commander just made these people, her people, her 13th clan. To protect SkyCrew. To make up the wrongs she did to Clarke at Mt. Weather. She felt her heart skip a beat at that last revelation. It was a brand new to her. Lexa knew she wanted to add yet a 13th clan, to be even stronger, and to fight the war against Ice Nation together. She also knew Clarke or Aden would be the best replacement as Heda. She pushed it out of her mind. Her voice deepened as the wrath took control. "Treason is punishable by death! Jus drein jus daun!" She glared over at Clarke letting her know with just a glare that it wasn't negotiable.
Panic was setting in for the Wanheda. She couldn't let anymore of her people die. The blonde was positive that some of her friends she left behind wouldn't be responsible. Monty, Raven, Bellamy or Jasper. It was painful to think of Jasper. The betrayal he felt towards Clarke matched how she felt towards Lexa till recently. Even now it still wasn't fully repaired. Part of her wondered if it could be. There was always the feeling of doubt that lingered. She grabbed the Commander's shoulder, "Let me go talk to Bellamy." Her voice was soft and filled with sadness. Clarke hoped Lexa would allow this. After the Mt. Weather fiasco, it was the least she could do.
Lexa was fixed on Indra. The malice in each word she spoke. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Lexa stared down at the hand, trailing up Clarke's arm till their eyes met. Gazing at the pleading look in those dimmed blue eyes, the normal brightness drained from them. It pulled at the Heda's heart. The one she guarded so strongly. Only this blonde could break down those internal walls. Both watching the other, neither blinking, Lexa couldn't imagine shattering Clarke again. "You have one chance Clarke." The Grounder Leader broke the gaze immediately. Directing her attention to Indra, "You both will accompany Clarke. Make sure she gets out safe." She turned her head to the side to talk to Clarke but didn't look at her this time, "I do not trust SkyCrew or your safety in Arkadia." The brunette moved down to stand by Indra. In front of her but more to the side, "I will add one more grounder. You will leave shortly."
Lexa left the room with Titus closely behind her. "Heda, we need to retaliate," he tried to sound like it was advice. He was her advisor. He couldn't mask the fear. Protecting SkyCrew after such an act of war would destroy the Commander's image further. He could not take any more treason against his favorite Leader. He knew this was because of the blonde even if the brunette didn't.
She moved with such speed that Titus didn't see it happen till his back slammed into the stone behind him. Dust puffed around him as the blade was against his throat. "DO NOT TELL ME HOW TO LEAD MY PEOPLE!" Lexa's eyes glowing with infuriation she felt. She was tired of everything. Of the betrayal, of the constant questioning of her authority and what ate at her the most was anyone portraying her as weak. She knew better than to take it out on Titus. She dropped the blade, stepping away. "There will be repercussions." She headed down the dimly lit hallway.
The Commander left the main tower. She headed through Polis with determination, nodding at the people that would salute their Heda never breaking her stride. Making her way down to where her warriors were sharpening their skills.
The teacher noticed his pupils were barely paying attention. He peered over his shoulder and spotted his Heda. Lincoln turned to face her, bowing his head down. It has been weeks since he last saw her. He was committed to being back in her good graces. He waited.
The past 3 months Lincoln was earning his way back to the position he once held. Lexa had multiple people keeping track of his every move 24/7. She knew when he slept, ate, trained, went to the bathroom. One thing he never did was try to sneak and see Octavia. Not even a slight glance. It was time, "I have a mission for you."
Twenty minutes later Lexa showed up at the gates that permitted entry to Polis. Indra, Octavia and Clarke were waiting there. Clarke was pacing and fidgeting with her hands. Octavia noticed Lincoln as they approached. She wanted to run and jump into his arms. Her last few months with the Grounders kept her at bay. Indra eyed him up and down. Lexa may have forgiven him but she didn't, not yet anyway. Lexa pulled her loyal warrior to the side. Octavia took the opportunity, "I missed you." She let the smile fade as fast as it formed. Lincoln winked instead of replying.
ARKADIA (1 WEEK LATER)
The week it took them to get there went fast. Clarke, Octavia and Lincoln spent most of the time chit chatting while Indra made mental notes. Lexa asked her to observe their behavior, paying special attention to the male grounder. Octavia and Lincoln spent some time walking alone together, hand in hand. The blonde trailed slightly behind watching the two. She was happy for them both. They were both her friends, both blatantly in love with the other. There was a tinge of jealousy she couldn't shake. It made her think of Finn, if she would ever fall in love like that again. Instantly she pictured Lexa. She didn't have time to dwell further as she bumped into Octavia realizing they stopped walking.
Clarke scanned over her old home. It was amazing to her how something could feel so familiar yet so strange. She hasn't walked these grounds in months. Approaching the place now seemed alien. They didn't come right at Arkadia. Instead they were sneaking around the side. Indra scanned the perimeter as they were getting closer. The warrior noticed the snipers in the towers that were built. This was not the place that Clarke remembered. Even Octavia appeared confused. These people were not the people from the Sky. The people before her were soldiers waiting for a war at the ready.
POLIS (AROUND THE SAME TIME)
Abbey was in Lexa's chambers. Clarke has been gone for a week and a half; the ex-Chancellor anxiously awaited her daughter's return. Not just because she missed her, which would always be the case when they were apart. She wanted answers on why the group she left would attack a non-violent village. Kane was driving himself crazy over the unprovoked slaughter. Abbey wanted answers for him as well. To top it off she never stopped working on the task the Heda gave her. Without Clarke there she had to report solely to Lexa. Missing the calming affect her daughter could have on the powerful leader.
The doctor was scrolling through her notes. Focusing on the paper on her lap while updating the Grounder Leader, "Becca somehow managed to mutate her DNA." Stopping after the word mutate left her lips, mutate, mutant, like some of the Grounders. She didn't want to even glance up to see how Lexa was responding to the poor word choice. She tightened her hand to a fist, bringing it slowly to her mouth as she cleared her throat. "Becca managed to alter her DNA from red blood to black. Some of her children inherited this new gene, and it got past down to their kids. I am working on the details of how she changed that strain. When I introduce your blood to Clarke's its catastrophic. Clarke would not survive." As she finished she met Lexa's stare.
Lexa purposely held this meeting outside of the throne room. She listened to everything Abbey was telling her. Absorbing all the information that was explained not letting any emotion show. Sitting like a perfect Greek statue chiseled from stone. Cool, calm, collected, and strong, it defined her. "Then it would appear you still have work to do." Lexa would not give up on her plan. If Becca was able to find a way many years ago than they would be able to do the same, and the Commander knew she picked the best pair for the task.
ARKADIA
Clarke entered the home of SkyCrew by herself. Lincoln, Octavia and Indra stayed outside keeping watch making sure their escape would be swift and unseen. She clung to the walls as she snaked down the hallways. She has spent the past 15 minutes looking for Bellamy. Clarke kept hiding from many of her old friends that patrolled the halls like Guards. It reminded her of when they were in the sky. How there were so many strict rules with dire consequences. She rounded the corner bumping into someone. Without bothering to check who it was she pulled her fist back slamming it into the person's abdomen.
"Ow, Clarke what the hell," Bellamy was stunned to see the blonde. Before he was able to say anything he felt the punch to his gut. His arm instinctively covering it as he bent forward slightly.
She was motionless for a split second. Scanning the area around them, this is who she was now, a grounder. The Wanheda threw her arm around Bellamy's back as they entered the closest room. Clarke shut the door as quietly as she could before going over to him. He was rubbing his stomach caught off guard at her newfound strength. He looked her up and down. Bellamy hasn't seen her since her return to Polis. He heard about it but never went back to the Grounder city. Here she was, the woman he searched endlessly for, not even remotely surprised that Lexa found her first. This woman in front of him reassembled Clarke but it wasn't the girl he remembered. She had Grounder gear on, complete with warrior face paint. "Who are you," his expression quizzical as he continued to look her over.
The Wanheda watched the way Bellamy was taking her in. Almost cautious like she was predatory, it made her laugh on the inside. Had he only seen her when she was feral. Between what she has been through and who she was becoming wasn't the same person. She put it to the side because the messy haired man in front of her brought back memories. The blonde ran to him pulling him tight to her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She let the tears slide down her cheek. She would not let herself be void of emotions; she would never become a grounder in that sense. "I missed you," she whispered out.
Despite whatever was going on this was Clarke. His Clarke. He let his arms tighten around her. Holding her there for a minute before grabbing her shoulders and pushing her back, "Where have you been?" Bellamy wanted to know why she didn't bother to see her old friends.
"Training," she moved towards the door hearing movement outside of it. She listened, holding her breathe to listen every sound. She moved passed Bellamy leaning on the desk, giving him her attention once again. "What happened, someone attacked a Grounder Village, Lexa thinks it was us." She was referring to us as in SkyPeople, but wondered if she was part of that anymore.
Bellamy straightened up. "It was us Clarke." He saw the look of disbelief. He moved close to her standing toe to toe. "They attacked us when we first fell from the sky. We weren't a threat we were just happy to be alive. They tried to kill us over and over again. They killed Finn." He placed his hand under her chin to lift her face to look at his. He saw it bend down at the mention of her ex-lover. His tone immediately softened, "They deserted us at Mt. Weather. She left us to die. You to die!" He let those words sink in.
Clarke pulled her face out of his hands. She shifted uncomfortably. There was truth to his words but not the full story. The Grounders did attack they thought the SkyPeople were a threat, and it would appear to be true. They did kill Finn but he killed their people. Mt. Weather though, that was her sore spot. "We had to unite. Ice Nation is going to attack. We have the protection of the 12 clans." Her voice was automatic, like a robotic reply. It pained her to think of Lexa leaving her.
"She made us monsters Clarke. You couldn't even come home." He stood in her space. "She needs our help, our weapons. When she's done what happens then? Are we still important enough to be her 13th clan?" It wasn't up for a debate his mind was already set. "Pike was able to see what none of us wanted to. He also had the balls to make a move."
"Listen to yourself. The world is black and white now?" This wasn't the man who she fought besides for so long. Practically led the SkyPeople together when no one else was on the Ground. She was wondering what happened. Who did he become? Clarke blamed herself; maybe her leaving did this to him, made him cold. "I have to let Lexa know Pike is behind this. I have to warn her." She heard the click and looked down to see the handcuff around her wrist binding her to the desk. The blonde stared at Bellamy in disbelief.
He expected to hear her defend the Heda. He predicted it. He had a shimmer of hope that after Lexa's betrayal Clarke would see her differently. It was clear to him now that the Wanheda's feelings towards the Grounder Leader blinded her. He didn't want to make Clarke a prisoner but he'd rather her be their prison then Lexa's. "I have to tell Pike." He left the room swiftly not wanting to hear her pleas. It would soften him.
Clarke begged him to not do this. Giving up when he left. She squatted down trying to unlock the contraption keeping her there. She had nothing to pick it. She tried pulling at it. Almost giving in to defeat as she heard the door open, meeting Raven's dumbfounded look as she eyed the handcuffs. She pulled a pin from the contraption on her leg easily opening the lock. She grabbed Clarke's arm as she moved to the door, "We need to move fast."
