A/N: As always thanks to those who follow and added this story to their favorites. I know it had a slow start but I promise it will turn more AU and get a bit more intense. Write reviews, let me know what you love, hate, think or feel. Reviews matter lol. Also, I am in desperate need if a Beta, if you are one or know one, just send me a PM. Thanks, and enjoy!


ARKADIA

Raven was walking the hallways trying to relax so she could think clearly. Her leg has been bothering her more lately. She knew no one would notice her missing, feeling almost invincible these days. She loved computers, it was her expertise, but she didn't want to be tied to a desk. Computers were easy, they came naturally, although she loved them, there was that part of her that screamed for some adventure. Things like going on patrols, even taking part in helping to find Clarke. The dark haired brunette almost pinched herself. Blinking several times not believing what she was seeing. It was like Clarke jumped out of her thoughts and into reality. Did she just see her? This blonde resembled Clarke but there were differences. This Clarke was wearing black pants with a dagger strapped to her thigh, a black shirt, and a long black trench coat with a shoulder protector on one side with Grounder war paint around her eyes. That's exactly what the old SkyCrew Leader resembled, a Grounder. For a split second Raven had her fingers wrapped around a walkie talkie thinking that's who was there. She stood motionless as she watched this new version of Clarke hit Bellamy without hesitation and then they both disappeared into a room.

The dark haired brunette scanned the area to make sure no one was coming, hiding by the door trying to listen. Something told Raven to stay. Maybe it was Clarke's behavior or maybe it was instinct after the new leadership of Pike. He was making changes that Raven didn't particularly agree with. It made her miss Abbey, Kane and even Clarke. When Bellamy exited the room alone she knew whatever happened wasn't good. Bellamy wasn't the same since Clarke left. He was distant and under Pike's new leadership, he became cold. When he went past her, not even noticing her, she hit him in the back of the head with the walkie talkie. He spun around to face his attacker; she whacked him again, watching as he went down like a ton of bricks. She moved as fast as her leg would allow into the room. Her eyes met those bright blue ones for the first time in 3 months. Raven didn't have time to reminisce, she freed Clarke.

The Wanheda was guarded at first, especially after what just happened with the man she was closest to. When Raven started to free the blonde, those brown eyes locked onto hers, Clarke relaxed no longer on edge. She was crouching behind Raven as the computer genius creaked open the door to peek out. "Raven, what's going on?" Her eyebrows knitted together. Clarke felt like she was redropped onto another version of Earth. Who was this Bellamy? The Bellamy she knew, always knew, would never lock her up. He would listen, and together they would come up with a plan. This man attacked, or at least knew about the attack, on an innocent village. To top it off he defended the actions. The blonde felt sick to her stomach automatically clenching it.

Raven heard Clarke but didn't reply instead she opened the door wide grabbing Clarke's wrist. "Let's get out of here and I will tell you everything." She didn't face Clarke instead kept focused on the area ahead. Raven knew Clarke had to have a thousand questions; there was no time for a heart to heart. The tiny tech knew Pike changed things for the worse and without hearing from his second in command would cause him to send a team out.

The blonde said nothing as they stepped over Bellamy, who was lying face down on the floor. She couldn't help but think, good, at his current situation. Immediately feeling guilty for thinking it. They turned the corner; before Raven could do anything Clarke had someone against the wall her dagger at the person's throat.

"HOLY SHIT!" Terror in Monty's eyes as he stared at what he thought was the ghost of Clarke because this wasn't his old friend.

The dark haired brunette grabbed Clarke's arm facing her with wide eyes, "Easy there Commander Junior."

Clarke gave Monty an apologetic look. It was who she was becoming. Her defenses were up. Not just because of the training she started with Lexa. She was also on her own for 3 months. Being attacked was part of her new normal.

Monty knew that things in Arkadia were dire. He lowered his voice, "What is going on?" His voice a little shaky as he was recovering from the shock.

Raven was already slithering down the hallway clinging to the wall. "We are getting out of here." Seeing Clarke there, like a Grounder was the escape she needed. Not missing the opportunity to leave their new version of hell.

Octavia, Indra and Lincoln gathered together outside Arkadia in the woods nearby. "Something isn't right she is gone too long." Octavia had a horrible feeling that they were going to need to come up with a rescue mission. She couldn't peel her eyes off of the snipers. Wishing they didn't agree to Clarke's plan of a solo mission. The new grounder started to pace, shaking her head, "That's it I am going in." She grabbed the sword that was strapped to her back, bringing it in front of her as she started towards the gates.

Clarke, Monty and Raven finally were outside. Raven stopped for a second to get her breathe and adjust the contraption on her leg as the pain shot through. The Wanheda saw Octavia and signaled to her stopping the new Grounder in her tracks. When Raven gave the go ahead, they made their way to the woods. Indra glanced at the two newcomers not liking it right away. "Chit's the meaning gon disha," she faced Clarke directly as she asked. The warrior was never a fan of SkyCrew, what just happened on the village, made that worse.

The blonde knew that Indra wouldn't welcome them with open arms. Clarke also knew Indra has a reasonable side, even if she didn't show it often. "They saved me." She wasn't going to get into a long conversation yet. The Wanheda was starting to know the Grounders. She waited for Indra's reply.

Instead it was Octavia, arching an eyebrow, "Saved you? From who, my brother?" No matter what she saw going on outside Arkadia there was no way she would believe her brother had anything to do with what was happening.

Clarke kept her eyes on Indra's for a second longer before turning to Octavia. There was no easy way to tell her this. Like ripping off a Band-Aid, the Wanheda put her hand on Octavia's shoulder, "Bellamy knew about the attack. As soon as he knew I wanted to alert Lexa, he tried to hold me captive." She glanced over her shoulder acknowledging the tech, "Raven saved me."

By the time Clarke finished talking Lincoln was already behind Octavia. He grabbed her upper arm tight feeling her fingers go over his. He knew what this news would do to her. "No, he wouldn't, you're wrong."

Raven answered, "He isn't the same person you remember Octavia. He has become Pike's pet. Pike is the new chancellor. He thinks uniting us as the 13th clan was a manipulative move made by Lexa. He wants to attack and kill the Grounders before they kill us." She gazed at Indra finishing, "He believes the Grounders are the biggest threat, one that we must not take lightly."

Octavia was upset, angry, hurt and felt betrayed. She eyed Arkadia one last time, shaking her head as she let out a small sigh and followed her people back to her new home. The new Grounder couldn't believe her brother would behave this way towards all Grounders when some have always proven to be on their side, like Lincoln. Bellamy knew that Lincoln has saved her life. She was trailing a bit behind Lincoln, he kept turning his head to check on her, it warmed her heart how he loves her so completely. That is how she felt when she was with him, whole.

Soon as they were in the clearing from Arkadia, Indra stopped walking. She eyed Monty and Raven as if she were a mother cheetah protecting her cubs from a lioness. "SkyCrew should pay." She stepped closer to Raven, "You both should pay for what was done to our clans."

Clarke put herself between Raven and Indra, "Let's let Lexa decide." The blonde knew the warrior wouldn't argue. The Heda would always have the final say. It worked; Indra tore her eyes away with disgust, making no further comments.

The group remained quiet for a few hours. Only light chit chat started the next morning. Monty filled them in on Jasper's current downward spiral and Bellamy's turn to Pike's side of things. How Bellamy blames Lexa for Clarke not being able to live with herself, and taking off how she did. How he blames Lexa for the friends they lost, even Jasper's state after losing Maya. Clarke listened not commenting, knowing better than to do so in front of Indra. She felt her constant gaze every time Lexa was mentioned. To an extent the Wanheda could understand why Bellamy felt the way he does. After all she matched those feelings not so long ago. Recently something changed in Clarke. She didn't forgive Lexa, not fully, not yet. But she understood. She understood what she did and why. It didn't dissipate the pain of it. Clarke knew she was still having an inner battle. Her own affection towards the Heda made it different. Bellamy had no love for the Grounder Leader. The blonde let that swirl around her mind, love? Did she love Lexa? The thought popped in so easily like a missing piece of a puzzle. How could she love a person she couldn't trust, didn't the two have to go hand in hand?

Raven added in her own details of what's been happening. Telling them how Jaha disagreed with Pike and was made a prisoner. How some of the people who stood up to Pike were all in a cell together. She let them know what was going on with her leg and how useless she felt. Lincoln and Indra never said much. For that matter, neither did Clarke.

2 WEEKS LATER – FROM THE DAY THEY LEFT FOR ARKADIA

Abbey just left the throne room. The Guards once again took their positions, protecting the entrance to their Leader. She was walking down the crumpled hall, letting the breeze around her empty her jumbled mind. Bumping into Kane not even noticing he was there. It pained the doctor to see him, knowing she was keeping secrets from him. Her affections for him were growing; he was her partner in many things, for now, he had to be kept in the dark. She gazed up at him before gazing down the hall. She brushed a few pieces of hair out of her face. Fidgeting since she didn't know what else to do. Abbey gently smiled. It was forced, not because of Kane, but the situation. "I was just seeing if Lexa heard anything about Clarke. It's been 2 weeks since they left." It was her deflection, Clarke. Which wasn't a lie, she was worried about her daughter. She expected them back faster. Abbey knew Polis was about a week away but that particular crew could make it in 5 days, which meant they were 4 days late. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Kane kept a straight face. He knew Abbey for a long time; lately he has gotten to know her even better. She was keeping secrets. What he didn't know was why or for what. He wouldn't pressure her knowing when she was ready, he would be there. Kane played along, "She will be fine. After all she has Octavia looking out for her." He made an attempt at a feeble joke knowing the other Grounders would be the stronger protection. It worked as the corners of Abbey's mouth slid upwards, it wasn't forced, for the first time in a long time it was genuine.

They walked side by side down to the medical facility. Kane leaned against the exam table while Abbey sat at her desk. He would be her distraction if that's what she needed. He prided himself in the patience he learned to have while being on the ground. "Sometimes I think," Abbey paused as she looked off, "I think maybe it was easier in the Ark." It hurt her to feel that way. The ridiculous rules. Having to float their own people. Here though, here had its own kind of problems. Like the current one she was facing.

Kane made his way over to her, squatting down as he took her hands in his. Noticing how well they fit together. "No Abbey, it never was." Despite the issues they have faced since they sent the 100 young adults to their death, he knew life here was better. They didn't have to kill their own people, or any people, here they could start a diplomatic solution. Like the ones he read about in history. Unlike history he learned from their mistakes. He had faith in Lexa, Kane saw the potential in the small leader. He didn't need to ask where this was coming from, it was obvious, "Clarke will be fine. She always is. Before we got here she fought Grounders on her own." The corner of his mouth twitched up, "Even if we are the 13th clan now." The grin stayed in place.

She let her forehead lightly touch his. Her shoulders shifted as Abbey relaxed. It felt like the weight of the world just lifted. Even if it was just for this moment in time, it was where she needed to be, wanted to be. It was here, with Kane, being able to smile and laugh. No worries, no pressure, and no war.

THRONE ROOM

The oddly formed squad marched through Polis. Clarke could feel her heart rate rise at returning to the city. It meant soon she would see her. Indra and Lincoln were in the front, Clarke and Octavia trailing behind them and in the rear were Raven with Monty. Thinking of gazing into those sea green eyes made Clarke's heart flutter. She tried to control her breathing the way she did while training. In through the nose out through the mouth. The blonde was surprised at her reaction to seeing the Grounder Leader. There were so many emotions when it came to the brunette. Raw, powerful, fierce, passionate feelings. They came in waves or all at once. There was no in between. The tension was still there, but so was every other emotion.

Titus was to the left of Lexa. Standing at attention like usual. Straight, arms folded behind his back, eyes never wavering but instead focused. There were three Guards on each side of the pathway that led to her.

Lexa was in her usual place, sitting in her throne, her one leg crossed over the other dangling free, the right one firmly on the floor. Leaning slightly to the left, hand on the dagger as it twirled into the handle of the throne, her face utterly void of anything. Clarke had this memorized like a portrait in her mind.

The Heda glanced over her favorite warrior, her eyes moving towards Lincoln, repeating the same on everyone. Holding her stare on Clarke a bit longer. She wasn't counting on new SkyCrew people being in Polis, definitely not after the information that was given to her before she let Clarke go to speak to Bellamy. Although silently happy he wasn't one of the ones who returned with them. "Speak," she addressed Indra.

The warrior took a step in front of the rest, "SkyCrew was behind the attacks on the village under the Leadership of Pike." Indra locked eyes with her Commander, "He sees us as a threat and wants to take you down. He doesn't want to be a part of the 13th clan. Bellamy held Clarke captive." Her words dripped with venom. Indra only liked one SkyCrew member, so far.

"Not everyone knew about the attack until it was too late." Raven stepped forward only to be met by a spear against her throat. She froze afraid to move a muscle with the cool blade pushing into her skin.

Clarke didn't try to move the spear. Instead she had alertness in her eyes as she met Lexa's. "Lexa, please," her voice begging the Commander to hear her out.

That voice, with that fear, in those watery blue eyes made Lexa's heart skip a few beats. Only the Wanheda could do this. Lexa loved and feared it. Feared who she might become if she allowed such a weakness in. She nodded at Nero, one of her most trusted Guards, since Gustus. She waved her hand at him. He lowered his weapon and took his stance once again. She nodded at Raven to continue this time avoiding those hypnotizing blue eyes.

Raven wanted to rub her throat. She refused to. Instead she approached, slower this time. Standing next to Indra she continued, "Not all of us knew Pike's plan. When he came back, news spread of what was done. Those who defended the Grounders ended up in cells. The rest stayed quiet." Lexa's expression didn't change. It was so cold it gave the tech the chills.

"She saved me," Clarke repeated her words from earlier.

She pushed herself from her seat as she stood in front of Octavia, "Take them to Abbey, they are to remain there till I decide what I want to do." The Commander had to stand firm, if she stated her decision now it would be taken as a weakness, especially after Clarke's admission.

A male warrior next to her was outraged. "Commander, jus drein jus dain, it is demanded for our people."

Blood sprayed across Indra, Raven and Clarke's face. They saw the warriors head roll on the floor in front of them. Lexa had splatters across her face, the crimson red dripping from her sword as it stayed horizontally in front of them. "DOES ANYONE ELSE WANT TO QUESTION MY LEADERSHIP?" The Heda was fed up with anyone thinking she wavered as a Leader. Anyone who thought she was weak. From now on if they so much as looked like the questioned it, this would be their fate. The room fell so utterly quiet you could almost hear everyone breathing. "Good, then do as I said, unless anyone else has something they want to add," Lexa's voice daring someone. The warrior in her was in full attack mood. No one dared to speak. Octavia left taking Monty and Raven with her. Lexa was walking back towards her seat as she dismissed the rest of them not even facing Clarke again.

LEXA'S CHAMBERS

It was only a couple of hours since the decapitation in the throne room, but Clarke needed to talk to Lexa privately. She left her own room heading towards the Commander's. Practicing what she would say to the brunette. When Clarke got there, Nero and Silas stood on either side of the door. Clarke approached with caution, "I need to speak to the Commander."

Nero gave her the once over before he knocked on the Heda's door. Once she answered he only partially opened it as he told her who her visitor was. Clarke couldn't really hear what they were saying. The door was pushed open, Nero gestured for Silas to follow him, the two departed down the corridor. Clarke took a deep breath before entering Lexa's private chambers.

"Close the door Clarke," Lexa came out of the room just off her bedroom. Her hair was wet, clinging to her face, a loose tank top, and her traditional black pants. Her face was clear of the normal war paint.

Clarke almost forgot why she was there. Lexa looked stunning leaving the blonde breathless. She glanced down as she collected her thoughts. "Raven and Monty are innocent Lexa. They didn't know about the attack. They helped save me," she pleaded.

The Commander just listened. Clarke got closer, "Please, don't make them a prisoner."

"Your people attacked and killed my people. We are supposed to be united Clarke. What would you have me do, nothing?" Her voice was even, free of any sentiments.

"I would have you not punish innocent people." The Wanheda felt like déjà vu from when Roan first brought her there.

Lexa contemplated it. "What about Bellamy, what was his part in this?" This was the bigger issue for the Heda. If the man who Clarke held so dearly was responsible would she allow him to be punished?

It was a sore spot. The blonde has been through so much with Bellamy. The semi-led together, they faced attacks and wars side by side, they went through Mt. Weather. "I would ask you not to kill him, even if you had to make him a prisoner, give me time to talk to him Lexa. I know him."

"Would the man you know make you a prisoner," Lexa cut her off. This is where Clarke faltered as a true Leader letting emotions blind her to truths.

Clarke blinked her clouded blue eyes as she fought the sadness filling them. "No, but this man is broken like I was. He was there at Mt. Weather when you left." The painful memory tore her apart on the inside.

It pained Lexa to have this brought up again. She stepped closer to Clarke; cupping the blonde's face in her hands. "I knew you would survive. I knew I would see you again. I am so sorry that it broke you Clarke…" Her voice cut short as Clarke's lips crashed onto hers. Lexa deepened it, their tongues dancing around each other's. This kiss was filled with desire, longing and an undeniable burning passion. The Heda took control, pulling the blonde tight against her. Feeling the way her body fit against Lexa's. The Commander spun Clarke around, ripping the jacket off her shoulders as it crumpled to the floor. Their lips never broke apart. Clarke's back hit the wall as the brunette started licking and nibbling her way down the blonde's neck.

Clarke let out a soft moan. Every touch was electrifying. Her body heating up in ways she never thought possible responding to Lexa's touch. The blonde was tired of talking she needed to feel Lexa. The need was almost torture. She felt the brunette's fingertips on the skin of her stomach inching their way up.

There was a loud knock on the Heda's door, "Commander you are needed." Nero's voice boomed behind the closed door.