An Injured Lion Still wants to Roar Chapter 2

Pairing: Clexa

Rating: Children Shouldn't Read Alone (T)

Notes: Another chapter for you all! This time from Clarke's perspective. While I did promise someone on Ao3 I'd make a comparison image to post on my tumblr so y'all know the size difference between regular people and Clarke in lion form, I am tired as butts so im going to be leaving that till later.

Clarke watched the soon to be battlefield intently, tail lashing behind her. The ground was wet and muddy but she ignored it, letting the moisture sink into her fur as her eyes flickered to any movement upon the field. On either end of the clearing, she could see flashes of bodies moving in formation. A glint of steel here or a glimpse of white paint there. The wind smelled of sweat and oiled leather, the scent of tension thick in the air.

She'd seen this battle coming. She'd watched the battles that had come before, each ending in losses for both sides. She'd watched warriors fall as others got back up. She'd smelt the blood sinking into the ground, metallic and thick.

Shaking her head with a low snort, her attention zeroed in on the sudden silence. Earlier she'd heard the warriors as they moved, trying to outflank their opponents so they'd have the advantage. Now, there was stillness. The silence before a thunder crack.

Curling her tail closer to her body, she remained unmoving as the battle began. At first in the trees, battle cries and the first throes of death ringing out, then slowly moving into the open. Warriors paired off, a Trikru to meet each Azgeda, a blade to meet each blade.

The conflict had began just after she'd left Camp Jaha, shedding her human skin to walk within her animal form. She'd known the tensions between the Azgeda and Trikru were great, their relationship strained by the dissension between their leaders, but with the Coalition she hadn't expected a full out war.

At first, she'd ignored it, reveling in the freedom and power her animal form gave her and using it to help where she could, but as time had gone on, the conflict became too great (and too fascinating) to dismiss. She'd found herself watching the battles, eyes zeroing in on the form of the Commander at every battle, as they did now.

Lexa looked exhausted.

The first time she'd seen her in battle, the brunette had looked tired, still healing from her run in with the Pauna, but now, she looked ready to drop. While she lunged forward, sword drawn and a snarl on her face, her skin was pale and already slick with sweat. She still favoured her leg, the limb having been used far more than it should have been after such an injury. Her swings quickly became sloppy as her arms grew tired. Clarke could feel a growl rumble in her chest as Lexa stumbled away from her last opponent, sword bloody and dripping. She wouldn't last much longer at this rate.

The lion could feel her muscles bunching as she stood, emotion pulling her body taut as though it were a bowstring. Her human anger for the events at the Mountain dimmed in the face of her beasts possessiveness. The instinct to protect, stronger than her will and hurt, sent her paws forward without consent. She moved even quicker, body leaping over fallen trees and rocks with ease, at the sight of Lexa on the ground, an arrow in her shoulder and an Azgeda warrior smirking cruelly down at her. A deafening roar erupted from her lungs as the man kicked the fallen brunette, the battle freezing as she burst from the underbrush. The man barely had a moment to react before her paw made contact with his head, crushing bone, and tearing skin and muscle with ease.

Ignoring the fact that she had literally just ripped a man's head off, she turned to Lexa. The brunette was curled on her side, an arm gripping her beaten ribs as she weakly tried to lift her head. Mud coated almost every inch, matting her hair and streaked across her face. She looked so fragile, so human, lying shivering in the mud. A huff escaped the feline as the feeling of instinctual protectiveness was joined by human concern, the noise making the brunette tense.

Leaning down, she nosed at Lexa's shoulder, turning the older girl onto her back. Wide green eyes stared up at her, something akin to panic in their depths. The scent of fear and pain was overwhelming, almost drowning out the smell of blood, sweat and filth. Gently, with as little force as her powerful body would allow, she laid her paw on Lexa's chest, breaking the arrows shaft. She'd hoped the movement would get the message of 'stay down' across rather nicely, but she jerked back as a cough sent dark blood spraying. Lexa was hurt worse than she'd initially thought.

Eyes flashing, she looked around the field, gaze catching each warrior in a piercing glare. There were many still standing, meaning the battle wouldn't end for quite some time. Making a snap decision, a growl rumbled in her chest. Lexa needed medical attention now, and if she was the only one available to give it, so be it.

Returning her attention to the injured girl below her, she let out a huff at the sight of the brunette scrambling through the mud, reaching frantically for the blade that lay half buried in thick sludge. Stepping forward, she pinned her again, placing her paw gently on thin shoulders. Lifting her head high, she roared. Bellowing out her threat of harm should anyone come near.

Lifting her paw, she lowered her muzzle, feeling a slight hint of amusement as the injured girl once again lunged for her sword. Her teeth closed around the sheath and straps on the brunettes back, creating a makeshift harness that allowed Clarke to lift the small human body with ease. She flicked her ears in pity as a low whimper reached them. She wasn't sure if the whimper was from pain or fear, but she felt a pang of guilt knowing she'd caused it in some way.

Turning towards the tree line, her gaze swept one last time over the frozen warriors. Each stood frozen, mouths gaping as their Commander was lifted, hanging helplessly from the mouth of an apex predator that was big enough to behead a man with one swipe of its paw. Flicking her tail dismissively, she turned. The warriors were not her concern, Lexa was.

She entered the trees without interruption, the humans left on the field much too shocked to do anything. It doesn't take long for the scents of battle to fade away as she walks, covering more distance in each stride than a human could in ten. The sounds and sights of the forest envelop them, creating a calm that was almost impossible to create whilst among humans.

She felt Lexa grow limp in her grasp, hanging slack with only the straps of her coat and sheath to support her. Clarke could smell the blood that dripped under her clothes, the thick layers of dirt and grim doing almost nothing to hide it. Her tail flicked with concern, but she didn't falter as she travelled, intent on reaching their destination quickly.

The river soon came into sight, marking their closeness to her home. Scanning the banks, she remained within the cover of the trees until she was certain that no humans were near. It would make things complicated if a grounder were to see her, the Commander hanging and dripping blood from her jaws. Once satisfied that they would go unseen, she padded to the water's edge. Lifting her head in an attempt to keep her charge from getting more wet than she already was, she stepped into the rushing water. The river moved cold and fast, sending shivers up her body as the chill rushed through her fur and over her skin. While being a shifter had it's advantages, the least of which being able to turn into a large beast, the cold still affected her even if it was to a lesser degree.

A choking gasp snapped the lions attention to her cargo. Lexa seemed to struggle in her grip, breaths coming in stuttered, choking gasps. Alarm coursed through her body, prompting her to move faster, exiting the water in a few more giant leaps. Internally cursing, she bounded through the trees, beelining for her home as the small human continued to struggle weakly in her grasp.

Sliding to a stop in the clearing next to her cave, she set Lexa down, internally wincing as Lexa let out a whimper. With as much care as she was able, she turned the brunette over, clenching her jaw at the sight of the leather straps digging into her skin with bruising force.

Without a second thought, she shifted, body shrinking and bones cracking as her beast was tucked away deep within. Rushing to the brunettes side, she kneeled, hands cradling Lexa's face as her fingers wiped away the mud that had gathered around her eyes.

She swallowed thickly as cloudy green iris' stared up at her in wonder. She hadn't exactly thought of what she would do once Lexa was aware of her presence. How she would deal with the conflicting emotions inside herself. As a beast, she'd let her emotions run their course, her animal nature allowing her to accept what she'd done more easily than if she'd faced her demons as a human. Her beast made her understand 'kill or be killed, eat or be eaten.' She had killed to save her people and herself. She had killed so she would not be. It forced her to understand that every brutal action, every kill or death by her hand, directly or indirectly, had been necessary for survival, and surviving was the base of who she was. Doing what was necessary was ingrained into her very being. However, her beast held no comfort in concerns to Lexa's betrayal. Its instincts simply telling her to claim and protect what it considered hers, regardless of what her human side felt.

Breathing a shaky sigh, wincing as the smell of blood, dirt and confusion invaded her nose anew, she gazed down at Lexa, taking in the array of emotions that flit across her face. The brunette lifted a shaky hand, fingers brushing the blonde's cheek as though she couldn't believe she was real. The older girl gazed at her with such wonderment, she could feel tears prickle at the corners of her eyes.

"Clarke?"

Her name was croaked out weakly, a sob hidden under the word as the brunette's own tears spilled over. The blonde could feel her jaw tremble with emotion. Lexa sounded so relieved, so happy she was there. She could feel her own tears threatening to fall, but they were quickly chased away by panic as the hand that gently touched her cheek dropped and eyelids drooped to cover green eyes. Lexa's breathing was shallow and stuttered, her chest compressed by the leather straps.

"Lexa?"

Her hands scrabbled at the buckles as she called her name frantically, adrenaline making her hands shake. The brunette was unhearing, eyes dimming as consciousness threatened to leave her.

"Lexa, come on, breath!"

She cursed the maker of Lexa's jacket as two more straps seemed to appear as soon as she'd undone one. Over time, the brunette seemed to breath easier, sucking in air as she coughed and sputtered. Finally, the accursed straps were undone, leaving Lexa gasping but conscious.

"Clarke?"

Her name was spoken in a rasp, weaker than before, but filled with more hope than disbelief, reverent, like it were a prayer. Gently, the blonde cradled her face again, tenderly stroking a thumb over a sharp cheekbone.

"Lexa, can you hear me?"

A jerky nod was her response, but it was enough to send a shiver of relief through her. Despite her anger and hurt, she didn't want Lexa dead. The beast inside her growled long and low at the thought. It bristled at the possibility of something it considered hers being taken away.

"Clarke…."

Her eyes flicked down to take in the sight of Lexa closing her eyes tight.

"You are unclothed…."

She couldn't help the snort that erupted from her nose. Hands shaking, she pulled back, laughter bubbling at the back of her throat. It had been so long since she'd worn clothes, she'd almost forgotten the need for them, but now, faced with Lexa's face scrunched cutely as she tried to be polite and avert her gaze, the entire situation just seemed hilarious.

Breathing out a 'one second' she ran to the opening of her cave, transforming as she went. She'd found the cave at the beginning of her self exile and making it a home had taken little effort. Bounding down the tunnel, her feline eyes let her see with ease through the entire thing. Without her beast, she was certain she would be blind for at least half of the tunnel, but as a lion it wasn't a concern.

Sliding into the cave, she skipped happily around as she gathered up the scattered furs on the ground, the memory of Lexa's face filling her with humourous energy. Dragging them into a pile, she carefully pressed on the centre with her paws, creating a deep impression and forming a makeshift nest. Adjusting a few furs to smooth out any lumps, she turned to her little pile of human things. In it was a small bag, some charcoal, a small pile of clothes and few other odds and ends. Before she could shift to change however, she could hear the hesitant calling of her name.

The happy energy seemed to drain from her at the brunettes tone. She sounded so tired and hurt. The second calling of her name had her padding slowly back up the tunnel, the sound of Lexa's exhaustion and fear urging her to provide care and comfort. As she neared the centre of the tunnel, she could see Lexa in the dim light, slumped against the wall and groaning in pain. The scent of distress leaked off the older girl, the sharp aroma of exhaustion and pain burning her nose as she drew closer.

Coming to stand next to the hurting warrior, she whined low in her chest, catching the girl's attention. The sight of the older girl in such pain made her heart ache. Remaining still, she watched as Lexa lifted a trembling exploratory hand into the darkness, eyes wide and unseeing. Her touch was gentle, palm resting on her chin, fingers feeling along her nose and lips. Realizing what she was touching, Lexa seemed to slump in submission and exhaustion, uncaring of her fate now.

As limp fingers slid from her face, Clarke shuffled forward, reaching out a paw to scoop up her small human. Lifting her was awkward, but once finding her balance the lioness began to shuffle back down the tunnel. Lexa remained limp, draped over her paw, blinking tiredly and only moving to look around as they emerged into the cave.

With as much care as she could, she laid Lexa on the furs, a small purr rumbling in her chest as she relaxed into the bed. Shifting back into her human form, she knelt next to the exhausted girl. Brushing a stray lock of hair from a pale brow.

"Sleep, Lex, you're safe here."

It was true. Clarke could feel it within herself. She would fight to protect Lexa with all she had. Swallowing, she closed her eyes briefly at the sound of the older girl's breathing evening out. Sleep would do her good, and it would also give Clarke the opportunity to clean and dress her wounds.

With gentle hands, she stripped Lexa of her weapons and wet armour, laying them aside to clean later, removed her boots, and covered her significantly less clothed body with one of the numerous furs. Without her armour and jacket, she was clad only in a pair of thin pants and a tank top, both soaked from river water, which revealed quite a few of her injuries right off the bat.

Bruises covered her shoulders and arms, a cut on her shoulder from the arrow leaked blood sluggishly. Other smaller cuts glared angrily from pale skin, along with scars in varying states of healing. With careful hands, she felt along the other girls ribs, sighing in relief when she didn't feel any lumps or shifting bones. It seemed her injuries might not have been as severe as she'd first assumed.

Feeling her concern lessen, she stood and padded over to her pile of human objects. Shrugging into a shirt, then sliding on a pair of pants, she snatched up her bag and brought it over to the nest. Lexa had moved in the short time she'd been away, curling onto her side in a small ball as she shivered under the thick fur. Laying her palm on the sleeping girl's brow, she frowned as an unnatural heat radiated off the skin. Her exhaustion must have finally caught up with her, and being injured, as well as cold and wet, wasn't helping matters. Opening her bag, she quickly withdrew bandages, needle and thread, salves, a couple cloths, and a canteen of water. She would need to work quickly if she wanted to be done before Lexa woke up.

Folding the fur down to reveal the brunettes top half but leaving her legs covered, she carefully removed the thin, damp tank top that clung to heated skin. Throughout it all the brunette remained silent and asleep, even as Clarke lifted her to remove the clothing. Leaving her chest bindings, Clarke still had a good view of the injuries that the shirt had covered. Deep purple bruises covered her torso, undoubtedly from the warrior who had kicked her, along with several smaller cuts.

An old bandage wrapped around her stomach, just above the waistband of her pants. With careful fingers she unwrapped the soiled cloth, wincing at the sight of dried blood and the stitched cut that marred her side. It looked to be an older wound, the edges puckered in the beginnings of a scar, but it was long and obviously deep if she'd needed stitches. The bitter smell of infection made her frown in concern. Swallowing thickly, she wet a cloth and ran it across Lexa's warm skin, stripping away blood and dirt. Once she'd cleaned up as best as she could the blonde got to work, cleaning all the wounds she could see thoroughly, and applying salve and bandages as needed. Finishing her upper half, Clarke tucked the fur back around the brunettes shoulders and folding the lower half up to start on her legs.

Removing her pants was a greater challenge than expected, the fabric clinging tightly to her legs. She froze and cursed quietly as Lexa shifted, giving out a low groan. It wasn't that she couldn't explain what she was doing, the blonde would just rather avoid any awkwardness before they even had a chance to properly talk. Once the sleeping girl had settled again, she continued, peeling the fabric off, leaving Lexa in only her chest bindings and boyshorts.

The injuries on her legs weren't terribly severe, but the leg that had been grabbed by the Pauna so long ago still held pale bruising in the shape of the beasts fingers. A low growl emanated in the back of her mind, her beast remembering the pleasure it had felt as the Pauna's blood flowed under its teeth. The blood of one who had hurt what was hers. Shaking her head slightly in hopes of silencing the purring lion, she repeated the process she'd done on Lexa's torso. Once she was done, bandages wrapped snuggly around a calf and ankle, soaking up the blood that flowed from a shallow wound and compressing the swelling of a minor sprain.

Packing up her things, she returned her bag to its corner before returning to Lexa's side. The brunette was still curled and shivering. Wrapping another fur around the trembling girl, she sighed quietly. She'd seen Lexa as an almost indomitable figure before, unfeeling and logical, but now, having seen her cry, cry for Clarke no less, and tremble in both fear and pain, that image was shattered. Seeing her so weak and small, it took all the energy she could muster to feel even a sliver of anger. Standing, she slid off her clothes, folding them in a neat pile next to the nest before transforming.

Her beast purred as she curled around Lexa, taking up the rest of the space in the nest, and moving a paw to cradle the small human girl to her side. The brunette let out a sigh, rolling over to nestle against her warmth. Her purrs only grew louder as limp fingers threaded themselves into her fur. Breathing a deep huff, Clarke let her eyes droop. While her emotions were still conflicted, the feeling of Lexa safe and pressed into her side felt good. It felt right, and while she'd questioned her beast in the past, suppressing its instincts and urges, she'd learned to trust it during her time in the wild, having found it was generally right in its feelings. Huffing once more, she settled further, nuzzling the top of Lexa's head lightly before laying her own head on the furs and closing her eyes. She'd unravel her emotions once Lexa had awoken and they'd both rested well. Sleep was what was needed now.

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