Chapter 18
Clarke was back in the cells under the arena. She still isn't sure why she agreed to this. This had to be the dumbest thing she's done since landing on Earth in any of her lifetimes. And, that was saying something. She'd fought a panther with a little, itty-bitty boot knife. She'd jumped off a dam into a deep, rushing river without knowing how to swim. She'd left her people after defeating the Mountain, but yet, this one she kept doing...a lot. She trusted Bellamy to keep the rest of the 100 safe while she was away. She should have asked Octavia, but now, she knew better. Hell, she'd even slept with Finn. But, this, this was up there in the dumbest fucking ideas that she'd ever had. Fighting a trained sadistic killer just to prove a point was just plain stupid.
She knew that they weren't going to be able to pull anything. They were going to have to go at it hardcore. Nia would expect no less. She doubted that the queen would want them to kill each other, but she wouldn't be too sad if Clarke died there today.
She hadn't seen Ontari since their talk. She didn't know if that was good thing or a bad thing. She hoped that it meant that Ontari was reflecting on what they had talked about. Either that, or she tried to find a tutor to learn to read. Either way, Clarke knew that she was in a world of shit. Especially if Ontari had turned on her, again, but for some reason, Clarke doubted that.
Ontari had seemed rattled by Clarke's announcement. And, she wanted to make sure that Clarke and her mother had some sort of closure. The blonde could only wonder why and what it meant, especially coming from Ontari. She knew that she couldn't dwell on it, though. She had to focus on the fight hand and try not to die.
It would mean nothing if Ontari killed her. They were both Night Bloods. If word got out, Nia would have some deniability in it.
But, Clarke, while stupid, wasn't a fool. She knew that Nia had sent word out by then that Wanheda was fighting her Night Blood. Clarke knew thru Echo that word had already spread through out all of Azgeda that she was there. The Legend of Wanheda was spreading and there was nothing that Clarke or Nia, for that matter, could do to stop it. Spring had finally completely sprung and word was traveling. Soon, Clarke knew, that people would be coming from all around just to see the Great Wanheda in the Ice Pits of Azgeda.
She could already see how the bloody rags that she used in healing after a bout would be sold as some sort of souvenir, or worse, as a healing token. She wasn't an icon. She wasn't even really a warrior (But, Echo would argue that she was...now!), and no one would believe that the little princess of a healer from Alpha Station was the resident Badass of Azgeda now. Being Wanheda sucked.
The door to her cell opened. It wasn't the usual guard, Huron's nephew that was with her today. She turned to see who it was and was surprised to see Echo.
"If you are going to this, we are going to do it right," Echo told her.
Clarke just stared at her, wide-eyed. Echo checked all her armor and leather. Today, she'd forgone all the extra padding and furs that she could. It might be Azgeda, but the days were getting hotter. And, she wouldn't want so many layers on anyway. The big panther coat that Echo had bequeathed her with after her first major successful hunt (Clarke wasn't counting the squirrels, though she should due to them being a smaller target that she got with an arrow at over four hundred yards), even if it they'd cornered it in some caves as they were trying to wait out a nasty snow/sleet storm. For now, the leather and the armor would just have to be enough.
"I think we might need to add more plates around your shoulders. You arms are getting bigger again. Huron also wants you to test something for him."
"He has it ready, already?" Clarke asked her excited.
"I don't know what it is, but yes, he has something ready for you."
"Beautiful," Clarke replied.
"Do you want to maybe give me a hint?"
"It's a sword that I am going to give to Ontari. A gift and a message if you will for someone who needs it. I think that even you'll approve," Clarke answered.
"What I'll approve of is you not dying today," Echo stated. "I know that you are going to go down in the the fight to keep Ontari in Nia's good graces, but you have to make it look believable. Do you think that you can do that?"
"Who said anything about throwing the fight?" Clarke quipped as she smiled up into Echo's worried hazel-brown eyes.
"You are not?" Echo questioned.
"No, why would I do that? It wouldn't be honorable, nor would it do Ontari any favors. We are both going to go out there and fight as hard as we can. If you can't handle that, you don't have to watch. But, I'm not going to go out there and just lay down for her to take the win," Clarke told her.
"She will kill you," Echo replied.
"She'll try," Clarke quipped with as much sass as she could muster.
"Then, do me one favor while you are out there," Echo stated.
"Yeah, what's that?"
"Do not die," Echo answered. "You still have much to do, Wanheda. And, I would hate to have to kill Ontari in your place."
"I'm not going to kill her, either. She has a mission and so do I. We have an understanding, Echo. All will be well, you'll see," Clarke tried to reassure her.
Echo just shook her head. Clarke knew what she was going to do in the arena that day. She wasn't going to die, and she wasn't going to kill Ontari.
She knew that she was already at a disadvantage because she hadn't been training that long to fight. It was true, but she felt like she could take on the world if she needed. She knew that it was all just bravdo and not truth. She just wanted to be able to hang with Ontari long enough to somehow force a draw between them. She knew that Nia didn't want either, exactly, dead, but Ontari would always rank higher in Nia's eyes. Clarke's life, while needed, wasn't an absolute for Nia. However, Wanheda's was. Nia didn't care who embodied the Wanheda, she only cared that she controlled them.
This is why Clarke agreed to fight. She wanted to show Nia what she was doing was wrong. If Clarke managed to get to Ontari and turn her just enough slightly away from Nia, then Nia needed to get ready for a reckoning. Ontari wasn't going to let her do anything she wanted just because Ontari had become Heda in Lexa's place. This was an act of defiance on both their parts against Nia. If Ontari did die, Clarke would not take up the fight for Nia and the Queen knew it. If Clarke did, well, the Kongeda would turn on Nia and Ontari would lead them as the new Wanheda. This fight was just going to be a very friendly, but deadly spar between them.
"What weapons will you take today?" Echo questioned pulling her out her thoughts.
"A sword and dagger as usual," Clarke answered.
"Nothing more?"
"Would you like for me to take a spear? I'm not good enough with one yet. I would lose it too soon. And, taking a staff just seems rediculous now."
"Another sword then? At your side? You could draw it first," Echo offered.
"That could work," Clarke replied. "What will Ontari be carrying?"
"If she takes her normal fare, a sword, a dagger, and a long knife," Echo answered.
Clarke just nodded as she rolled her shoulders. The armor seemed heavier today, but she knew that it was all in head. She just kept watching Echo as the older woman kept checking on her armor. She could tell that Echo was worried. She didn't have time to be, though. They had things to do after this. Wanheda was needed and Clarke intended on delivering.
"Do you still have the hidden blade from Huron?"
"Yes," Clarke answered. "It stays there. I haven't removed it, except to clean my armor, since the first fight."
"Good," Echo replied. "Don't be afraid to use it."
Clarke nodded again. Echo stepped closer. Her eyes were dancing and Clarke was worried for the spy. She'd never seen Echo like this.
"Do me proud, sekken and wipe the arena floor with her ass," Echo told her.
Clarke smiled. She knew that Echo was picking up some of her slang. She might not know what it all meant half the time, but she was figuring it out quickly enough. And, it didn't surprise her one bit that Echo like learning all the dirty ways to insult someone without them knowing, too.
But before Echo could leave, she surprised Clarke. She pulled her close and leaned her forehead down until it was touching Clarke's. Looking up into her hazel-brown eyes, Clarke's heart was thumping in her chest. If she hadn't already started an adrenaline dump, she was now.
"Do not die on me, Klark kom Skaikru," Echo whispered like it was prayer.
And, just as soon as she'd gathered Clarke up, she let her go. Echo spun so fast and was out of the cell that Clarke didn't really have time to process what just happened. She looked around the cell hoping that there was someone else there to confirm that it had actually just happened. With no one else there, Clarke just ran her hands over her armor. Her left arm reached up to touch the triquetra on her right shoulder. It had become a ritual of sorts. She was calling on the power of Wanheda to protect her and help her through the fight. She looked back at the door that Echo had left through and headed for the arena instead.
She wasn't escorted. She didn't even have a guard. She been on her own in the cell awaiting the fight since the early morning, except for Echo's appearance. Today was not going to be like any of the other fights. She knew that. She expected it. But, now, it was all sinking in. She was going to be alone. There was no one else there to protect her. She was either going to step up and be Wanheda in the arena or die at Ontari's hand.
The cell door opened and stepped out onto the dirt of the arena. She looked around. The entire mob was there, plus more. The stadium was packed full of people there to see her fight Ontari. She mildly wondered if Nia had sold the seats. She could see that they were cheering, but she had already tuned them out. She couldn't hear a word from them. She looked up to Nia and waited.
Ontari came out. She walked to the center of the arena and saluted Nia. Clarke still hadn't and wouldn't. She would never willingly bend the knee to Nia. Ontari then pledged her life to "Azgeda and all it's glory." Clarke noted the absence of Nia in that pledge, but was wise enough not act upon it.
Nia stood in royal box. Ledo, Igan, and Echo were with her. Clarke laughed internally that without Ontari by herside, Nia needed two generals. The woman wasn't as big a fool as Clarke originally thought. She was dumb, but she wasn't entirely stupid. It made Clarke grin.
The Ice Queen's blue eyes met hers and held. She felt a shiver flow through her, but she didn't show it. She refused to be cowed by Nia. The Queen gave a speech and raised her hands. The crowd went silent. She announced the fight between her personal guard and the one claiming to be Wanheda. Clarke wanted to cock an eyebrow at her statement, but she didn't. She kept herself as impassive as she could, knowing that it rankled Nia even more to not get a reaction from the blonde. Glancing around the arena for effect, Nia raised her arms and told them to fight.
Ontari immediately backed away from her. Clarke just eyed her. She'd never really seen Ontari fight, but she knew that she was skilled. Echo had made sure that she knew that. She didn't make a move to draw a weapon. It was like she was eyeing Clarke up and waiting for her to make the first move. This was odd to Clarke because Ontari was the one that wanted the fight to begin with, and now, she was the one that wasn't engaging.
Cheers and chants began to roll through the crowd, but Clarke barely heard them. She'd kept her eyes on Ontari. Sweeping up and down, she was waiting for a tic, some sort of micro expression, that would clue her into what the other woman was going to do. It seemed like they were staring at each other for hours, but Clarke knew it was only minutes. And, Ontari did something. She reached to her side and drew out the longest knife Clarke had ever seen without it being called a sword. Clarke cocked an eyebrow at the move, but she still waited. Taunts began to spring from the crowd as Ontari started to circle her, but Clarke stood her ground, armed but without drawing.
It must have unnerved Ontari that she wouldn't engage. It seemed to enrage her as well. She could see the anger building in Ontari's face and eyes. But, there was something else behind it. A feeling that Clarke couldn't quite get a handle on as Ontari's patience finally snapped. As the other Night Blood rushed her, Clarke just watched her. Anger and hatred started coming up and Clarke realized that this fight was going to be more dangerous than she originally thought. Ontari didn't see her as Klark kom Skaikru, Wanheda, but as possibly Nia. Ontari was going to take out years of frustration on the blonde because her mind was fracturing as she learned the truth about her "fearless" leader. Clarke was an easy target. She always had been for Ontari.
It's the hair, Clarke thought as she stepped out the way and moved backpedaling to see what Ontari was going to do next.
When she rushed Clarke again, Ontari moved to her left to move with Clarke. She used her left leg to trip Clarke's from behind and followed her down to the arena floor. She raised the knife, but it wasn't to stab her. She used the hilt of the knife to bash in Clarke's face. After the fourth or fifth blow, Clarke wasn't really counting, the blonde used her body weight to throw Ontari off of her. She rolled to side and spat out the black blood that filled her mouth.
Clarke could already feel her face getting puffy. She knew that facial wounds bled the worst and actually looked twenty times worse than they actually were. She knew that Echo had to be beside herself, but she didn't have time to worry about her fos or her reaction. She needed to get up and stay up.
She figured that she could handle herself if they ended up on the arena floor again, but Clarke didn't want it to come to that. She wanted this to be a stand up fight. She wanted the clashing of swords, but then she remembered what Echo had told her months ago. Fight dirty, fight to win, never give up, use everything around you. Clarke looked around. Thankfully, her eyes were still clear and not swelling. Ontari had kept away from her eyes while she beating on her this time. Clarke wondered what that meant, but realized a second too late that she'd lost focus again.
Ontari was on top of her. The knife glanced off her armor (Thank you, Huron!) and she managed to push Ontari off of her. The darker warrior tripped, falling in front of Clarke. When she stood, she drew her sword. Clarke knew that she had to defend herself now. She finally drew the sword at her side, opting to leave the one on her back for now.
Their swords clashed as Ontari did her best to use her strength against Clarke. While Ontari was stronger, Clarke was faster. They trade blows and cuts. Clarke's arms were littered with them and she knew that Ontari wasn't much better. It didn't stop them, either. They kept at it, swinging, blocking, parrying, stabbing, thrusting, slashing. The clank and clang of the blades hitting each other resounded through out the arena. Clarke imagined that it was getting deafening, but she knew that the mob was louder.
Every time one of them woudl find an advantage and press it, the other would counter at the last possible second. For Clarke, there were a few moments that were touch and go, but she refused to give in. If Ontari killed her, Ontari killed her. She wasn't going to go down without a fight. And, if she just so happened to take Ontari with her, then so be it. The world would be a better place without either of them in it, even if it only lasted for a few more months.
Somehow, Clarke couldn't tell because she didn't remember, they both ended up on their knees. Their swords at the other's neck, they were panting hard. Even in all their battle lust or whatever the jok it was, they had both silently agreed not to kill each other. The swords were both at death blows. If they hadn't stopped when they did, they both would have lost their heads, literally. Clarke was sucking in air as she watched Ontari's eyes. They were both tired, bleeding, and over it. They had fought and neither had won. They just stared at each other waiting to see what Nia was going to do.
"It seems as always our great Wanheda has chosen to not end her opponent's life. And, my guard has proven her worth against the great Wanheda. Let it be said that Ontari and Klark have battled for the right to represent Azgeda against the tyranny of Heda Lexa kom Trikru that bleeds us dry and does not give us the owed aid as a member of her so called Kongeda," Nia started. "I am going to Polis to pled our cause against Heda and I know that Ontari will do well to go with me to help represent us. As such, I will leave the great Wanheda and General Ledo here in order to make sure that Azgeda is safe from those that might wish to harm us in my abence. Good battle today, gona. Now rise and take the praise of your people."
Ontari nodded. Her eyes weren't as wild, and Clarke knew that she'd come to a realization. Ontari was firmly on their side. She would wait for Nia to make her mistake and overstep. Ontari would be waiting, and she deal with it. She was expecting Clarke to do the same in Troi.
"We will leave for Polis as soon as you are both on the mend and the fisa tell me it is okay to travel."
Clarke and Ontari looked at each other. That meant that they would be leaving in a few days. Nia wasn't going to delay her trip for some wounds. She expected Ontari to travel in whatever condition she was in. Bleeding and bruised, Ontari would get on her horse and follow her to Polis. Clarke just wondered what they would find when they got there.
